Ledisi: Trusting The Process

Now let’s hop right into your latest single “Same Love” — Tell me about this particular composition? How did it come to fruition?

“Same Love” is the first song I had for The Wild Card. It was recorded towards the end of the project, but it was one of the songs that helped me decide the direction I had planned to go musically with The Wild Card. It is written by an amazing artists name SIR, myself, along with producers Kalbanx and Jeff Gitleman. Jeff sent it to me, and I fell in love with it! Hearing SIR’s voice on it…I just couldn’t understand why he didn’t keep it for himself. But it’s a beautiful song, and I am honored they let me put my stamp on it.

Of course “Same Love” comes courtesy of your ninth solo studio collection, The Wild Card — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

Basically, it’s about a dysfunctional love that’s perfectly imperfect. It’s a wonderful reoccurring theme in relationships without titles. I love it for its plush sexy chord progressions, playful genre bending melody and soaring strings. All of this supports my vocal beautifully.It was a joy and challenge to sing this song. It has to sound lazy and sensual, while being skillfully executed. That’s not easy. I enjoyed the challenge.

How then does this new solo entry either differ and / or compare to previous bodies of work?

The only difference between this project and the others is that I had time to make this project more than the others, and it’s on my record label. I had more fun because I didn’t overthink it, and I had more say the entire process creating The Wild Card. From the look of it, to its release. It feels good being in this position.

Following a lengthy stint on Verve Records, The Wild Card is a Listen Back Entertainment project — What prompted your decision to go independent having been with a major for such a lengthy period of time?

It was time to be a grown up and think about my legacy. Invest in myself. The things my parents and all mentors kept begging me to go back to, which is ownership. It’s that simple. It was time to trust my fanbase fully, and invest in my legacy.

Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you as an individual, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?

I have always evolved and been criticized for it. I’ve always been ahead of myself, while finding my own voice. I have finally learned to relax more and enjoyed the journey. I also champion the new energy that has come into music. I just wish we had more platforms for the unsung. I have used my platform to help other artists, and hopefully it will inspire others. Whenever I can, I have honored the Legends as well. Which we are finally beginning to do beautifully. 2020 has birthed a lot of new ideas, new energy towards old traditions and how to appreciate our legends in Black Music. All of this has changed the music industry. The kids have changed how I look at the future of music. Simplicity and Authenticity always wins. Music business is healing. Music is always creating.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Staying authentic. Staying in love with what I do. When I love it, it shows.

What do you want people to get from your music?

To feel Good. To feel something. Something Good would be spectacular. But I’m here to create. That’s all I can control. I can’t make anyone get anything from my music. All I can do is give my all and do my best. I am consistent in that.

Is there a hidden meaning / message in any of your music?

What you hear is what you get.

As a songwriter, where do you actually draw inspiration from?

People. People around me. The earth, the stars, the sky, the wind, my tears, a kiss, a hug and a laugh. Life fuels my music.

Please explain your overall creative process…

It has to make me feel before I can make that feeling live in the music. From the words, the melody, the music; especially the rhythm. I am a drummer first, so whatever drives the rhythmn is what I lean on. The melody and the feeling always comes before words for me. But sometimes it’s the words before a melody, and sometimes it’s the beat. All of it depends on my mood, the type of song or what genre of music I am writing. Every LP and song has been different. There is no ONE way in my creative process. The main thing is…it’s never rushed, and it has to make me feel something.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

I would love to write for television and film. I would love to write more books.

I know acting has been on your radar as of late — Anything coming up for you along these lines?

Between The World and Me was amazing to be a part of on stage and now on film. I’m honored that more people who believe in that side of me are giving me an opportunity to be an actress. I’m grateful.

What has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

Sustaining. Growing. Releasing The Wild Card on my label. The Wild Card made its debut during a pandemic, and having a #1 R&B Single is not a small thing without performing. Having an organic rise up the charts and in the hearts of so many people, this is a celebration for me. This is the hardest most challenging monumental moment to be releasing soul music. I’ve won no matter what happens next.

What’s an average day like for you?

I wake up, brush my teeth…this is a weird question for me. LOL!! NOPE.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I connect with my fans now by building platforms like #wildcardwednesday on my LedHeadTV YouTube Channel, (my podcast) Listen Back: The Podcast, being an author writing my books “Don’t Ever Lose Your Walk” and posting behind the scenes of my creative process, is my way of opening up and sharing more with my audience. Still nothing will compare to a live show.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?

Performing. It will always be performing. My least favorite is the business part, but I am learning to appreciate the art of negotiating. It’s a wonderful game of chess.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Know the difference between creating music and the business of music. Master it all.

And, lastly, what’s next for you, Ledisi?

More of everything…I am already doing right now. And just get better at it.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Nope! Just ask people to follow me on my socials, buy my merchandise and support whatever way they can. All of it helps myself and my family. Do this for any artist. We are all depending on that to survive, not being able to perform.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Thanks for this opportunity, it means the world to me. I hope someone is inspired by this. Thank you.