Sol (SolLikeSoul) is a songstress with fierce ethereal & bold energy. Her music not only displays harmony within the community, but reaches global spirits.ย Another layer is a music/video series including Self Care Sunday.ย Her latest single Space is a refreshing piece.ย Transparent in the work, her debut project will embody awareness.ย Listening to the sound, the notes act as therapy. Happiness is key for the overall composition of peace.ย The universe is bright for a Neo-Sol glow.ย
Iโm a Kenyan born DMV native, a vocalist, writer, host and lover of all things art! I strive to make music that encourages self-care, growth and healing.
ย 2. Who are your top 5 women in music? Why?
Nina Simone - She is the true essence of speaking your truth through art. Her songs have healed, inspired and motivated me in more ways than I can count
Lauryn Hill - She has one of the most beautiful voices and tones in music and is a master storyteller with her songwriting.
Ashanti - My favorite R&B singer to ever hit the face of this earth. She writes classic R&B songs that are you are able to sing along, relate and dance to. If I was to ever sign to a label it would only make sense to sign with her independent label or Murda Inc.
Rihanna - Can we say ICON! Her music not only makes you move and feel so many different emotions but she empowers women globally. Not only is she able to do this with music but in fashion, beauty and education, she works to uplift women. I love her.
Jamila Woods - I was only introduced to Jamila a couple years back but her HEAVN album changed my outlook on life, self love, and being a creative especially as a woman. She carved the outline of the impact I want to makes as an artist because of her impact on me.
3. How important is feminine identity? How has it empowered you?
Feminine identity is extremely important to me. It means and encompasses so many things. Being a woman is beautiful to me, the way we move, talk, and walk says so much without saying anything at all. In being a black woman, i feel not only do we try to uphold a certain standard of blackness, but we have to present this standard of strength and balance. The standards is honestly unrealistic but it has definitely inspired me to try and uphold it. Not necessarily being the backbone or strength for others, which is what I feel that standard encourages, but for myself and my journey.
Being feminine empowers me through art as well. It inspires me to incorporate topics specifically for us into my YouTube channel, write songs, paint pieces of art, and wear clothes that empower other women and femme's. Seeing other femme creatives being unhinged, brave enough to stand completely in their truth and hold their tongue for no one, empowers me to do the same.
ย 4. What are 3 records/films/artworks that narrate your political/spiritual beliefs?
The film "Sarafina" starring Whoopi Goldberg
The song "In My Name" by Jamila Woods
The painting "Sugar Shack" by Ernie Barnes
ย 5. What is your connection to MD (DC Metro Area), & its influence on your musical palette?
I moved to the U.S. with my family when I was just about 5/6 years old. We lived in about 4-5 other states before settling in the DMV. Maryland to be specific, but living here has taught me so much about the culture and music. The DMV is what I believe to be a major trendsetter when it comes to music and fashion, even though we almost never get our credit. Our bounce, funk, jazzy sounds are incorporated into all forms of music.
We have such a diverse community of artists that it only inspires me to continue to push and create my own lane and sound of music. The songwriters in the DMV also just have a way with words and their movement on the beats. All of these things have influenced the way i create and even listen to music. I try to do both intently and freely. Lastly, we are the home of GO-GO, we have so much flavor and culture in our music that even when our artists create ballads, the listeners still can find a way to bounce!
Follow Sol on social @SolLikeSoul
Listen to SolLikeSoul Space now.
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