Emeli Sandé: Singer raves about partner Yoana

Emeli Sandé (35) is on cloud nine: at the end of March, the singer made her love for a woman public, her partner Yoana. This “true love”, as Sandé describes it in an interview with spot on news, can also be heard on her new album: “The love songs just flowed out in the studio,” says the 35-year-old about the long player “Let’s Say For Instance”. , which will be released on May 6th. Her relationship with Yoana enabled her to “finally accept myself,” says the Scottish singer. She also reveals how Emeli Sandé did it.

At the end of March you made your love for your partner Yoana public. How did that influence your new album?

Emeli Sandé: Being in love makes life beautiful! Making this album in this state definitely trickled down to the music. When you’re in love you want to shout it from the rooftops and in the studio the love songs just flowed out.

You wrote on Instagram that announcing your partner took a big load off your shoulders. How did that happen? Were you afraid of the reactions?

Sandé: Self-acceptance is the first step. Mental liberation from self-loathing and self-judgment imposed by society or religion is a daunting thing to overcome. It can take a lifetime to fully accept yourself. I didn’t know how people would react. We are in a new age of acceptance, but there is still a long way to go.

Loving someone as wonderful as Yoana gave me strength and power. That love is what I value most and I am so grateful to the Universe for giving me a love that has allowed me to finally accept myself and more importantly enjoy true love. I didn’t know what the reactions would be, but I was at a point in my life and career where standing by myself and this special someone meant more to me than anything else.

How did you manage to accept yourself for who you are?

Sandé: I got to a point where denying myself true love and true expression of love became unbearable. Unfortunately, when people realize that you’re not yourself, they use that against you. I’ve experienced this many times in my life and I couldn’t take it anymore. Without love in my life, I had a very hard time finding passion and a reason to face the next day.

It really is a life and death decision, sometimes figuratively, but sadly for many also literally. Mental illness and suicide are rampant in the LGBTQ community. People shouldn’t have to choose between acceptance and a life without true love. Falling in love with someone who is very confident was my salvation. She helped me be proud of who I am. I no longer need society’s validation to know that I deserve love and joy in life!

Your fans reacted to your coming out with great support. What did that mean to you?

Sandé: Words cannot describe how much it meant to me. I’m still in the process of processing all of this. I’m sure there are some who have decided not to continue this journey with me anymore, but I am very grateful to those who have shown me love, support and acceptance. I feel like now when I’m on stage they know the real me and I don’t lie to anyone anymore. I know they chose to see me, listen to me, and accept me for who I am. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling.

What do you appreciate most about your partner?

Sandé: She’s so brave and passionate, not to mention she’s a genius. But most of all she is the friendliest person I have ever met! She is so considerate of others and has a grace and humility that inspires me on a daily basis.

Are you a mutual musical inspiration for each other? Do you make music together?

Sandé: Yes, we inspire each other a lot. We’ve been writing the new album together, the song “July 25th”, and plan to continue. It’s a wonderful thing to work with someone you know so well and when love and music merge!

What does the album title “Let’s Say For Instance” stand for?

Sandé: Sometimes we get stuck in thought patterns that we have had since we were young: we solidify in our heads what we think is possible. Our perception of reality can become quite narrow and limiting due to beliefs that we have held throughout our lives. I named the album “Let’s Say For Instance” in hopes that it would encourage us to break out of our mental bondage. I think before we can make something happen, we have to imagine it, imagine it, or at least consider it a possibility.

I would be happy if the listeners could finish the sentence themselves. For example, let’s say… what you were told isn’t true? For example, let’s say you deserve love, happiness, and a wonderful life. For example, let’s say that humanity can change, that we can find a way to respect and love one another. Let’s say, for example, that we still have a chance for a better future…

The song “Family” is about the good times that follow the bad. To what extent have you experienced this yourself?

Sandé: I’ve experienced ups and downs. In making this album, I felt like I had overcome a difficult time and felt ready to embrace and enjoy life. I realized that true success comes from seeing your family happy, content, and filled with love and laughter. That nothing can replace the time spent with your loved ones, not even the achievement of your wildest dreams! “Family” is a song I wanted as the album’s opening statement, to symbolize the newfound happiness and confidence I’ve found. Once the love and happiness are there, I feel my determination and passion return.

“Look What You’ve Done” is a very personal song. What’s the story behind it?

Sandé: “Look What You’ve Done” is about the power and rush of being in love. It is an experience beyond our control, something we must submit to in order to enjoy its wonders! I wrote the original melody while I was in Switzerland, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. It was a ballad for a long time, but I wanted the production to reflect that sense of loss of control and surge of euphoria. Raven (ecstatic dancing to electronic music ed.) in London always made me feel that way and I really wanted the track to emulate that!

The themes of renewal and rebirth play a major role on the album. How come?

Sandé: This new era definitely feels like a rebirth. I had time to relax, reflect and refocus. After everything I’ve been through, I feel like I’m coming back with a renewed confidence, purpose and determination.

You changed musically with the album. How would you describe this change?

Sandé: I would say lyrically and melodically my style is still the same and I hope you can feel that as the backbone of the album. But I certainly explored new territory with this album. I always want to evolve with every album I produce, I never want to get complacent. I’ve felt free to try genres that I love but wouldn’t normally delve into. I really hope that listening to this album will give people a deeper sense of who I am personally and artistically.

You’re going on tour through Europe in May. Are you looking forward to being back on stage after the long Corona break?

Sande: Definitely! It’s been way too long! I love performing in Europe, there is a very special energy and appreciation for music here that fills me with joy and excitement!