Azekel takes us track-by-track through his aptly-titled ‘Sonic Incense’ EP – a sensual, spiritual, and smoldering seduction of the ears, the mind, and the soul.
Stream: “SAME WAYZ” – Azekel
The heat is on in Azekel’s latest EP.
Within the pulsating grooves and entrancing melodies of the artist’s latest offering is an open, aching heart on fire; a body baring all, pouring himself into his songs in such a way as to capture not just the heat of the moment, but the burning within his very being. An invitation deep into the artist’s innermost depths, the aptly-titled Sonic Incense is an intimate and smoldering seduction of the ears, the mind, and the soul.
do i answer you?
so i kept you waiting in the grey
its sedating when you say like this
swear i could of heard u call my name
its intoxicating when you say it like this
all night long
kept you waiting all night
i’m obsessing all night
and we go missing all night
ego death all night
i’m obsessing all night
so much passion all night
– “Passion,” Azekel
Released November 14th via Thunderlightning Recordings, SONIC INCENSE is an intoxicating return to the spotlight for Azekel (the stage name for Ademola Azekel Adesuyi). Following last year’s acclaimed album Analyze Love, the Nigerian-born, London-raised singer, songwriter, and producer’s latest effort is a passionate indulgence of hot, genre-bending sounds and intensely raw emotions.
“Analyze Love felt like a reset for me,” Azekel tells Atwood Magazine. “This EP definitely follows suit, in the experimentation of groove and fusion of different sounds to make something fresh but still nostalgic. The songs on this project are more sensual. I’ve been inspired by artists like Marvin Gaye who were really able to tap into that energy. It felt good to do this. Also, I try more rap/poetry on this project, on songs like ‘SAME WAYZ’ and ‘RITUAL.’ It’s something I definitely will incorporate as I continue in the new music I create.”
Azekel candidly describes Sonic Incense as groovy, immersive, and “refreshingly original.”
“It’s heavy vibes, like burning an incense stick,” he says with a smile. “The name makes sense as it’s how it sounds: It’s sensual, provocative, and spiritual. A lot of the themes of the songs are around Love, Sex, and God. It’s funny how combining these things are seen as a taboo, but whilst making the record, I learned that they’re all interlinked.”
As he explains, the tracks themselves came together at scattered moments throughout the past year, but nonetheless came together seamlessly.
“A lot of the songs were recorded whilst travelling; there was a lot of inspiration being lived and recorded,” he explains. “This record is a lot freer than the music I’ve released before, the lyrics and production are a lot more provocative, the songs have different strands, textures, and sometimes genres, but the feeling, groove, and atmosphere bring Sonic Incense together. I’ve learnt to flow with it, trusting my intuition and the process.”
Highlights abound on the 16-minute journey from “RITUAL” to “PASSION.” While each track has its own themes and subject matter, the record as a whole feels bound together through a transcendent, spellbinding intimacy: From the hot-on-the-mic nature of Azekel’s vocal performance to the deep sweat of his grooves and the sheer passion and vulnerability of his lyrics, Sonic Incense stays unapologetically and undeniably true to its name.
“I love all of the songs and how diverse, yet similar they are,” Azekel says on the topic of favorites. “‘Ritual’ is definitely a personal highlight; I think it ticks the boxes of sounding classic at the same time as being fresh.”
Whether you’re a sucker for the explicit, scorching heat of “SAME WAYZ” and “JARA,” or more prefer the buttery sounds of “SMOOTH” and “PASSION,” Sonic Incense has a little something for everyone – and a lot of seductive, smoldering saxophones, which is only ever a good thing!
Experience the full record via our below stream, and peek inside Azekel’s Sonic Incense EP with Atwood Magazine as he goes track-by-track through the music and lyrics of his latest release!
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:: stream/purchase SONIC INCENSE here ::
:: connect with Azekel here ::
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Stream: ‘SONIC INCENSE’ – Azekel
:: Inside SONIC INCENSE ::
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Ritual
A deep exploration of love’s all-consuming nature, capturing its intense, almost obsessive, ritualistic aspects. Azekel dives into the powerful grip that passion can have on one’s life.
Love Potion
A genre-blending collaboration with Nigerian artist Falana, combining R&B and Afrobeats with sweet, sensual melodies. The track celebrates creative synergy and pays homage to powerful female artistry.
Same Wayz
A steamy, raw soul track featuring a Dilla-inspired hip-hop beat and bluesy guitars, with Azekel’s spoken-word rap and gritty vocals. It explores desire, longing, and the hypnotic pull of true connection.
Smooth
A lush, haunting track, enriched by the violin of award-winning classical artist Yury Revich. Azekel’s vocals glide over rich instrumentation, celebrating sensuality, passion, and the beauty of intimacy.
Jara
Inspired by Azekel’s Nigerian roots, “Jara” refers to the Yoruba concept of giving something extra, embodying a sense of generosity and cultural pride.
Passion
Recorded in Azekel’s home studio, this track delves into love’s addictive and intense side, exploring themes of passion, obsession, and the complexities of emotional connection.
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:: stream/purchase SONIC INCENSE here ::
:: connect with Azekel here ::
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© Ib Kamara
© Ib KamaraSONIC INCENSE
an EP by Azekel
