Bad Colours is back with his sophomore album, ‘Always With U’, out on Bastard Jazz Recordings in November 2022. The London-born, Maryland-raised, Brooklyn-based DJ, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist – aka Ibe Soliman – continues to build on the well-deserved acclaim from his last year debut LP, ‘PINK’, as well as a slew of standalone singles and collaborations with the likes of Shabazz Palaces, Jarv Dee, and Stas THEE Boss.
The lead single, ‘Maybe I Should Move to LA’, sees the proudly Brooklyn-based Bad Colours contemplate a move out West – an idea that came about following a trip to LA for the 20 Years of Bastard Jazz anniversary party (which he DJed at) in November last year. Bright pads, a thumping four-on-the-floor beat, and a catchy vocal line make it the perfect accompaniment to a top-down joy-ride up PCH.
The album’s second single, ‘You Don’t Know’, features frequent collaborator and PNW legend Jarv Dee, as well as KAS and JVDE who have both been making waves in the Brooklyn scene (KAS for his work with Grammy-nominated producer Harmony Samuels featured on BET, and JVDE as the lead singer of the alternative band Blind Benny).
EG caught up with Bad Colours to learn more about the drop of his new single ‘Maybe I Should Move To LA’, the success of 2021’s ‘PINK’ album, his production process, and more.
EG: Hi Ibe! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Where are you based right now? How have things been going this year?
Bad Colours: The pleasure is mine and thanks for having me, EG. I’m based in Brooklyn, USA. Things are going great so far!
EG: What was your Summer like? Any particular highlights?
Bad Colours: The summer started well with having my song with Jarv Dee, ‘Feelin’ Like’, on Netflix’s ‘Spiderhead’. Went to Montreal for the first time, a beautiful city. Everyone I ran into was super nice.
EG: Also, congratulations on releasing your new single, ‘Maybe I Should Move to LA’! What has the initial reception been like?
Bad Colours: It has been great! I happened to be in Los Angeles last week and was getting a lot of love out there from it.
EG: What can your fans expect to find on this one, musically speaking?
Bad Colours: ‘You Don’t Know’ is for the clubs and people who have other people all up in their business. KAS, Jarv Dee, and JVDE really showed up on this one.
“With ‘PINK’ I had a feeling it would do well once I started playing it out and seeing reactions”
EG: And this is the lead single from your upcoming sophomore album, ‘Always With U’, which will be out this November 2022. What will this one be all about? In which ways would you say it’s different and similar to last year’s ‘PINK’?
Bad Colours: This new album focuses a little more on production and bringing in more artists and instrumentation. With ‘PINK’, I was limited in some aspects due to the pandemic.
EG: Is there pressure to replicate the success of ‘PINK’? Were you expecting it to be so well received?
Bad Colours: No, I don’t feel pressure with it, really. With ‘PINK’ I had a feeling it would do well once I started playing it out and seeing reactions.
EG: We know every track is different, but how would you describe your recording process? Do you have some sort of internal ‘blueprint’ by now?
Bad Colours: Not so much, I just try to always do what feels right. In the past, it was always chords and melodies before the drums, but now it can start with anything.
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Any good books, movies, or series you’d recommend?
Bad Colours: I’m pretty oblivious to new shows/movies but I’m very, very into the football you play with your feet. Up the Chels!
“I guess I’d like to see more people not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones. That’s where you get the good stuff”
EG: What are your current thoughts on the state of the scene? What would you like to see more and less of?
Bad Colours: It’s hard for me to say, I’m pretty detached from the scene. I’ve been lucky enough to have DJs support my stuff across a lot of different scenes. I guess I’d like to see more people not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones. That’s where you get the good stuff.
EG: What’s next for Bad Colours? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to now?
Bad Colours: I’m really looking forward to going on the road with these tunes. I haven’t done that properly just yet.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Ibe! We wish you all the best for the future.
Bad Colours: Nice chatting with you and thanks!
Bad Colours’ ‘You Don’t Know’ is out now via Bastard Jazz Recordings. Purchase your copy here.
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