“No one that has ever sung ‘neo soul’ has ever called themselves that. Not that I’ve ever heard and I know these people personally”, asserts India when asked if neo soul is dead. “Neo soul is a thing someone made in order to make money, something someone ‘created’ to make money. But that’s fine. I feel like a lot of the people who were held up as pillars of that establishment are not allowing themselves to be considered that way anymore. I also knew that when this term was put on me, I knew there would come a time when that terminology wasn’t going to be considered cool anymore “, India testifies.
right “As far as being the neo soul sound, I hope that people will listen to this album and actually hear what it is and not what they think it is. I don’t ever think that I was ‘that’ sound. On my first song when you listen to the production that’s R&B music right there. But there are songs with cello and guitar and violins that are country music. 'Come and Walk with Me', that’s country music. I think with this album people may hear it and think its pop music.”
India has spent almost four years away from the spotlight since recording India.Arie and Voyage to India. “That first year I was formulating everything spiritually getting it together in my mind. In the next two years that followed I was learning the emotional lessons that were to become songs. I was in a relationship that I wrote a lot of songs about. I didn’t write about the relationship but more about the healing process,“ says India. “After that relationship was over, that was the best thing that happened to me in that time period.”
India’s healing process comes to life beautifully in the songs that make up Testimony. “It’s been fun to be singing these songs of lessons that were hard earned. They were hard earned on a technical level as well. I really did a lot of work. I was really involved, I always was. This time I know more.”
One of the many key messages that are embodied in the new work is identity. The first single from Testimony is “I Am Not My Hair”, a song that actually began as a duet with Pink and was ultimately released with India singing solo and later remixed to feature Akon who won the guest appearance over rapper Shawnna of Disturbing Tha Peace. “I actually recorded 'I Am Not My Hair' with Pink and that was the original version. It wasn’t up to me so I had to let it go. Then I did this remix with Shawnna. What she did was ridiculously dope,” remembers India.
“I Am Not My Hair” is amongst a collection of songs that reflect lessons learned from her relationships. It addresses some of the expectations that her fans have of her and her music and it also serves as a social critique for issues of association and humanity. “This song is saying that after I cut my locks, I discovered that it didn’t matter how I wore my hair. It doesn’t dictate my being. There is a verse that talks about the whole thing about hair and the black community and black society; politically with nappy hair, straight hair, curly hair and all that."
Of the new songs from Testimony, India hasn’t decided on the follow up singles but says she already has a favorite. “It’s a song called “The Morning”. If someone were to classify it I guess they would say its ambient jazz… maybe. But it’s not neo soul,” she jokes.
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Comments
1.
lilkunta says:
India Arie is such a wonderful musician. I love her album, her words, her spirit.
I wish Motown would promote her. Only 1 music vide & 2 songs have been released from "Test Vol 1".
June 15, 2007 at 2:44 pm
2.
gabrielle says:
I am so greatful for you being bold enough to share yourself with the world. The fact that you don't care what people think about you or your music inspires me to be who i am. I love the person u r. God bless u for being you.
May 25, 2007 at 4:00 pm
3.
Katouba says:
India, i really luv u & your music, when i listening yours words, i'm proud to be black .
since i heard "i'm not my hair" i leaves relaxed hair, now i have a nice curly hairs
thanks a lot India
your african sista
May 24, 2007 at 9:45 am
4.
Bianca Bishop says:
India i love your music i have all your albums and posters you are my inspiration im now learnin how to play the gutair
May 2, 2007 at 10:39 am
5.
Leeda says:
I love your music so.. much India and one day I hope to record positive musicjust like it.
March 23, 2007 at 8:33 am
6.
Rashan says:
India, your latest CD is the stories of my life."Good Morning", I think that my mom or sister called you and asked you to write something especially for me. You are a beautiful and talented sister and I want to thank you for writing songs that sing to the soul as well as the mind. Be Blessed in all you touch.
PS. I Love Terrell Carter. Between your CD and his latest CD that you are featured on, my co-workers are tired of my singing. I would love to meet you both someday.
One of your Biggest Fans
Rashan
March 1, 2007 at 10:31 am
7.
mona says:
India, I bought your cd because I have loved your music and the inspiration it brings from the very first. And, this cd has touched me so much because it sounds like we experienced the same year. I lost so much, or so I thought in a short period of time but I realize that it was just a test and it is not forever. A new day comes each morning. So, thank you so much for your music and for your honesty. I feel this cd please continue to poor your heart into what God has given you. Stay strong.
February 19, 2007 at 3:12 pm
8.
Tecia says:
India, as I am listening to your latest CD I am crying. I want to thank you soooo much for putting what is in my heart to song!!! I am currently going through a heart aching divorce at a young age(28). And as the clouds of this divorce open to show me my future path, I find that as your song says "This too shall past". I just want to say thank you, thank you for giving me this CD to strengthen my heart, my soul, and my spirit and to forgive myself and my future ex-husband. I hope this reaches you, but if not I am sure my prayers for you to be blessed in inspiring women like me will.
You are truly a star inside and out!
Keep shining for all of us.
YOur sister in faith
tecia
February 12, 2007 at 10:18 am
9.
Pattina says:
India, I am a huge fan of your music. I love every CD you have put out. You have inspired and motivated me so much through your music, especially this last CD. I can feel every ounce of emotion through your lyrics. This CD has definitely given me strength in my healing process a well. I too, am having a "Private Party." Thank you for that song.
I love your artistry, and I can hear every string from your guitar. I am inspired so much that I am buying an acoustic guitar and I'm going to learn to play so that I can play along with you and your CD. I would love to meet you someday. I think you that are a beautiful person (inside and out).
Love ya India Arie....keep on creating beautiful music.
February 5, 2007 at 7:52 pm
10.
Nontoh says:
I just wanna say big ups to India, I love her to bits, it is true that we as her fans know very little about her, but through her music we learn that she's a very humble person a well. Ms Arie I'm yo biggest fan. Love you girlfriend
February 5, 2007 at 6:34 am
11.
Catherine Coley says:
Hey girl I love your music and would love to meet you.
February 2, 2007 at 2:11 pm
12.
d says:
i was watching miami vice for the first time...i heard that song "i am ready for love" and i gotta say that i am now a fan of your music.
January 27, 2007 at 8:17 pm
13.
jonny564 says:
jonny368
December 22, 2006 at 4:13 am
14.
jonny719 says:
jonny762
December 5, 2006 at 9:10 pm