Tiwayo: outsider connecting through soul music

Paris-born soul singer and songwriter Tiwayo gets his inspiration from the southern part of the USA. Once on a road trip to Memphis, a local, older Cajun bluesman heard him sing and was struck by the contrast between his youthful face and gravelly, soulful voice. Amused and impressed, the bluesman called him “The Young Old.” Back in France, Tiwayo took the initials T.Y.O. and transformed them into the single, evocative word Tiwayo, which has stayed with him ever since. The former album The Gypsy Soul of Tiwayo was recorded in 2019 in Georgia and released by Blue Note. For the new album Outsider, he headed to Austin Texas to work with Adrián Quesada of the Black Pumas and a fine group of local musicians. The result is the captivating album Outsider. We had the opportunity to ask Tiwayo a couple of questions about the new album and the release tour.

TNF: How was recording in Austin with Adrian Quesada and the local musicians like Doyle Bramhall II (who worked with Eric Clapton, Dr John, Billy Preston and many others)?

Tiwayo: "It was truly an amazing experience. I think the recording / production process of an album is a very fragile exercise because they are so many parameters on the table at the same time. I think it all went smoothly cause Adrian has the talent of a true great producer, meaning that type of personality that let the music come to life naturally just by gathering the best people around for the record. I consider this album as a complete teamwork success. I think solid soul music records just ask that team effort. Doyle's contribution was the cherry on the cake. It felt like a magical moment because it was not planned really. Having the support from him and from of all those stunning musicians and artists involved in this record is something that really changed me. They made me a better artist, and a better person. And all that is thanks to Adrian, because he was the first impulse that allowed all those things to happen."

TNF: Which musicians will accompany you in the band performing live?

Tiwayo: "I gathered a team of talented Parisian musicians for the French tour and the upcoming gigs in the surrounding countries. Beside soul music culture, they have the touch and this glow in their personalities that made me pick them up. I spent some time in music clubs in Paris to seek for the players and build this team. My band will be: Theo Moutou on drums, Emmanuel Sunee on bass, Beaurel Bambi Fabe on percussions and Paul Sany on keys. We are very impatient to start this Outsider tour!"

TNF: What is the most important and rewarding for you in making music?

Tiwayo: "Seeing a dreamer’s idea bloom from the little bud of a melody to a giant tree of so many branches, like this album; having the support of the artists I love, like on this album; being on tour along/with the artists I love; connecting with the audience, through live music emotions, on an almost mystic level."

The release tour started in France just now. Other countries are to be included in the schedule. The vinyl album Outsider released by Record Kicks is available at The New Funky Vinyl. You can listen to several tracks of the album through The New Funky Spotify playlists.