Emotional Oranges In Conversation With FAULT Magazine

Emotional Oranges In Conversation With FAULT Magazine

Exciting times ahead for music lovers as Emotional Oranges and Nonso Amadi join forces once again for their latest single, ‘Nowhere.’ Following the success of their previous collaboration, ‘Not Worthy,’ this track is the first glimpse into their upcoming collaborative EP, ‘Blended.’ Merging the hip-hop infused R&B style of Emotional Oranges with the intricate Afro-inspired sounds of Nonso Amadi, ‘Nowhere’ sets the tone for a dynamic musical journey. With more exciting news to come from the duo on everyone’s minds right now, we caught up with Emotional Oranges to find out more.

Congratulations on the upcoming release of ‘STILL EMO’! How does this project differ from your previous works, and what new elements can listeners expect?”

A: Thank you, I’m so happy it’s finally out in the world! This project differs from the last 4 tapes because it was created with the most intention, which was to show the entire range of influences we grew up on – everything from underground dance rhythms to 90s Bad Boy era R&B shit, I’m just proud that we made something that represents the full spectrum of our taste. Not to mention it was the shortest writing, recording and producing window I’ve personally ever had. We had the opportunity to travel everywhere from South Africa to Korea and then Iceland to Australia, and wanted to create a body of work that reflected all the sounds we were exposed to and inspired by.

You mentioned that ‘STILL EMO’ reflects different aspects of your inspirations. Could you elaborate on the specific musical influences and genres that shaped the album’s sonic direction?

A: Growing up on 90s Hip-Hop and R&B, I’ve always been really inspired by the energy on Pharoah Monche’s “Simon Says”. I took a lot of energy from that record when I produced “Be Somebody” with my brother Dante Jones (from THEY.). On the other side, I’ve been listening to Amapiano for a few years, but being able to actually touch the soil and perform in South Africa was what helped “Not Worthy” come to life. Whereas “Wrong Hands” is equal parts 112 & Biggie as it is NSYNC Boy Band energy on the hook haha.

The title ‘STILL EMO’ suggests a certain mindset. How has this mindset influenced your creative process and the themes explored in the project?

V: The themes in “Still Emo” are consistent throughout the topline & production. I would label it Emotional Nostalgia. Dedicated to the “Emo” character in all of us; she’s the girl dressed in all black all year round in NYC & she’s the poetic hip hop/ music head going to theater rehearsal- I tapped into the Emo girl I used to be. An introverted extrovert to the core.

You mentioned that the songs on this project are influenced by your personal experiences. Could you share how your recent life changes have translated into the thematic elements of the music?

V: I was in nyc when ‘A’ re-sent me the track for “be somebody.” I had fallen in love with the production before, but this time, being in my home city, the track just hit different. I started hearing the lyrics as I walked on 42nd and Bryant park around 2pm. She was on her cocky sh*t that day. “Balance on my mind I’m meditating don’t approach me” .. Once I came back to LA I finished my verse in the studio, still channeling NYC and the energetic confidence from that day at Bryant Park.

You’ve had the opportunity to tour extensively across different continents. How have these global experiences influenced your creative vision and the way you approach making music?

A: Being able to soak in different cultures and perform on these stages has a conscious and subconscious impact for me as both an artist and producer. I’m always ideating, whether it’s recording the nature sounds I heard out in Kyoto to use as ambience behind one of our tracks, or voice noting melodies while leaving a festival in Latvia inspired by just watching Earthgang perform in front of 15,000 kids. I’ve realized a common thread that has connected all our fans from around the world are the melodies and grooves behind our tracks. Seeing them so engaged singing our lyrics, even if English isn’t their 1st or 2nd language, is what motivates me to keep challenging and pushing the boundaries when we get back in the studio.

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years especially with the birth of TikTok. As an independent duo, how do you navigate these changes and maintain creative fortitude with your projects?

A: Honestly, we’ve never had more opportunity for exposure as artists, but that also means more flooding of content than ever before. TikTok is just another medium for expression and it’s on you to figure out your flow. I haven’t found the best way to create on there personally, but I’m always deep diving food and fashion Tok. I’m grateful for our team and fans that have allowed us to grow at our own pace and also build a real independent business. But who knows, I might turn into a cold plunging, infrared Sauna having wellness guru that spams you with wholistic content that no one asked for!

With ‘STILL EMO’ being your 5th project in 4 years, how do you manage to consistently release new music while also evolving your sound and staying connected with your audience – and avoiding burnout?

V: The inspiration for us is endless. We’ve actually always had this magical power of writing music very quickly together; voice notes in kitchens & hooks in Tokyo within minutes. Music is a continuous river that if you’re tapped in, you enjoy the process too much to burn out. There ARE definitely days that ideas might not flow as easily, but we’ve both found our process to unwind and ground ourselves separately before getting into the studio together; so when we do, we’re both in our best mindsets. The great thing about this musical journey is I feel like I’m just beginning! “Still Emo” has unlocked a new level for us; what’s to come is just another evolution.

What is your FAULT?
V: A FAULT of mine is sometimes my nails are too long to pay parking meters. Too long to cut up fruits and veggies & even sometimes too long to make the bed. I’ve physically ripped my bed sheets attempting to stretch the fitted sheet. This has become an excellent task for my boyfriend, along with cooking for me.

A: My biggest fault is that I eat incredibly spicy meals for both my meals daily and my gut hates me for it but hey everyone can’t be perfect!