Soul singer Nao Yoshioka sits down with WBLS to share her incredible journey — from growing up in Osaka, Japan, to dropping out of high school, moving to New York City at 20, and discovering soul music that changed her life. She talks about performing at the Apollo Theater Amateur Night, touring 11 countries, battling depression and panic attacks on stage, and how embracing her weaknesses helped her become whole.
Nao opens up about her upcoming album Self (out July 17th), collaborating with Grammy-nominated artist Bilal, the Carl Jung “shadow” philosophy behind her music, and why the best is truly yet to come.
🎶 New album Self — out July 17th
🗓️ US East Coast Tour — dates listed at naoyoshioka.com
📲 Follow Nao: @naoyoshioka
Topics covered:
- Growing up in Osaka & moving to NYC at 20
- Discovering soul music & performing at the Apollo
- Battling depression & panic attacks while touring
- The meaning behind her album Self
- Collaboration with Bilal on “Shadow”
- Mental health advice & self-forgiveness
- The influence of Sam Cooke, Anita Baker & classic soul
- Tokyo vs. New York City lifestyle & fashion