In a recent cover story interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Solange Knowles, Grammy winner and renowned artist, unveiled her latest creative venture: the tuba. Known for her eclectic style and boundary-pushing artistry, Solange shared her journey into exploring this unconventional instrument, hinting at a possible shift in her musical direction.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, amidst a landscape where artists are increasingly experimenting with new genres and sounds. Solange expressed her affection for the tuba, describing it as her current obsession. “I love it. I’ve started writing music for the tuba,” she explained, adding, “but I can only imagine the eye rolls from people being like, ‘This b—h hasn’t made an album.’”
For Solange, the tuba’s resonance goes beyond its musicality; it resonates with her on a deeper level. She likened its sound to the essence of the human gut, expressing, “It sounds like what the gut feels like to me.”
Emphasizing its cultural significance, she noted, “There’s a way that it takes up space that you can’t deny, and it also just feels very Black to me.”
Despite her uncertainty about how her fans might receive this creative departure, Solange remains open to the possibility of sharing her tuba compositions with the world. Her last album, “When I Get Home,” released in 2019, showcased her ability to defy conventions and collaborate with a diverse range of artists, including Gucci Mane, Playboi Carti, and Tyler, the Creator.
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Solange discussed her recent multi-medium performance exhibition titled “In Service to Whom.” Through this immersive experience, she explored everyday gestures and expanded her creative horizons, integrating sonic meditations and visual elements to craft a unique narrative.
In the interview, Solange also touched upon her approach to performance, highlighting her authenticity and growth as an artist.
“I show up in performance as myself,” she stated, contrasting it with the emphasis on costumes in the past.
Tyler, the Creator, one of Solange’s collaborators, praised her authenticity and artistic integrity.
“She’s not an undercover cop. She’s just her, and she makes whatever she wants,” he remarked, acknowledging her influence and originality in an industry often driven by trends and numbers.
As Solange embarks on this new musical journey, she continues to challenge expectations and redefine the boundaries of creativity. Whether she releases her tuba compositions or explores other artistic endeavors, one thing remains certain: Solange Knowles will always march to the beat of her own tuba.