Unlocking the Multifaceted Artistry of YATTA: A Captivating Journey Through Faith, Pop, and ExperimentationFor the multitalented artist YATTA, music is a mutable canvas upon which they explore the intersections of faith, pop, and experimentation. As a New York-based, Sierra Leonean-American artist, educator, and musician, YATTA has seamlessly navigated various artistic forms, from paintings linked to AI research projects to multimedia performances and improvised noise shows. Their latest album, "Palm Wine," released by the collective and label PTP, marks a departure from their previous work, as they delve into the realm of pop music to communicate their unique perspective.

Embracing the Complexities of Pop and Personal Expression

Navigating the Transition to Pop Music

YATTA's approach to creating "Palm Wine" was a departure from their previous improvisational process. Traditionally, YATTA would load up samples, write some words, and then improvise during live performances, refining the songs over time before recording them in a single day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to rethink their creative process. Determined to understand the intricacies of recording pop music, YATTA reached out to collaborators who were well-versed in the genre, embarking on a journey of exploration and experimentation.

Embracing Dialectic Thinking and Emotional Complexity

The lyrics on "Palm Wine" reflect YATTA's embrace of dialectic thinking, a decolonial approach that resists the notion of a single, fixed reality. This is evident in the way they navigate the emotional truisms often found in pop music, subverting and complicating them. Songs like "Circle" and "MTV" showcase YATTA's ability to hold conflicting emotions and desires, creating a sense of fluidity and openness within the pop framework.

Navigating the Tension Between Expression and Communication

YATTA's decision to venture into pop music was driven by a desire to move from pure expression to effective communication. They recognized the need to make themselves "be seen and be comfortable with being seen," even if it meant embracing moments of embarrassment or a departure from the perceived notion of "coolness." This shift in approach allowed YATTA to explore their personal and artistic truths with a newfound sense of agency and authenticity.

Embracing the Circularity and Repetition of Pop Music

The circular and repetitive nature of pop music structures, with their recurring choruses and refrains, resonates with YATTA's artistic sensibilities. However, they have infused this circularity with a tendency toward negation, creating a dialectic that challenges the listener to reconcile complexity and contradiction. This approach reflects YATTA's desire to trust their intuition and create moments of both restfulness and awakening for the audience.

Navigating the Role of Religion and Spirituality

YATTA's personal relationship with religion, particularly Christianity, is a significant influence on their artistic expression. Rooted in their upbringing and the deep-seated presence of faith in their family's African suburban experience, YATTA's embrace of religion is not without nuance. They acknowledge the complexities of their relationship with Jesus, recognizing the duality of the divine and the flawed nature of some of his followers. This interplay of faith and personal exploration is woven into the fabric of YATTA's work, including the music video for "MTV," which delves into the role of spirituality in the African suburban context.

Collaborating and Embracing the Unexpected

YATTA's creative process for "Palm Wine" involved a collaborative approach, drawing on the expertise of various musicians and producers. This process allowed them to step outside their comfort zone and explore new avenues of expression. From working with Myles Avery to bring structural intelligence to the songs to serendipitously discovering the perfect actress to portray the "hyper-god-loving elder" in the "MTV" music video, YATTA embraced the unexpected and allowed their intuition to guide them, resulting in a multifaceted and deeply personal artistic statement.