By Stevie Connor.
Yvonne Hercules is a singer-songwriter based in Cambridge UK. Her music has received nods from publications including Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, and others and she has received support from PRS Foundation, Arts Council England towards her work. Inspired by Folk, Blues, Rock & Soul, her songs are a culmination of these genres underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.
Every artist can pinpoint that specific moment in time that inspired them. For Yvonne Hercules, it was coming across footage of Lightnin' Hopkins performing that truly inspired her to want to hone her songwriting and playing ability. She became fascinated by the Blues, listening to pioneers such as Bessie Smith, Leadbelly and Howlin’ Wolf. This gradually led her on a path of musical discovery, exploring folk music and other alternative music genres. Born to a British Mother of Jamaican/Sierra-Leonian heritage and a Nigerian Father, Yvonne distinctively remembers traditional Nigerian music, Reggae, Motown & Soul all playing a part in her musical upbringing. Yvonne’s married these influences with her interests in Folk/Alternative and other music genres with artists including Leonard Cohen, Bon Iver, Brittany Howard, Fela Kuti & Moses Sumney all influencing her sound. A self-taught musician, her songs are underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.
Yvonne released her Second single Phoenix on the 19th April 2023, supported by Help Musicians UK, Phoenix is the second single to be released as part of a five track EP, titled Olive due for release in June 2023.
To celebrate the release of the new five track EP ‘Olive’ out 9th June, Yvonne Hercules will be embarking on a five date tour in June, taking in Brighton, London, Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge. As part of her tour, Hercules will also be hosting exclusive songwriting and poetry workshops on 11 June at The Place Bedford and 4 June at The Metal, Peterborough
The London/Cambridge based neo-soul artist Yvonne Hercules is making a triumphant return with the recent release of bittersweet single ‘Narla’s Song’. Exploring the notions of loss and grief, this soulful track is the perfect embodiment of Hercules' captivating voice and poetic songwriting.
The new single will be accompanied by the upcoming release of her five track EP, 'Olive' out June 9, inspired by civil rights activist Olive Morris it delves into the narratives and experiences of Black women and Black femininity. Produced by multi-instrumentalist and producer Malcolm McCarthy (Rita Ora, Jennifer Hudson, X Factor), the EP follows up Hercules's acclaimed singles 'Roving' (2017), 'Nene' (2022) and five-track EP ‘Gladiolus’ (2018)
Yvonne Hercules is a breath of fresh air for the alt folk scene, and everyone from fans of classic folk, soul fans, to jazz enthusiasts, promises to be captivated by this emotive and memorable collection of songs. One of the most important musicians of this generation, Hercules' star is rising and we'd urge you to check out her upcoming EP ‘Olive’ and catch her on her upcoming tour.
Inspired by Alternative Folk/Soul, Jazz and Rock, Olive is a musical journey through Black Femininity and its nuances in part inspired by the life & work of Black British feminist activist Olive Morris. Olive is supported by Arts Council England and will be released on Trapped Animal Records UK. To coincide with the release of Olive, Yvonne will also be embarking on a five date tour in Brighton, London, Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge in June. Tickets for the tour are now on sale.
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