Yola describes growing up under her mother's strict-parent paradigm in which there are only three acceptable career paths: doctor, lawyer or engineer. Of those choices, if she had followed them, Yola says she probably would have been an engineer. "I've got a bit of a technical mind," she says. "I was good at physics. I would have probably gone into something pertaining to physics."

Thankfully for Yola and her ever-increasing fanbase, Yola was more greatly inspired by her mother's record collection, and she decided to pursue music instead. Now, following on the release of her 2019 album, Walk Through Fire, Yola is nominated for four Grammy Awards: Best Americana Album (Walk Through Fire), Best American Roots Song ("Faraway Look"), Best American Roots Performance ("Faraway Look") and Best New Artist. "It actually feels somewhat like another person's life," Yola says about all the Grammy attention. "It doesn't feel real."

While in town for a show at the Fine Line in Minneapolis, Yola stopped at The Current studio to play songs from Walk Through Fire and to talk with host Bill DeVille.

Born and raised in Bristol, England, Yola got the attention of Dan Auerbach a couple years ago, and Auerbach recorded and produced Walk Through Fire. As a result, Yola has been spending a lot more time in the U.S., splitting her time between Bristol and Nashville. "Things are just kicking off here, and I'm feeling the love," she says.

And where many artists can be put off by Minnesota's snows, Yola was actually charmed by it. "It's really stunning," she says. "We don't get to see as much snow in the U.K., so it's always nice to see a nice wintry scene."

More Video

Songs Performed

"Ride Out in the Country"
"Walk Through Fire"
"Shady Grove"
All songs from Yola's 2019 album, Walk Through Fire, co-released on Easy Eye Sound and Nonesuch Records.

Hosted by Bill DeVille
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark and Tessa Bloch
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web production by Luke Taylor

External Link

Yola - official site

Gallery

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