Goapele Hits DC…Talks :: New Album, Motherhood, Cutting Her Hair & President Obama

Photos: @ MercyC

Friday, August 8, singer/writer Goapele performed at Washington, DC’s Park at Fourteenth for their #Unplugged series. After her performance Goapale and I talked musical shop–music (literally), life & death, Obama and more!

On the independent release of her upcoming album, “Milk & Honey”: It’s going to come out this fall and it’s really close to my heart and I’ve been really motivated by my fans and my supporters–asking for new music. I’ve been performing new songs at live shows, but I think it’s time that I finally have a physical album out.

On how the death of loved ones and the birth of her daughter “opened” her up spiritually and musically to something more: Since I put out my last album, there have been some life cycle changes. I’m a mother now of a four-year-old daughter who is wonderful. And along the way, I lost my father, my grandmother and a dear friend of mine. I’m thankful that through that grieving process–I had music. I was able to turn some of those feelings into songs. It’s important to have some type of outlet. It’s all part of life and I’m thankful that I have the balance–with the new life.

On how her identity changed, once she cut her locs: I loved having locs for a long time, but I never like feeling stagnant. And I was just starting to feel like I may be locked into that hairstyle–because it’s so permanent. I just wanted to feel light and make room for something new. So I just had to cut off my hair and let it go. So now I’ve been having fun with braids. For me, I had been gearing up to be ready to cut it. For two years I kept thinking ‘I’m going to do it’ and then I felt like I was ready. For other people, they have to get use to it.

On how she feels about the current political environment in America: I’m going to tell you the truth. I feel like we have an extremely long road ahead of us and things don’t look good for people right now…but, politically, in the U.S. I feel better than I’ve ever felt because for the first time there is a president that I really respect and I can see a reflection of myself in…not just physically, but a human being. I can related. I think it’s going to take a lot more than him to change everything, but I definitely support him.

For all things Goapale, please follow her on Twitter (@Goapele). Thanks to Beny Blaq Entertainment, the creators of the Park Unplugged series.

Photos: DHLogan, @MercyC