After capturing attention with her soulful debut 'RedEye' and cementing her sound on 'Auburn', Nigerian-Canadian artist Lahde is stepping into her boldest era yet. Her new album 'Sunshine' blends R&B, Afrobeat, hip-hop, and alternative textures, as Lahde weaves a narrative of womanhood, cultural reconnection, and emotional duality. Released in two parts, 'Sunshine' begins its journey this autumn with a striking first chapter, led by the poignant, club-infused single 'All Night'.
Lahde’s music glows with tension and tenderness. On 'All Night', she delivers a track as suited to the dancefloor as it is to 3am introspection. With pulsing beats and unflinching lyricism, she explores heartbreak and identity through movement and melody, crafting a sound that feels both global and deeply personal.
So with the new release available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It would have to be the piano. I remember playing around with it when I was younger. I can also say guitar, but honestly, my heart would lead me toward piano. I grew up singing in church—piano was heavy in African churches. I had a close family friend who was really gifted at playing piano, and he would sing while he played. I’d sing alongside him and I really enjoyed that. There’s something about the piano—those strong, drawn-out notes—that just move me. I’ve loved it ever since.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Definitely pop. I loved a lot of pop growing up—Rihanna’s pop era, Katy Perry’s pop era, Beyoncé (whatever era, she’s that girl), and of course Nicki Minaj’s pop era. I liked songs that made you feel like a baddie-even then cute confidence, you get me? I loved Cassie, Zendaya’s Swag It Out, all that “boss B” energy. Carrie Hilson too. My young teen years were definitely filled with pop. I also liked some of Taylor Swift’s early albums—Red had me hooked . And of course the boy pop era—Justin Bieber, Mindless Behavior—iconic.
When I got a little older, around grade 9 or 10, I fell in love with R&B. Then came a little bit of R&B rap that Toronto is known for -Drake (obviously, ). I also loved trap music in high school—Bryson Tiller’s Trapsoul? Beautiful. That mix of R&B and trap was everything. And Afrobeat? Always. From when I was young, it just got your body up. It’s a different like, a different energy. But my heart’s timeline would be: Centred in Afrobeat at home, Pop when I was young, R&B as I matured, and trap when I grew into my Toronto era.
What’s the first album you remember owning?
The Black Eyed Peas album—the one with I Gotta Feeling on it. I can’t remember the name right now, but that album lived rent-free in my iPod Nano.
What’s one song you wish you could have written yourself?
Fading by Rihanna. That song is just… beautiful. I don’t even like to over-listen to it because I never want to lose the appreciation. It’s about acceptance, letting go, and finding peace—it’s so deeply emotional. It’s underrated, but so beautifully written. Every time I hear it, I feel something.
Do you have any habits or rituals when writing new music?
I like to take a shower before heading to the studio—it helps me reset. I usually record at night, so the shower, lighting a candle, and just getting calm and grounded… that’s part of it. I also like having fruits in the studio. I write most of my music right there in the moment or when I’m traveling. It’s about feeling fresh and inspired.
Who are your favourite artists to listen to at the moment?
Right now, I’m loving Tate McRae. It’s giving bad bitch energy, okay? She’s eating down. I’m also really into RAYE—she’s phenomenal. And Rema… he’s just so fine, and the music? Chef’s kiss. Oh, and Gunna—he’s my gym playlist king right now. His music puts me in that confident, pumped-up headspace.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Rihanna. There’s only one right answer. That’s music mom. I’d love to open for Beyoncé too, but I feel like the expectations would be so high—Beehive aunties and uncles, I love y’all, but I’m not trying to embarrass myself! Let’s take it step by step.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Leaving the studio and having something new to obsess over. You get to play with it, live with it—it’s like creating a world. The most frustrating part is when I see something in my head but can’t fully articulate it in the studio. You realize how important it is to communicate clearly with engineers and producers, because what you’re envisioning doesn’t always translate on the mixing board.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a musician?
“Stay the course.” It’s so easy to get swept up in life—stress, anxiety, distractions—and lose focus. But someone I look up to once told me that music is a long game. It doesn’t happen overnight. Only the fighters last. Some people stay at it for 10, 15 years because they love it. If you’re in it for fame or quick money, you’ll burn out fast. But if you’re in it because you breathe it—you’ll endure. And that’s the real secret: stay the course.
-
Lahde's new collection 'Sunshine' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.