Yola, the soulful UK singer/songwriter has released a new video for “Faraway Look.” The track is off her debut solo album, Walk Through Fire, which is produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. The full-length comes out February 22, 2019 via Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound.

Yola on the video for “Faraway Look””

“My new video has got a faintly Black Mirror feel to it and paints a picture of a society glued to screens. We watch other people live out their dreams as we count down the clock on life and check out from existence.” She continues, “Faraway Look makes me think of a time in my life where I was encouraged to stay in my lane and be thankful for my lot, which it led to a lot of inner reflection. I was beginning to explore being a singer-songwriter and playing guitar live. The people around me at the time, especially those in the music industry, were discouraging to say the least. In a world that questions a woman’s every objection as well as every ambition, the faraway look is king.”

Dan Auerbach on Yola:

“The moment I met Yola I was impressed. Her spirit fills the room, just like her voice…she has the ability to sing in a full roar or barely a whisper and that is a true gift. She made everyone in the studio an instant believer.”

Hailing from a small town outside Bristol in the UK, Yola grew up in poverty with an unsupportive parent who “banned” her from making any music. She later became homeless, living on the streets of London, and also experienced stress-induced voice loss. Yola overcame these challenges to launch a successful sideline in writing, perform on pop hits, briefly join British band Massive Attack, and gain fans like the late great James Brown–who once told Yola, “Soul’s a thing, and you got it!” after she opened for him when fronting band Phantom Limb.

Written and recorded at Auerbach’s Nashville studio, Easy Eye Sound, Walk Through Fire is a contemporary twist on a traditional sonic tapestry of orchestral strings, fiddle, steel and shimmering tremolo guitars. A truly collaborative record, it was written in the studio by Yola and Auerbach with contributions from songwriting legends who between them have written songs for artists from Glen Campbell to Aretha Franklin. Auerbach also assembled his Easy Eye Sound all-star house band, composed of legendary session players. Musicians who performed on the record include bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash) as well as drummer Gene Chrisman and pianist Bobby Wood, who played on hits by Dusty Springfield and Elvis Presley. Guest performers include up-and-comer Molly Tuttle and country music icon Vince Gill.

Yola
Walk Through Fire
Tracklisting

Faraway Look
Shady Grove
Ride Out In The Country
It Ain’t Easier
Walk Through Fire
Rock Me Gently
Love All Night (Work All Day)
Deep Blue Dream
Lonely The Night
Still Gone
Keep Me Here
Love Is Light