Serena Isioma has had an incredible year, from releasing her Sensitive EP earlier in March, which housed hit single, “Sensitive”, which now has over 120,000 views on Youtube and over 3 million streams on Spotify! Her eclectic, dreamy, and widely creative sound has propelled her to new heights, and as she continued to invite listeners into her world, with hit singles such as “Blue Sky”, “KING”, and “Stop Calling the Police On Me”, her fan-base only expanded every more so.
After having teased fans with a potential new project earlier this fall, Serena blessed us all with The Leo Sun Sets just this past week! Featuring the three breakout singles leading up to it, Serena gives her listeners what they’ve been wanting, their favorite artist under many different lenses, and Isioma delivered.
Check out our review and interview with Serena Isioma for The Leo Sun Sets below! 😈
King (ft. Saint Lewis)
King is the second single to be released from the EP, and is the first track of the project. King finds IIsioma at war with herself and with others, the song simultaneously acting as a big middle finger to any of her haters and a cry for help. The sultry, yet grungy sound Isioma has fostered over her career seems to come to a head in this project, King, especially being a beautiful reminder of that.
With an infectious beat pattern, layered over by guitar and bass progressions beautifully craft the canvas for Isioma to paint her feelings on. She also makes some allusions to the Leo astrological sign, as well as the characteristics associated with it.
I Don’t Wanna Go (w/ Mavi)
I Don’t Wanna Go does what many other of Isioma’s tracks does, it takes you for a journey. Engineered by upcoming producer, Frankie Scoca, one of the few songs without go-to producer Saint Lewis’ signature touch, Serena easily coasts along the vibe set by the spacey and sad-synth production, and explores her struggles with anxiety as Mavi comes in for an even more introspective and thought-provoking verse.
Blue Sky
Blue Sky is probably the second-most hype track on The Leo Sun Sets, and was the first single to drop from the project. The song is filled to the brim with vibes, as the Saint Lewis driven production steers her down the experimental and kaleidoscopic path as she leads her listeners into a discussion over hypersexuality, especially as you’re under the influence.
Serena is one to mix contemporary singing with grimy trap lyrics sprinkled in the mix, a truly weird and healthy mix that adds to the verdancy of her sound.
Why Am I So Toxic
Why Am I So Toxic is probably the most self-explanatory song on the tracklist. Serena goes into detail trying to understand why she delves into toxic tendencies in relationships and reminiscing on various scenarios explaining her experiences. This track is groovy and keeps you well entertained, not only with Serena’s storytelling, but also Saint Lewis's beautiful production, wrapping her vocals up in a cozy blanket.
Meadows in Japan
Meadows in Japan is the slowest and probably one of the most beautiful pieces of music we’ve heard from Serena this year. Meadows in Japan is about the artist’s journey towards becoming a better person. On a vocal snippet towards the end of the track, Serena explains to a soon-to-be ex-lover that she cannot be their world anymore and that it’s her fault for thinking that this time would be different. It seems as though this track is Serena breaking through a phase of dependency, and striking out on her own. Meadows in Japan is also noted to be Isioma’s favorite track on the EP!
I Feel Fantastic
I Feel Fantastic is arguably the most anthemic track on The Leo Sun Sets, and we say arguably due to the existence of King, I Don’t Wanna Go, Why Am I So Toxic, and frankly every single other track on this EP. However, what makes I Feel Fantastic stand out among its peers is the juxtaposition behind it. Something of a self-motivator, Serena screams “Get up get out your feelings” at the listener, however, this could also be interpreted as her speaking to herself.
Isioma stated that this song is actually about her feeling the exact opposite of fantastic and that she made this track in order to try and navigate through her rough patches and be happy.
Stop Calling The Police On Me
Stop Calling The Police On Me, unlike Why Am I So Toxic, is not as clear-cut as its title makes it out to be. The track was produced by the very talented Mei and though its meaning could be doubled in also being geared towards the police especially considering today’s political landscape. However, after one listen, you understand that this song is much more than that.
It’s not just the police that need to stop bothering her, but Isioma has a problem with any authority figure in the way of her happiness. This track solidifies her feelings on the fact that she will not bend for anyone or anything, prideful and confident, like the Leo she is.
Serena it’s been a while since we had you on so just to get the interview started give us an update on what’s new with you, and how your 2020 has been so far?
I wont lie, it’s been pretty hectic but overall pretty good. I’ve been working a lot.
Since the year is coming to an end, what are your top 5 albums for the year and which 5 artists do you currently have in your rotation?
Geez. Okay so top 5 albums/artists in my rotation are Eternal Atake (Deluxe) by Lil Uzi Vert, The Breakfast Club by POORSTACY, Weird by Yungblud, Savage Mode II by 21 Savage & Metro Boomin, and Good News by Meg Thee Stallion.
So this year has been kind of a mess between the pandemic and the elections but you’ve been able to stay focused and turn what may have been a negative situation into a positive, so what kind of advice would you give to a newer artists who have struggled this year?
Remember that the internet is your friend.
In addition to newer artists if you could go back about a year or two years ago what is some advice you would give to your younger self?
Keep doing what you’re doing.
So let’s talk music, it’s safe to say that this year has been extremely successful for you and your career especially with the drop of your newest project “The Leo Sun Sets” tell us about this project, what inspired it, and what was your favorite aspect of putting this project together?
The Leo Sun Sets is about mostly about learning how to accept myself. Each song was sparked by real events going on in my life.
My favorite part of putting this project together was being able to work with my friends on a bigger scale. It was so much fun to make.
Walk us through each of the songs and what they mean to you and tell us about who helped you on the production end with the project?
“King” is pretty much me saying fuck you but also please love me. My guy Saint Lewis’s production is on that track so much i had to put his name on it.
“I Don’t Wanna Go” is mostly about anxiety. Mavi hopped on a verse and Frankie Scoca produced it.
“Blue Sky” is honestly about hyper sexuality. Again, Saint Lewis produced that one.
“Why Am I So Toxic” is pretty much self explanatory. It was really a revelation of how toxic I had been in my past relationships.
“Meadows in Japan” is about me wanting to be a better person.
“I Feel Fantastic” is actually about me feeling the opposite of fantastic. I was going through a lot so I thought maybe if I make a happy song then I’ll be more happy.
“Stop Calling The Police On Me” is a very honest song about not wanting to be bothered by authority. Just let me have fun. Mei produced that one he’s very talented.
What are some of your favorite tracks The Leo Sun Sets and why?
“Meadows in Japan forsure. Lyrically and sonically it just hits you right in your chest.
So in addition to dropping an amazing project you’re also dropping some merch called “Isi’s Tree”,tell us more about it?
YES. So I got together with my boys at Strafford to drop a limited line of button downs. The pieces are meant to be worn in any environment for any vibe. Each piece from this collection was left behind to never be worn again until being reworked for fans to appreciate. The music and fashion collide with a similar story of evolution.
So with the year about to be over what’s next for you where do you want to be at the end of 2021?
I want to be everywhere.
Any last words?
Go cop my merch!
Big shout out to Serena Isioma for catching up with Nefarious Supply! Be sure to go check out her newest project The Leo Sun Sets available on all streaming platforms now and while you’re there showing love cop Isi's Tree merch. If you enjoyed this article and would like to stay up to date with Serena and her music you can find her on Instagram, and Twitter and you can find all of your music on streaming platforms. If you want to stay up to date with news and content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and for our weekly news letter you can sign up below.
