Idele
Soft yet self-assured, rich with emotional depth, and unapologetically honest—Idele is crafting her own lane in the UK alt-R&B scene.
Her debut EP 'I wish I never knew you' is a raw, genre-blurring journey through infatuation, heartbreak, and healing. With a tone that lingers, production that pulses, and lyrics that feel lifted straight from your inner monologue, Idele doesn’t just reflect on love—she reclaims her power from it.
Written across a span of three years and sparked by a chance connection during a music course, 'I wish I never knew you' is as diaristic as it is deliberate. Whether she’s navigating fictional flirtations or real-life emotional fallout, Idele brings a captivating sense of duality to every track—soft but never passive, vulnerable but always in control. With a double co-sign from Timbaland and a growing community of listeners drawn to her intimate storytelling, Idele is proving she’s not just one to watch—she’s one to feel.
Photo Taken From Instagram
GRRRL Music: Your debut EP, I wish I never knew you, is out now! What was the inspiration behind the project, and what story are you telling through these songs?
Idele: The project came about like a puzzle to be honest. 3 years ago I knew I wanted to create an EP so I got to writing and producing hoping to make an EP from that. I created “Something Good” and “Over” in that time. However I ended up attending a music course in October ‘23 which required me to create weekly songs in different groups. During the 9 month course, I fell for a classmate and collaborator and drew inspiration from those feelings to create and complete songs that would unknowingly become part of this project. I guess this is my long winded way of saying, my initial vision of what my debut EP would be about wasn’t this, but I happily pivoted (and glad I did) and drew inspiration from all that was going on in my life, especially the short relationship I had. “I wish I never knew you” tells a journey of how I felt about my ex (healing girlies!!! We aren’t in pain anymore).
GM: The emotions on this project feel deeply personal. Were there any songs that were especially hard—or cathartic—to write?
I: Most definitely! Despite the concept being based on my relationship, the songs were inspired by by their own situations. The two hardest song to write were “Something Good” and “Never Change”. “Something good” is an affirmation song about knowing your worth and knowing it’s being seen by an interest. At the time I wrote it, I didn’t feel like that haha! It was definitely a blag! With “Never Change” the difficulty came from me feeling so negatively. I initially started the song with someone else in mind but in the process realised my ex was also inflicting emotional distress so I drew from that too. Honestly, “My man” is the one song that probably was the easiest as it is fictional! Diamond and I just ended up writing similar lyrics in our own time and decided to go with a “The boy is mine” (Brandy & Monica) kinda vibe!“I like this (A Lot)” is definitely theeeee most cathartic! As soon as I heard the synth sample I immediately sang the hook because I loved it so much! We recorded it, played with the pitch and then completed the song!! I had a few crushes so Yoli J and I had a lot of material to draw from!
GM: Your vocal delivery is so effortlessly smooth and emotive. How do you approach using your voice to tell a story beyond just the lyrics?
I: Thank you so much! I think I’m now aware - having been told repeatedly - that my voice is emotive. I’ve not hard the easiest of upbringings so I guess the emotion comes from that pain? Music was a release for me at that time. Now being a “professional” (LOL) I guess I know more about placements of breathy notes, riffs and all that jazz! Realistically, 99% of the time I just go for it and see what I like and what sticks as I tend to like the rawness and imperfections in my voice and music in general!
GM: You’ve received a double co-sign from Timbaland—which is HUGE! How did that moment feel, and did it shift anything for you as an artist?
I: Arghhhhh! I can’t believe it! The first time was so surreal! I remember speaking to my ex (at this point maybe we should code name *HIM*) and mentioned how scared I was to submit to Timbaland because I thought my music was sub par especially my voice. However hearing my Timbaland speak so highly of my voice and tone, ignited a new sense of confidence in me. The second time round I was even more fearful as this time I was doing it single and didn’t know if I had improved. Stupidly of me I submitted songs written within a similar time frame so the feedback about my writing still stood but Timbaland still loved my voice and gave me my second mission passed. To have had that opportunity and to have received feedback from Timbaland and his team is a life and career highlight!
GM: The UK alternative R&B scene is growing fast. Do you feel like there’s a unique energy coming out of the UK right now, and how do you see yourself within that space?
I: Hmmmmmmmmm!!! They might not like me for thisss oneeeeeee! Things began to click for me when I stopped trying to limit who I reached out to in the UK scene. There is a unique energy from the underground and independent Altternative R&B scene in London HOWEVERRRRR a lot more could be done by everyone especially power players and curators to highlight newer talents in the scene. Some days it seems like it’s the same 10 names performing year in and year out as “fresh” and “new” acts. Loads of big fishes in the small pond, with no space for us smaller fishes. I’m happy I changed my mindset and refused to let myself be limited. Working with people and sharing my music internationally as opposed to trying to get my home town to tune in first. I’m going where I’m loved and received.
GM: Now that the EP is out, what’s next? Are there live shows, visuals, or new music already in the works?
I: So I didn’t expect my EP to be this well received. I’m still so grateful on how much people love the body of work! I planned on releasing two more EPs but given how well this one is going, I’m going to give it space to breathe and go back to the drawing board to make sure the next set of songs are next level!! Manifesting being successful in getting the funding for some visuals but whilst that’s going on, I’m gigging around London and hopefully in other cities soon!