For Yinka Williams, moving forward doesn't necessarily mean forgetting what came before. The UK singer-songwriter is steadily developing a distinctive space within contemporary soul and R&B, combining emotionally direct storytelling with a willingness to reach beyond conventional genre boundaries.
Her latest single ‘We Can’t Start It Again’ captures that approach beautifully. Centred on the difficult but ultimately liberating decision to close a chapter for good, the track explores resilience, self-worth and recognising when returning to the past is no longer the answer. Yinka's expressive vocals carry echoes of classic 2000s R&B, while dreamy guitars, organic instrumentation and subtle country-pop touches give the song an unexpectedly expansive character.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I think it was the piano and I started lessons in primary school but I unfortunately never kept it up. That is definitely something I regret. Especially when I discovered Alicia Keys being able to sing and play, I wanted to be her lol. A close second love has to be the sax, which I fell in love obviously from Lisa Simpson first.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I had such a diverse range of music, growing up with Caribbean heritage it was reggae music, lovers rock, with Celine Dion. My mum loved UB40, Joan Amatrady & Gabrielle and naturally so did I, then I went through the indie stage the kooks and I love a bit of Bon Jovi. These were definitely staples in my house.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think my first album was Destiny Child the writings on the wall classic, followed by Alicia Keys songs in A minor the Xtina stripped!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“If I ain't got you” that song will never get old. It's just beautiful, the lyrics, I feel I can deeply relate to this song and it just feels like my story. Masterpiece.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I visualise a video, I know that sounds very strange but creating the picture in my mind helps me write the lyrics and tell the story. I always end up writing the chorus first and the most catchy part, then struggle with the second verse lol I like my songs to end with an uplifting message to, because that represents me and how I cope with everything in life always have hope and things will get better or could be worse.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It really depends on my mood but for sure on my playlist Shae Universe, Cleo Sol, Sinade Harnet & Stormzy.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would have to say Ed Sheeran without a doubt he is phenomenal. I love the simplicity of his shows and it's just about him and the music, very inspiring to me and to duet with him on a track wow! Life goal made.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part for me I have 2 things 1 is the people making people feel something when they hear my music, seeing the emotion and also how they interpret my songs that brings me a lot of joy. 2nd I would say the creating process, being in the studio with musicians and working to create something magical. The feeling is just beautiful, the time goes so quickly and you don’t realise you have been in the studio for hours.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part I feel is the mental battles, as an independent artist you really have to do it all and be your own biggest cheerleader. I am human so I get those times where you second guess yourself and you have to push through mentally. I think mentally it can be so hard to be and artist, but the drive is the passion and love we have for our craft and not doing it is worse than the struggle 100%.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I have received was that voices are subjective, some will love you some will not.” I am definitely an over thinker and I was (still am but im working on it lol) very hard on myself. Hearing this from another vocalist really just changed the way I thought for the better. It helped lift a weight I put onto myself, and whenever a little devil voice comes in. I remember that advice.
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Yinka Williams' new single 'We Can't Start It Again' is out now. Check it out in the player below.