News Sinkane: ‘This Record Is A New Beginning For Me’

By technicality and definition, Ahmed Gallab’s Sinkane project shouldn’t strictly be featured on the pages of Neu. He’s four albums in, after all, after the release of ‘Mars’, so by all means he’s something of an established artist. Add to this the fact that his musical experience runs deep, with a musical CV to render all others pathetic, having worked alongside Yeasayer and Of Montreal following his move to Brooklyn. ‘Mars’ is a new start, though. It’s his first album on an established label - the beloved DFA Records - and represents the sound of a whole bunch of thrilling ideas bubbling up to the surface. Some call it his fourth work, but most people are referring to ‘Mars’ as Ahmed’s debut proper. Energised and free-thinking, it begins with the hyped-up ‘Runnin’ and never takes a look backwards, only furthering its cause as one of the most dynamic and refreshing debuts of the year so far. Neu spoke to Sinkane about his background - moving from Sudan to the U.S., establishing himself within Brooklyn circles - to the past few months, all characterised by the turning of a new musical leaf.



There’s a statement on your Facebook bio saying “reboot, refresh, restart” - does this mean you’re the philosophical type? What do you do to unwind?
That is a lyric from Erykah Badu’s song ‘The Healer’. She says “Reboot, refresh, restart. Fresh Page, new day, O.G.’s, New Key.” I think what she’s trying to say is “re-invent yourself” which she did very well on that record. That record and ethos was a huge inspiration while making ‘Mars’.

‘Mars’ isn’t actually your full-length debut although tons of publications are referring to you as a new artist - is this at all frustrating?
No. This record is very much a new beginning for me. I love the work I did in the past but that already happened.

Does ‘Mars’ feel like an entirely different body of work to ‘Color Voice’ and your self-titled record?
Yes absolutely. Playing with Caribou, of Montreal and Yeasayer really influenced me to make better music and I feel like I did that with “Mars”. Looking back at the old records I realize that I didn’t edit myself much at all. I would just play until I got tired and then try to make something out of what I had. Not really the most thoughtful way to make music.

‘Runnin’’ to me is the best thing you’ve put your name to. How did that song come about? It sounds like a really fun song to write and record - was that the case?
The original version of that song was instrumental. I wanted to release it inconspicuously and see if I could convince people that it was a lost song from a no-name psychedelic Nigerian band from the 70s. But as I continued to work on the record the joke started to get old. It was a fun one to make.

Have other bands you’ve worked closely with - Of Montreal, Yeasayer, Caribou - given you any advice on how to go about your career?
Caribou are my mentors and brothers. They have given me so much support and love. I am endlessly inspired by them and owe them so much for introducing me into the game. Anand Wilder (Yeasayer) and I are close friends. He’s a really great guy and I absolutely respect him. We play basketball together and, recently, I’ve enjoyed going over to his house and listening to records with his new born daughter Uma and wonderful wife Jo.

Does your experience of moving to the United States in political exile in 1989 rub off at all on your songwriting? Your Father was a political journalist but you’ve taken an entirely different career choice, but do these paths cross at all, in any way?
‘Runnin’ is about as conversation my father and I have had an endless times. He would always tell me that, being a foreigner, I need to work extra hard so as to prove my worth to people. Him and my mother are my greatest inspiration.

Sinkane’s ‘Mars’ is out now through DFA (US) and City Slang (Europe/UK). Stream in full on NPR.