Behind The Track: SIPHO, ‘Paranoia’

Since the release of his first EP back in 2016, SIPHO has become one of the biggest names to watch. His soulful voice carries him effortlessly through a blend of soul, electronic pop, and R&B, while singles like ‘Bodies’ and ‘We Ain’t’, and his self-produced EP And God Said…, offer an introspective take on faith and perceptions around Black male identity.

Early September saw the release of his newest single, ‘Lock It In (No Regrets)’, alongside his debut album, Prayers & Paranoia, which he performed at a Soho Rising session in London’s White City House. Following the set, we caught up with him to find out how the album track ‘Paranoia’ came to be.
 
As the UK’s COVID-19 lockdowns came to an end and the aftermath of the pandemic set in, SIPHO felt inspired to write this track. He describes walking down the street on his way to a session with musician, songwriter and producer Eg White; around him all he could see was the stress society was under. It was at that moment he had the idea for the song: ‘the distress on people’s faces, seeing people getting evicted, you could feel the thickness in the air,’ he explains. 

Following a conversation about Radiohead with White, the pair decided to write what SIPHO describes as ‘sadness and chords’ – the melody to ‘Paranoia’. Stylistically, the song was inspired by Motown and Marvin Gaye, who SIPHO had been listening to a lot in the year prior. They introduced an organ for added texture, complemented further by SIPHO’s signature soulful vocals.
 
SIPHO tells us his sound is ‘weird, colourful, whatever colour I want it to be. It’s just me, man.’ A successful concoction so far, and with ‘Paranoia’ now in his arsenal we’re anticipating his star to rise even higher. 
 
Watch the full Behind The Track video now.
 
Our Soho Rising platform uncovers emerging talent in the music industry through a series of performances around our Houses, giving members the opportunity to experience the stars of the future before everyone else. Previous artists featured include Arlo Parks, Flo, Gabriels, Griff, Holly Humberstone, Joy Crookes, and Kojey Radical.