Irish artist Aby Coulibaly: ‘Coldplay hasn’t sunk in yet. I never expected something like this to happen’
Due to support Coldplay at all of their Irish gigs later, it's already been a pretty amazing summer for Aby Coulibaly who just finished touring with Olivia Dean before taking to the Jameson Connects Circle Stage at All Together Now.
Supporting Olivia Dean on tour was amazing!
It was my first time touring with someone so I learned a lot and had so much fun.
Coldplay hasn’t even sunk in yet, to be honest.
I grew up listening to them and never expected something like this to happen, especially now so I’m just trying to take it in. I’m absolutely buzzing for it.
I grew up listening to so many different genres so I love to blend sounds or just make music that I like.
Sometimes I don’t even know what genre I just made but I like the sound. I don’t like to put the music I make into one box, so I guess that’s where it comes from. There are so many bands/artists I love, I don’t even know where to start but to name a few: Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jordan Rakei, James Blake and SiR.
I find songwriting cathartic.
I’ve only ever written songs about personal experiences so for me, it’s the best way to express myself and how I’m feeling or how I felt about something.
Festivals are just different because its the perfect environment for people to discover new music and new artists they never knew before.
I don’t know how to explain it, but they’re always good vibes and good energy. Everyone’s just happy and usually, it’s sunny too. When it comes to performing, my main thing is that I have fun on stage because if I’m having a good time, then the people watching or passing by can feel that and they’ll have a good time with me.
I was most excited to see The Wailers at All Together Now, 10,000%.
I’m so glad they were playing on the same day as me so I could see them. I grew up listening to Bob Marley and The Wailers thanks to my dad. He actually came to All Together Now in 2022 when I played there for the first time. He passed away last year so it’s really bittersweet.
Karaoke song?
A classic like Otis Redding.
Favourite artist?
Jordan Rakei.
Song everyone should listen to?
“Walk Of Fire” by Kurtis Wells.
Best gig you’ve been to?
Jordan Rakei.
Song you wish you’d written?
“Seigfried”, Frank Ocean.
Career highlight?
Supporting Coldplay.
Dream collaboration?
James Blake/Frank Ocean.
Guilty pleasure song?
“So Good”, Bratz.
First album you ever bought?
Probably Miley Cyrus’ Breakout or Good Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna.
Favourite lyric from one of your songs?
“I don’t hate you but I don’t rate you.”
Best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The same way a tree produces fruit every year, no matter what anyone decides to do with its fruit, make your art regardless of who likes or dislikes it.
Favourite song to perform live?
“Weekdays”.
The song that gets you dancing?
“Ojuelegba” by Wizkid.
Most challenging song you’ve written?
Probably one of my demos I haven’t released yet about deeper topics.
One thing you can’t live without while on tour?
My skincare!
Photography courtesy of Aby Coulibaly.
Aby Coulibaly was one of many Irish artists to take to the stage at the Jameson Connects The Circle stage at All Together Now.
Also Read
