Yola explains why she refuses to be categorized as country

I had the luxury of sitting down with the incomparable Yola. Our conversation spanned her powerful personal journey, from her upbringing and navigating her mother’s mental health challenges, to pushing back against an industry that once pressured her to filter her music through a white gaze.

A singer, songwriter, actress, and proud actor, Yola refuses to be confined to any one identity or genre. Her sound defies categorization, blending everything from soul and country to rock and pop. We explored her work on stage and in film, and unpacked the unique, unapologetic role she plays in reshaping the music industry from the inside out.