The Alchemy Of Solange’s “A Seat At The Table”

Lauren R.D. Fox

Featured On MadameNoire.com, October 1, 2016 

This week, Solange has continued to bless us with more gifts following the release of her album A Seat At The Table (ASATT). After the album debuted last Friday, the 30-year-old musician released two music videos and is finally revealing how she created the number one album.

In a video titled, Beginning Stages: A Look Into Solange’s Songwriting Process & Jam Sessions That Shaped ASATT, we see Solange arranging a song in Long Island during the summer of 2013. The video showcases the singer performing background vocals and hooks on a few tracks with the help of musicians, engineers, and producers.

From Long Island, Solange is seen traveling between New Iberia and New Orleans, Louisiana juggling motherhood and the conception of the album. In some scenes Solange is sans makeup, donning an afro or twist out, performing riffs and playing the piano. In others, she confidently crafts lyrics together while wearing a must-have red lipstick or shoes that naturally define her bold and eclectic personality.

Although there’s barely any speaking in the video, Solange allows viewers to make meaning of her creative process for themselves. Sometimes it’s just her, silence and nature. Other times, she can be found unfolding and laying down verse after verse by jotting down hooks on a whiteboard or acting as though she’s performing the album live in front of millions. One thing is for certain: her dedication to her craft, personality and work is untouchable. Solange doesn’t work hard, she works smart. In a series of Instagram posts, she’s repeatedly stated that ASATT has been in the making for 4-plus years. And of those years documented, we can see why ASATT is highly revered for such a time as this.