TextNigerian-British, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, any mention of Seye Adelekan’s accomplishments is bound to come with a lot of dashes (—’s). Best known as the live bassist for the Gorillaz, Seye has been working with lead singer Damon Albarn since 2011 when he joined the musical collective Africa Express. Also part of Albarn’s The Heavy Seas solo project, Adelekan's working relationship with Albarn now spans more than a decade. Before teaming up with the former Blur frontman, Adelekan was a touring musician for Lana Del Ray and Emeli Sandé in between a solo career and his work as a member of the supergroup Youth of the Apocalypse. A lengthy rock n roll resume for someone just 33-year-old, Adelekanhe continues to be the go-to bassist for the world’s most famous and accomplished virtual band. Despite his non-stop music schedule, Seye was gracious enough to find the time to answer some questions and pass along a playlist with some of his favorite songs— all this just hours before he took the stage with the Gorillaz in Glastonbury last month.
Nigerian-British, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, any mention of Seye Adelekan’s accomplishments is bound to come with a lot of dashes (—’s). Best known as the live bassist for the Gorillaz, Seye has been working with lead singer Damon Albarn since 2011 when he joined the musical collective Africa Express. Also part of Albarn’s The Heavy Seas solo project, Adelekan's working relationship with Albarn now spans more than a decade. Before teaming up with the former Blur frontman, Adelekan was a touring musician for Lana Del Ray and Emeli Sandé in between a solo career and his work as a member of the supergroup Youth of the Apocalypse. A lengthy rock n roll resume for someone just 33-year-old, Adelekanhe continues to be the go-to bassist for the world’s most famous and accomplished virtual band. Despite his non-stop music schedule, Seye was gracious enough to find the time to answer some questions and pass along a playlist with some of his favorite songs— all this just hours before he took the stage with the Gorillaz in Glastonbury last month.
Q+A
You've toured with and/or been a member of some great bands. Give us your favorite song by each.
With Gorillaz: “Last Living Souls”
With Damon solo: “Lonely Press Play”
With Paloma Faith: "Do you want the truth or something beautiful"
With YOTA: “Fire in my Mind”
With The Very Best: “Makes a King”
You're a multi-instrumentalist, are there any instruments that have you baffled?
The Didgeridoo makes zero sense to me
Describe your playing style.
I play with my whole body! You'll often catch me running around the stage and head banging or with an animated face. I play pretty passionately.
How did you get involved with the Gorillaz?
I met Damon in 2012 as I was invited on Africa Express and ended up getting on musically there, jamming with him and the likes of Tony Allen and Sir Paul McCartney. He then asked me to get involved in his solo album band (The Heavy Seas) and go with them to Mali to work on an Africa Express album. Then after the Everyday Robots I was asked to get involved with Gorillaz and I haven't looked back since When I saw the Gorillaz there were SO many special guests, including Bobby Womack, and what I remember to be a small orchestra from Europe.
Is it always that crazy? Do you have any specific/special memories that stick out in your mind as a highlight?
The short answer is kind of Yes... haha. The great thing about working with someone like Damon is that there is always this refreshing and astonishing revolving door of collaborators to work with. From absolute legends like George Benson (which was a highlight I still can't believe) and just recently we played with Robert Smith for our live stream in December. “Song Machine” live (that was a mad trip I will never forget). We also get to work with artists just starting out or with cool choirs. It's all special to me and to the amazing fans.
How did the Gorrilaz deal with the pandemic?
Damon wrote amazing tunes and Jamie matched it with ridiculous art!
