Interviewed by Cameron Castaldi | Photos by Cameron Castaldi
The Soul Agenda Members (left to right): Zz, (backup vocals), Olivet (lead vocals), Charlie (trumpet), Noah (guitar)
How would you describe your music?
Charlie: Genre-blending
Zz: Alternative Soul
Noah: It’s very soulful.
Olivet: A little bit of R&B.
Do you have a favorite song you’ve made? Any that you’re excited to play at Farmer’s Ball?
Noah: “Mr. Freak,” it’s the best song ever…because it’s not finished, so there’s still room to grow.
Zz: I feel like the best one that we have right now is “Hot Honey” though.
Charlie: I think our group favorite is “Hot Honey.”
Olivet: I think everybody always enjoys playing that song.
Noah: We haven’t performed “Mr. Freak” yet.
Zz: You got to get us to the second round though.
What inspires you to make music?
Olivet: One of the things that inspires me most is knowing how many people haven’t gotten to sing or haven’t gotten to make music. Even in my family–like my grandpa, if he would’ve had the choice, he would’ve done music. In my mind, when I’m singing, I’m singing for the people who can’t.
Zz: It’s very community oriented. I just love the fact that I know I have people that, when they hear a song, they feel that same type of energy towards the music that I do. It’s not just lyrics and beats, it’s all of it put together.
Noah: I think for me, my favorite thing about making music is when we’re all making music. That moment, there’s a lot of synergy there. It’s like we’re all channeling something bigger than us.
Zz: It feels like a group prayer, in a way. It’s very emotional.
Olivet: I wouldn’t say that we’re a Christian group, but I think we channel a lot of that divinity through our music.
Charlie: I think I like the music part, but it’s the parts that are non-musical that make me enjoy the music more–the silly goofy moments that we have.
Who are your top three artists at the moment?
Olivet: My number one would be Amy Winehouse, one hundred percent. Number two probably would be Donny Hathaway, love that guy. Number three is Etta James, she taught me how to sing.
Zz: I would say Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Mac Miller. Mac speaks to me in a way–especially knowing that his presence is still carried on when he’s not even here. That’s powerful to know that he made a statement to the point where you’re still alive through your music.
Noah: Stevie Wonder, because he’s the goat. D’Angelo–rest in peace, and Frank Ocean. Everybody loves Frank Ocean.
Zz: If he could add a fourth one, Prince.
Charlie: Mine is kind of the same. D’Angelo is number one for me. Earth, Wind & Fire, and then Roy Hargrove. That’s a goated trumpet player. Better than Miles. Miles Davis was a mediocre trumpet player.
If you win Farmer’s Ball, how are you celebrating?
Noah: We would spend the money on recording an EP and going on tour. Celebration-wise, I think we should have an after-party.
Olivet: If not, we’ll probably still be turnt.
The Soul Agenda is one of the eight acts battling for one of the four spots in the Farmer’s Ball Finals! You can catch their performance this Friday, March 27th at Liberty Hall at this week’s Semi-Finals. Stay tuned for more band interviews on the website, and check out our social media for more information. Keep it locked!