Brooklyn-based producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Bad Colours returns with his fourth LP ‘Promise’ on Bastard Jazz. The project marks another evolution for Ibe Soliman, whose career has seen him DJ alongside James Murphy, Mark Ronson, and Q-Tip, and produce for the mighty Kendrick Lamar and Faith Evans. We sat down the artist to discuss the exciting full-length journey that dropped last week! 

WWD: Welcome to When We Dip! Where are you this moment and how are you spending the today?

In Brooklyn, I just got back from a run, so I’m feeling great.

WWD: Where are you from and where are based currently?

Born in London, raised in Maryland, and have been in NYC for half of my life. 

WWD: What is it you love most about the city in which you live today?

You never know who or what you’ll see.

WWD: How is the health of the music scene where you are?

It’s solid. There are spaces to fit in for everyone here.

WWD: Who are the icons who have inspired the music that you make?

Prince, Timbaland, Jamiroquai, Battle Cat, Larry Heard, DJ Premier, Todd Edwards.

WWD: How did you come to meet the Bastard Jazz crew?

I close friend of mine, Kheedim Oh of Mama O’s Kimchi fame, is a good friend of Aaron’s. We had been cool for a few years, but I never really played him stuff. One day I did, and here we are.

WWD: Why did you feel the label was the right home for your release?

Aaron has always allowed his artists to create what they want to create. I couldn’t imagine working with a label that constrains its artists.

WWD: Can you give a brief overview of your huge new album?

‘Promise’ is a sort of late-night reflection on connection, movement, and trust. It blurs the line between club catharsis and emotional honesty.

WWD: How long did it take to come together? Did it flow easily, or did it take time to perfect?

It took a while to start since I was going through the things that are on the album, but once it started, it flowed easily. Luckily, no one really dragged their feet with the features.

WWD: Tell us about some of the other collaborators involved in the release.

I have the usual gang of Jarv Dee, Marcus Harmon, KAS, Cor.Ece, along with Rachel Kitchlew, Dan the Band, and Life on Planets.

WWD: Do you take some time – after you have made a track – to leave it alone for a while to evaluate?

Yeah for sure. Sometimes your ears will lie to you in the moment, so it’s always good to give it space.

WWD: Do you find the feedback of others is important to you in the production process?

Ya, I have a few trusted ears from friends that I like to play stuff for.

WWD: What drives you to create music? 

Hard to say, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

WWD: What other artists do you think are making great music right now?

I’d say all the collaborators who helped in this project. Some of them are from opposite worlds, but I love the stuff they do.

WWD: What was the last record you purchased?

POSY – ‘Abroad’

WWD: What has been a highlight of the last year for you?

Having a song used for an official Valorant Rising Stars YouTube series. I’ve gotten stuff into TV/shows, but this was the first entry into the gaming world. I played a lot of games as a kid, so hopefully there’s more of that.

WWD: What can we expect next from Bad Colours?

Working on some visuals and hopefully bringing tunes to a city near you!

WWD: Amazing! Thanks for the chat 🙂

The ‘Promise’ LP is available here