All Of It: Uede Performs Her Debut Live

Hosted by Alison Stewart | Released April 24, 2025 | WNYC

1. Introduction of the Guest

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes singer-songwriter Uede to WNYC Studio 5. Uede is making her live debut performance for her first full-length album, "Florilegium". The album title, derived from Latin, signifies an anthology of writings, reflecting Uede's rich academic background. She studied classics at Columbia and Oxford and is currently pursuing a PhD at Stanford University.

Notable Quote:

Alison Stewart [00:38]: "Florilegium comes out this Friday and Uede will be at Baby's All Right tonight. But first, she's here with me live in WNYC Studio 5 to play us some songs."

2. Discussion on Debut Album "Florilegium"

Uede delves into the inspiration behind "Florilegium", explaining that the title is inspired by Ovid's Metamorphosis, reflecting themes of transformation and nature. She emphasizes the album’s floral motifs as symbols of natural beauty and effortless existence.

Notable Quote:

Uede [20:25]: "Because they're so beautiful. And they don't have to try to be. They just are."

3. Live Performance Highlights

a. "Call It a Draw" Uede opens her set with the first single from her album, "Call It a Draw," a song born out of personal heartbreak. Written in December 2023 after the end of a long-term relationship, the track showcases her ability to channel emotions into music.

Notable Quote:

Uede [04:05]: "I just ended a long-term relationship and I didn't know what to do with myself. So I wrote this song and it really helped."

b. "Do You See the Light Around Me" Next, Uede performs "Do You See the Light Around Me," an older song from 2022 that marks a stylistic shift towards more electronic production and upbeat rhythms, reflecting her growth as an artist.

Notable Quote:

Uede [13:45]: "It's kind of like a hot song, as my mom says. And she loves, you know, when I write more upbeat music."

c. "Harmaton" To conclude her live set, Uede presents "Harmaton," a song inspired by the Harmattan season in West Africa, blending her Nigerian heritage with her musical expression.

4. The Creative Process

Uede discusses her songwriting approach, particularly for "Call It a Draw," which relied more on improvisation than traditional structure. This method allowed her to authentically convey her emotions without the constraints of crafting a melodic journey for the listener.

Notable Quote:

Uede [04:42]: "I just let myself pick some chords that I liked. I'm like, I'm just gonna see what comes with this as inspiration."

5. Collaboration with Fleet Foxes

A significant moment in the interview is the inclusion of a clip from Robert Pecknell of Fleet Foxes, who praises Uede's vocal performance on their album. This collaboration has been pivotal in launching her career, leading to opportunities such as gaining a manager, touring, and eventually producing her own album.

Notable Quote:

Robert Pecknell [07:30]: "Her voice is just so amazing. It was like, that was exactly how I wanted that song to be sung."

Uede’s Reflection:

Uede [08:15]: "Every time I hear him say anything about me, I'm so flattered. He feels like a friend."

6. Academic Pursuits and Intersection with Music

Balancing her musical career with academia, Uede is pursuing a PhD focused on the relationship between literature and enslavement in the ancient world. She explores how formerly enslaved individuals contributed to literary forms in ancient Greece and Rome, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.

Notable Quote:

Uede [16:58]: "I'm interested in the relationship between literature and enslavement in the ancient world and the writings of the formerly enslaved."

Collaboration of Interests:

Uede [18:19]: "I've written a song inspired by book four of the Idiot, so that is in my catalog."

7. Themes and Inspirations

"Florilegium" centers around themes of gratitude and natural beauty, with each song symbolizing flowers as representations of effortless beauty and appreciation. Uede expresses her gratitude to listeners, friends, and family through her music.

Notable Quote:

Uede [21:43]: "Florilegium. Florilegium."
Alison Stewart [21:43]: "You've called the songs on this album Flowers of Gratitude."
Uede [21:43]: "Yes... here are my flowers to you."

8. Future Plans and Personal Insights

Uede expresses a desire to perform in Nigeria, embracing her Nigerian heritage and the vibrant West African music scene. She envisions a homecoming show that celebrates her roots and the energetic music culture of Nigeria.

Notable Quote:

Uede [22:13]: "I would love to do like a homecoming show there."

9. Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting the release of "Florilegium" and Uede’s upcoming performance at Baby's All Right. Uede conveys her gratitude to the listeners and the WNYC community for their support on her artistic journey.

Notable Quote:

Uede [27:14]: "Her album is out tomorrow. She'll be at Baby's All Right tonight. Thank you so much for being with us."

Final Thoughts

Uede's debut on All Of It offers a profound glimpse into her multifaceted life as an artist and scholar. Her ability to intertwine personal experiences with academic interests creates a unique narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. "Florilegium" stands as a testament to her dedication to both her craft and her intellectual pursuits, promising a rich and engaging journey for her audience.

For more episodes of All Of It, tune in weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC.