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Solange Talks Musical Hiatus and 'Hadley St. Dreams'

Posted Jul 23rd 2008 12:30PM by Tracey Ford
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Solange Knowles is often described as R&B superstar Beyonce's little sister, but the singer-songwriter plans on proving that she's much more when she releases her sophomore album, 'Sol Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams,' on August 26. Solange exudes confidence and excitement when discussing her new project, but the singer admits there was a time when she thought she'd never record another album. "I got very compassionate about my son and writing for other artists," Solange told the BoomBox. "[It] wasnt really a musical hiatus because I was writing for Destiny's Child and [Beyonce], so it wasn't completely a musical hiatus, but it did take the time away from doing my own record."

Writing for her big sis wasn't the only thing keeping Solange from working on her own record. The 22-year-old experienced motherhood, marriage and eventually divorce during her break from the limelight. Solange credits these experiences with giving her album a "mature tone." "Well when you're fifteen you don't have much to talk about, but I have a lot more substance to sing about and more stories to tell," Solange explained.

So when it came time to write material for her upcoming album, Solange found inspiration in the good and bad in relationships. "I pick up concepts from friends who tell me about their triflin' boyfriends," Solange joked. "Mostly people will say certain things and I'll [think] 'yo, that's a dope title and I'll draw from that. A lot of times I draw from my personal life. But they all tell stories and I always try to make sure they are concept songs and not just 'I like you. You like me. Lets go live like a happy family."

And while we all know relationships have their ups and downs, Solange admits the recording process had it's tough times as well. "Every producer that worked on this project had to hear my material before they signed on," the singer admits. "I don't think it was offensive. I understand that these are people that want to take on credible passionate projects. So before I would work with them I would schedule a meeting and play them the record. And then they were more convinced and willing to get on board."

When it was all said and done, 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' was born. The album, with its "electronic soul" vibe, features production by Cee-Lo, Raphael Saadiq, Polow Da Don, Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, who produced the first single 'I Decided.' Lil Wayne, Q-Tip, Bilal and Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius will also appear on he upcoming record. Solange recently shot the video for the album's second single 'Sandcastle Disco,' featuring Q-Tip. Buy 'I Decided' on iTunes.