Kele Okereke picks his favourite love song: “It’s a perfect pop moment”
In the realm of contemporary music, few figures resonate as vibrantly as Kele Okereke. As the frontman of the iconic band Bloc Party and a solo artist in his own right, Okereke stands out for his multifaceted talent, innovative approach to music, and thought-provoking lyricism.
Born in 1981 in Liverpool to Nigerian parents, Okereke’s childhood was steeped in diverse musical influences, from traditional Nigerian sounds to the emerging British punk scene. His upbringing became the fertile ground where his love for music germinated and flourished. At the turn of the millennium, Okereke’s destiny took a monumental turn when he co-founded Bloc Party in London.
Their debut album, Silent Alarm, released in 2005, propelled them to global fame. The album’s eclectic mix of indie rock, post-punk, and dance-infused rhythms showcased Okereke’s lyrical prowess and vocal versatility, cementing their place in music history. Bloc Party’s success also allowed Okereke to explore his solo endeavours while continuing to collaborate with the band. His solo albums reveal a different facet of his artistry, diving deeper into electronic sounds and showcasing his diverse musical range.
In terms of wider musical influences, Okereke’s favourites span a broad spectrum of artists and genres. For instance, ‘Once In A Lifetime’ by Talking Heads is the one song that he says never fails to get him moving. “It’s got a really infectious rhythm that always makes me want to move,” he told The Guardian. “The last time I heard it was in New York, where I’ve been living, at a minimal techno dance party; it shouldn’t have really worked but it did.”
Music also has a profoundly nostalgic impact on Okereke, particularly Foo Fighters’ popular track ‘Everlong’, which he says reminds him of summer days studying for his A-Levels. “At sixth form college, I fell in with kids who were really into music,” he recalled. “We would sit in Woodford Green, near our school, getting drunk, and my friend Matt would play ‘Everlong’ on his acoustic guitar. There is something so yearning about the initial chord sequence. It still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.”
Like many others, Kate Bush also has the ability to make him realise his innate connection to music. ‘House of Love’, in particular, is one song that makes him feel the most like himself. “The first time I heard it I was sitting in a reclining sofa,” he said. “As the beat started I was transported somewhere else. Her voice, the imagery, the huge drum sound: it seemed to capture everything for me. As a songwriter you’re constantly chasing that feeling. I learned that recording should be about capturing drama as succinctly as possible so it can be translated to other people.”
However, when discussing the best love songs of all time, Okereke opts for a popular choice: The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’. “The admission that however intense the feeling of love you’re experiencing might not last, but at this moment, it is all that is keeping you going – that’s a beautiful idea,” he explains. “The tone, his voice, the arrangement: it’s a perfect pop moment. Nothing is superfluous.”
