IN CONVERSATION WITH GEO BADDOO

London-based soul-R&B artist Geo Baddoo blends timeless influences with a modern touch. Her new single ‘My Turn’ (out March 21) is a bold statement of self-worth. Having toured with The Teskey Brothers, she continues to make her mark with soulful, introspective music.

My Turn’ feels like a powerful statement of self-worth and growth. What was the turning point that led you to write this song?

Over the years I’ve experienced periods of serious self-doubt and creative blocks, sometimes feeling completely disconnected from my own voice. A few years ago I hit a point where I had to ask myself what kind of life I truly wanted. Deep down, I know that being an artist is and has always been my path, but fear made it hard to trust myself. Thankfully I worked through that, reconnected with myself, and My Turn is a reflection of that shift. It’s me stepping forward and declaring that I know what I’m bringing to the table and I’m completely tuned into that. It’s a mantra!

You wrote and produced ‘My Turn’ yourself. How does having full creative control impact the way you tell your story through music?

I co-produced My Turn with Steve Marshall. It’s a learning experience because I was able to trial and error different ideas, to add and take away things as much as I wanted to. Once in the studio, the story of the song actually developed beyond the initial lyrics. The freedom to improvise and free-fall unlocked new meanings that ended up in the final track.

Your sound blends soul, R&B, jazz, and Caribbean influences. How do these different styles come together naturally in your music?

I think I’ve just internalised a lot of music styles from the breadth of what I’ve always listened to. I never set out with a particular genre or style in mind, which is probably why nods to different styles can be heard within each song. I just respond to where the feeling of the song is taking me - it’s clear when something works or doesn’t work. Sometimes we come across a sonic element and think “this isn’t for this track, but let’s write that down and come back to it when we’re doing something more x”. I think creating music is like building a vocabulary or a tool box.

Sade, Erykah Badu, and Tracy Chapman are some of your inspirations. What is it about their artistry that speaks to you the most?

Three amazing artists - all so different with their own unique qualities that I admire. Something linking them for me is the softness they carry in combination with the strength. I love this duality - a steady energy combined with subtlety, sensitivity and fluidity. This really speaks to me as an artist and as a person in general.

You grew up in Somerset, surrounded by music from an early age. How did that environment shape the way you approach songwriting?

I was constantly making up songs as far back as I remember - it was genuinely relentless so I am sorry to my brother. I’m very grateful that I grew up in a home environment that totallynurtured and encouraged that part of me. I was free to express my creativity, and I even recorded an album at home when I was about 7. Every track was basically just improvised off-key singing about my dog and we burned it onto a CD. My dad exposed me to so much music, from Destiny’s Child and Usher to Willie Nelson, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Nina Simone. Life changing times. I can remember so well the feeling of the music I was hearing as a kid, and the impact it had on me. Albums were on loop, lyrics were being studied word by word. The vocabulary/tool box was building in my subconscious!

You’ve performed at iconic venues like Union Chapel and toured with The Teskey Brothers. What have those experiences taught you as an artist?

Creating music for me has been a really introspective experience so far, and the journey of turning a true life story into a song can be isolating (and healing). The experience of sharing this, and facing outwards with it, is priceless. Connecting with people over the human experiences we’re having, seeing faces and feeling something together is really special. I really appreciated touring and creating that physical connection with people beyond the boundaries of language.

The lyrics of ‘My Turn’ talk about breaking cycles and stepping into your power. How has your perspective on self-worth evolved over time?

It’s still evolving but over time I’ve managed to develop an honest relationship with myself. I’m definitely not 100% thriving and confident at all times, but I’ve worked to establish an ongoing dialogue with my inner world and stopped avoiding what’s going on in there. Avoidance brings deep problems. I’ve learnt that if I’m not in tune with what’s really happening inside, I can become absorbed in things that don’t align with me spiritually. This in itself is a power move I think, just listening to myself in all seasons and keeping it real.

As both a vocalist and producer, do you approach songwriting differently when you know you'll be shaping the full production as well?

For sure. A large part of my songwriting process is improvisation, I like to just freely sing on simple rhythms and see what comes. Then I just respond to that in creating everything else. If I’m working on something made by another producer then I still improvise to catch a melody idea / lyrical themes, but I’m responding to the intonations already in the music.

You’re preparing for a series of releases leading up to your debut project in 2026. How do these new songs build on the themes and sounds you’ve explored so far?

In terms of themes, the new music I have coming up definitely explores different sides of the journey I’m on to navigate my place in this life. We’re all on that journey and all have our own ways to make sense of it. My Turn definitely marks where my head is at the moment, and I’m looking forward to sharing more parts of this story - the good and bad. In terms of sound, youcan expect to hear some new flavours as a result of collaborations, including international ones. It’s been really fun to join forces with others to create something totally unique.

Your music carries a deep emotional honesty. What do you hope listeners take away from your songs, especially ‘My Turn’?

Thank you. My songs are the receipts of my ongoing self discovery journey, and I’m not trying to teach anyone anything. Everyday is just about finding balance within yourself and that’s not always easy to do. There’s beauty and mess all around. If my music makes people stop and feel something, then that’s a beautiful exchange to me.