“I Do Believe That People Grow In All Aspects Of Life”: Jalen Ngonda On His Transformative Sophomore Album

With his seminal sophomore record, Doctrine of Love, a substantiate of his reputation as a modern soul great, Jalen Ngonda dives into his process, collaborations, and looks ahead to a busy summer.

Jalen Ngonda isn’t the kind of artist who will go through stark changes in artistic philosophy between projects. Instead, the Maryland-born, London-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has sought after his sonic formula and cemented his vision, now building out his vibrant musical core, rather than re-inventing himself at each passing checkpoint.

Ngonda’s sound swims in the deep, rewarding ocean of soul music. With his songwriting brevity, breathtaking voice, and rich, layered compositions, Ngonda’s work is a snapshot of the past, reminiscent of genre icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Influenced by blues, R&B, Motown and rock’n’roll characteristics, his cultured and classic approach oozes homage without ever feeling pastiche. It’s fresh, inventive and modern, while sustaining itself in soundscapes that are fit for a sonic status quo of decades prior.

Ngonda’s excellent 2023 debut album, Come Around and Love Me, announced him as a significant force in contemporary soul music. Now, after featuring on projects from Jordan Rakei and Gorillaz respectively, the 32-year-old has returned with a dazzling sophomore record, Doctrine of Love, released via American indie label Daptone Records on 5th June.

You won’t have heard a smoother collection of songs all year; there’s such an ease to the listening experience of Ngonda’s second LP. Light, groove-laden mixes, a subtle symphony of instrumentation, jaw-dropping vocal performances of range, nuance and gusto. The record is everything you want from a soul body of work. It’s a sign of Ngonda’s steady and assured growth as a polymathic creative. A real treat for the ears.

Speaking exclusively with Man About Town, below Ngonda digs into the thoughts and feelings behind the album, pinpoints the joys of collaboration, and looks ahead to a busy summer on the road.

Why soul music? What is it about the style that captures your imagination and drives your creativity? 

I’m really into soul music from the 1960s and early ‘70s, and my writing is reflective of that love for that sound and era. I love the process of songwriting, and that time was when songs were written for radio, so short and to the point!

Congratulations on your new album; it’s a stunning piece of work. Can you remember its genesis? How did the initial idea grow into this cinematic, cohesive masterclass?

I started working on the album a little over a couple of years ago, and the songs are inspired by what I was listening to at the time. I didn’t have a definitive vision of how it would end up sounding. But with the help of the producers and musicians involved, it ended up being what it is, and I’m very proud of it.

Where does the album title, Doctrine of Love, originate? What does it mean to you?

I wrote the song “Doctrine of Love” at the beginning of the writing process and just chose that to be the album title because of its originality. The song doesn’t really have any specific meaning to me, but when I wrote it, if I am honest, I thought of Doctrine as being like a doctorate, so it ended up a kind of happy accident that the LP was named that, after all, love is very much a universal thing, and we need as much of it in our lives as we can get!

In what ways – personally and musically – did you grow between your 2023 debut album Come Around and Love Me and this sophomore?

I do believe that people grow in all aspects of life. For me, I have continually worked on perfecting my craft. Touring a lot is both hard work and inspiring at the same time. I love to play around with the arrangements and ways to deliver the songs over time and deliver unique shows and experiences, so it all feeds back into the process. I write a lot as well; it’s a part of the work that I really enjoy, luckily.

How was the experience of working with Michael Buckley and Vincent Chiarito on the production and arrangements of the album?

The experience was fun and inspiring. I really admire their hard work, and they helped to expand the ideas that I brought in, and they offered some of their own in the form of backing track ideas. We work well together!

It’s clearly an album that saw a lot of wonderful musicians come together. How important is that aspect of collaboration and community to you in your work and career?

Well, the musicians are top-notch, and they help the songs come alive. We also feed off each other musically. Daptone is all about the music, and they, of course, introduced me to Mike and Vince as well as the musicians who played on the album. I also have a band in the UK that I tour with all the time, and absolutely love playing with them too; it’s just a great thing to work with great musicians.

The album, as well as your previous work, pays homage to the greats of soul, blues, jazz and Motown, whilst feeling electrically fresh and modern. Where do you find that middle ground? 

I just continue to be myself when making music. And that means wearing my influences on my sleeve, but at the same time interpreting that through a 21st-century lens. I am a human being living in these times after all!

What do you want listeners to take away from the new record? What does it mean to you?

I just want the listeners to enjoy the album. There’s no deep meaning behind the record. I am really proud of it, and I like people to find their own meanings and emotions in the music.

You’ve been busy on the road already this year, with scores more shows to come. What’s your favourite thing about being on the road? What aspect is the greatest challenge?

My favourite thing about being on the road is getting to visit places I’ve never been and buying records and clothes. Apart from playing, of course. The only challenge is to remain healthy mentally and physically.

What else is on the Ngonda bingo card for 2026?

There’s no bingo card, but there will be exciting shows and more to come and of course, as always, every chance I get, I will be writing music.