Growing up in Arkansas, Yebba was captivated by gospel music. Even as a child, the singer knew she wanted to create songs with a soul. “It was hearing Aretha on a radio when I was very young,” she says of her musical introduction. “My dad is also a preacher, so I grew up singing in church with him. And every time I wanted to quit worship-leading, he would ask me: ‘Don’t you remember that Aretha grew up singing in her Daddy’s church too?’” In the past two years, Yebba has emerged as a singer to watch, thanks to her work alongside artists like Mark Ronson, Sam Smith, Mumford & Sons and Chance the Rapper. “Collaborating opens me up to another perspective,” she notes. “It helps me realize what I am not and gives me clarity on my singular truth.” Yebba’s debut album, executive produced by Ronson and recorded at New York City’s Electric Lady Studio, is expected out in the coming months on RCA. Ronson helped Yebba flesh out a batch of soulful, intimate originals, including her recent shimmering, bluesy single “Distance.” “He took all of these ideas and moods and places that we were in together, and brought it all to life by choosing The Roots and Pino Palladino,” she says. “The time I’ve spent around Mark and the friendship we developed was the guidance and the rest of it was him teaching me how to trust myself.” The artist has also earned a Grammy nod for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Distance,” which was inspired by the feeling of knowing a relationship is coming to an end. It’s the singer’s second nomination after winning in the same category for “How Deep Is Your Love” in 2018 alongside PJ Morton. Beyond her forthcoming album, Yebba is already anticipating recording more new music. And though the pandemic put her touring plans on hold, the musician is still grateful for the space to process what her recent music means to her, noting, “Even though I am eager to share these experiences with people in a live setting, I am thankful that I have more time to prepare and heal.”