Ladele | Where the Voice Cracks (working title)

What does it mean to speak the truth through your art, and what do you risk when you do?

Participating in Onassis AiR encouraged Ladele to delve deeply into her subconscious and approach the notion of research from a different perspective. Following internal reflection, conversations with fellow artists (musicians and beyond), and a series of timely coincidences, she chose to work on something that has preoccupied her throughout her musical journey, hoping it will serve as a tool for herself first, and then for other artists who share similar concerns.

The result is a philosophical and artistic exploration of the concepts of truth and authenticity, particularly as they pertain to artistic creation. The artist focuses on the tension between inner impulse and external constraints, such as commercialization, societal expectations, and social norms. Drawing from personal experience, Ladele has observed how frequently artists censor themselves and how easily they fall into the trap of producing what ‘works,’ what ‘people like,’ and what ‘sells.’ This project seeks to trace and reveal the moments when authenticity buckles under the pressure for approval.

The research is organized around three key components: the creation of 5-6 songs that articulate the artist’s personal truth without filters; a series of interviews with artists on how they experience freedom or restriction in their creative expression; and a daily recording of the process, mentioning thoughts, difficulties, blockages, and emotions, treated not as supplementary material but as an integral part of the project.

Artists are seldom given the opportunity to showcase their creative process when everyone privileges the end result. The final work may not be commercially viable. Its aim, however, is to achieve a sincere artistic observation.

What is revealed when one stops protecting their image and places truth front and center?