Ben L’Oncle Soul, the award-winning French soul and R&B sensation, is back with a bang, releasing his vibrant new single “I Got Home.” This track, packed with infectious energy and a throwback to ’60s R&B, offers a taste of what’s to come from his highly anticipated album Sad Generation, set for release on March 21, 2025. Known for his velvety vocals and dynamic fusion of soul, R&B, and French flair, Ben’s latest work promises to captivate listeners with its nostalgic melodies while pushing the boundaries of modern music. With over 300 million streams and a decade-long career of memorable live performances, Ben continues to inspire and connect with fans worldwide.

“I Got Home” is a celebration of joy and connection, reflecting the thrill of live performance and the power of music to bring people together. Featuring production from Danny Van’t Hoff and Bastien Cabezon, the single showcases a dynamic mix of gospel-inspired piano, doo-wop vocals, and a funky rhythm that’s sure to make listeners want to dance. As Ben gears up for his Sad Generation release, this single is a glimpse into the themes of resilience, introspection, and joy that will shape his upcoming album. With his evolving sound and unwavering passion for music, Ben L’Oncle Soul is poised to take his artistry to new heights.

Hi Ben, thanks for joining us! “I Got Home” is such a vibrant and energetic track. Can you share what inspired you to create this song, and how did it evolve from its initial drum pattern to the final version we hear today?

I remember we were listening to the Staple singers in Bastien’s car heading to the studio. A live performance called ‘Freedom Highway’. Before that, we were kind of stuck, honestly. It was our first session together with Bastien, and we tried a couple of stuff the days before, some weird Timbaland, Pharell type of beats (laugh).

Bastien started with this bass line, and I jumped off my chair. It was very exciting. We didn’t even take the time to properly set up the microphones to record the drums. I was just holding an SM7 while he was playing. It was a lot of fun. I started to sing along, we put on a tambourine, some clapping hands, and that’s it.

The first demo was pretty raw. After that, Bastien went to Julien’s place to try on some keyboards. He took it to another level with the piano part; he brought the spirit of gospel into the song. Now it felt complete, but we wanted a better sound, so we booked a vintage studio in Paris to recut it with Danny, and he added a Mississippi blues guitar, strong taste, very addictive.

The song has such a nostalgic feel, drawing from the sounds of ’60s R&B. What was it about this era of music that inspired you, and how did you balance honoring that sound with creating something fresh and modern?

Well, we probably all agreed that 60’s R&B is the best music that was ever made. We still listen to OV Wright and Solomon Burke like they’re brand new, so I guess we are just channeling that and, of course, editing and mixing. Using our gears is a big part of our sound, and they were not able to do that back in the day, so we also take advantage of today’s technologies.

The production on “I Got Home” is so dynamic, blending gospel piano, doo-wop vocals, and a funky rhythm. Can you tell us more about working with producers Danny Van’t Hoff and Bastien Cabezon? What did each of them bring to the table in crafting this track?

These two guys are amazing; they are really passionate about music; it’s more than just enjoying what they do. It’s about feeling deeply connected to their work. They are both producers and beatmakers; they play several instruments and sing. They are working hard to create something special. They are very precise and fine in their approaches. Communication was good between us, and the working flow was crazy good. I would say that Bastien was more the architect and Danny the chemist in this one, but it could be the opposite in another. 

Your previous albums have often been a fusion of soul, R&B, and French flair. How has your sound evolved over the years, and what can fans expect from Sad Generation in terms of both sound and themes?

I hope they don’t really know where I’m going. (laugh) I’m still exploring; I don’t think too much about it. I trust my gut and keep going. You can’t really go wrong if you do what you feel is right. It was a blast putting this album together; there are a lot of soul, blues, and funk influences. Probably more blues than usual; that’s why I called this album ‘SAD GENERATION’. There are a lot of crying guitars and protests. 

You’ve mentioned artists like Sly Stone, the Staple Singers, and Funkadelic as inspirations for the Sad Generation. Can you delve into how these influences come together in your new work and what they mean to you on a personal level?

These groups built bridges between styles; they broke down the codes and made music freely. As a mixed-race person, it’s very important for me to mix things up. Their music helps me to connect with my emotions; they inspire me and push me to stay true to myself; they guide me in my evolution; and it bring a lot of good energy into my creations. Sometimes it’s just a vibe; sometimes it’s in the message they deliver.

With over 300 million streams and performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and Montreux Jazz, you’ve built a global fanbase. How do you keep your live shows fresh and exciting, and what can audiences expect from your upcoming European tour?

I know the musicians I’ve been touring with for a long time now; we vibe together, we never really do what is planned, and many things remain improvised. The next tour is going to be sexy; we have new members in the family and a cool light show. It’s going to be funky.

After over a decade in the industry, what keeps you inspired and motivated to continue creating? 

I feel love for music, man; it helps me, it helps people, and it makes us feel good and aligned. Actually, I can’t help it, but I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with that. ahah

From your early days in the Fitiavana Gospel Choir to now, what moments stand out as major turning points in shaping who you are as an artist?

I met India Arie in July 2007. I was opening for her, and she asked me to come back on stage and sing with her. It gave me a lot of hope, and that really encouraged me to do my thing.

In 2009, recording and touring with Beat Assailant was my first job in the music industry. I realized how much this was the life I wanted to live. Also, 2009 was my first deal with a major label and my first album, of course. 

Playing the Montreal Jazz Fest in 2011 in front of 70,000 people and seeing Prince in concert the same night.

Building my own label.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in this next chapter of your career with Sad Generation?

I can’t wait for the album to come out and get all the reactions. I hope it reaches a lot of people in new territories and allows us to tour around the world. Peace, y’all. Thank you for showing love.