Jalen Ngonda's journey from Wheaton, Maryland to Liverpool has been a sonic game-changer, and it all starts with an unlikely influence: Arctic Monkeys' genre-defying masterpiece 'AM'. The 32-year-old soul sensation revealed backstage at Mad Cool 2026 that the 2013 album played a pivotal role in reshaping his songwriting after making the move to the UK. It's a fascinating tale of musical serendipity, where two seemingly disparate worlds collided – and the result is pure magic.
As Ngonda delved into the British music scene, he was initially unfamiliar with Arctic Monkeys' work. 'I was surrounded by soul classics like The Supremes in my childhood,' he recalled, 'but it wasn't until I moved to Liverpool that I discovered Alex Turner's genius.' He cited Turner's eclectic output with The Last Shadow Puppets and the 'Submarine' soundtrack as key turning points. It's no surprise then that Ngonda's own 2017 track, 'I Need You', bears an uncanny resemblance to 'AM's innovative spirit.
Ngonda's admiration for Arctic Monkeys extends beyond 'AM'. He waxed lyrical about their more experimental 2018 album, 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino', a true testament to the band's willingness to push boundaries. And yet, as his own music continues to evolve, it's clear that soul remains at its core. In fact, Ngonda believes it's precisely this authenticity – rooted in genuine emotion and real-life experiences – that keeps soul music thriving, especially during turbulent times.
With the release of his second album, 'Doctrine of Love', on Daptone Records earlier this year, Ngonda is set to bring his new material to the masses. And what a treat it will be for UK audiences! His tour kicks off next month and promises to be an unmissable experience – particularly when he takes to the stage at London's O2 Academy Brixton.