Over the course of the next few months, they found that they both enjoyed each other’s solo work immensely and proceeded to comment beautifully and at length about each other’s songs in “The Barn”. In April of 2022, Steve was so impressed upon hearing Dolapo’s song “Heaven Please” he opened his first chat with Dolapo on Facebook messenger. Dolapo, having recently loved hearing Steve’s single Singularity, with which he was particularly impressed by the vocal harmonies, asked Steve if he would like to write a song together from scratch. Steve said he would love to! They had a video call the following Saturday and have talked with each other every day since, while simultaneously writing, arranging, and recording songs and music videos non-stop. They plan to continue to do so through all of this life and beyond.
In dissecting the music of "Companion," the lyrics emerge as poignant reflections on the human experience, drawing inspiration from their combined 60 years of choir experience. From the introspective musings of "Finding Yourself" to the uplifting messages of "Helping Each Other Be Love," each track offers layers of meaning and emotional depth. Dolapo's soulful delivery brings these lyrics to life, infusing them with raw emotion and authenticity. The lyrics also incorporate elements of spirituality and universal themes, reflecting the duo's shared vision to create audio/visual beauty that emphasizes the power of friendship, positivity, love, empathy, and inclusion.
The vocals on "Companion" are nothing short of mesmerizing. Dolapo's voice possesses a captivating quality, effortlessly transitioning between delicate melodies and powerful crescendos. Meanwhile, Steve's harmonies add depth and richness to each track, creating a dynamic interplay of voices that resonates long after the music fades. Dolapo can sing in Latin and Steve in Greek, showcasing the breadth of their vocal abilities and adding a unique touch to the album's sound.
Instrumentally, "Companion" is a tour de force, with Steve showcasing his mastery of a wide array of instruments, including acoustic drums, electric and upright bass, acoustic and electric guitar, saxophones, piano, vibraphone, and synthesizers. Each element contributes to the album's lush sonic landscape, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivates the listener's ear. The instrumentation perfectly complements the lyrics and vocals, enhancing the overall mood and atmosphere of the music, as well as reflecting their influences from artists like Orlando Julius, The Beatles, and Queen.
In terms of production, "Companion" shines with its clean and polished sound. Steve's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every track, with each instrument and vocal seamlessly integrated to create a cohesive listening experience. The production enhances the emotional impact of the music, drawing listeners into the duo's world of friendship and positivity. This level of production quality is consistent throughout the album, ensuring a consistently enjoyable listening experience from start to finish.
Overall, "Companion" exudes a sense of warmth and authenticity that is both refreshing and inspiring. It represents a significant evolution in Steve and Dolapo's musical style, showcasing their growth as artists while staying true to their core values. Whether you're a casual listener or a music enthusiast, "Companion" offers something truly special—a musical journey filled with beauty, friendship, and love. It's an album that speaks to the soul and leaves a lasting impression, reaffirming the power of music to connect us all.