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Jamila Woods Delivered A Divine Rendition Of Her Moving Track ‘Sula (Paperback)’ On ‘The Late Show’

The moving song is inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel of the same name. …

Chicago singer Jamila Woods shared her acclaimed LP Legacy! Legacy!, which stood as a tribute to several Black artists and visionaries throughout history, back in 2019. Woods followed up the album last August with “Sula (Paperback),” a tribute to the late Toni Morrison one year after her death. On Wednesday, Woods brought her moving Morrison tribute to a tranquil performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Taking the dimly lit stage backed by a full band, including a string section, Woods tenderly delivered a moving rendition of the song. “Sula (Paperback)” is inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel Sula and is penned from the perspective of protagonist Sula Peace and her relationship depicted in the book. Speaking about her inspiration behind the single in a statement, Woods said:

“It’s the first Toni Morrison novel I ever read and it inspired the first chapbook of poems I ever wrote. The novel shows the evolution of a friendship between two Black women and how they choose to navigate society’s strict gender roles and rules of respectability. On Sula, Toni Morrison wrote, ‘living totally by the law and surrendering totally to it without questioning anything sometimes makes it impossible to know anything about yourself.’ Returning to the story several years later, it gave me permission to reject confining ideas about my identity designed to shrink my spirit. It reminded me to embrace my tenderness, my sensitivities, my ways of being in my body. This song is a mantra to allow myself space to experience my gender, love, intimacy, and sexuality on my own terms.”

Watch Woods perform “Sula (Paperback)” on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert above.

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Artist Spotlight

With “We’ll Leave the Light On,” Troy Landon embraces the power of being there for others

Troy Landon

Country music can make hard feelings a little easier to bear, and Troy Landon brings that to the heart of “We’ll Leave the Light On.” The song’s based on the idea that nobody should ever have to feel alone when life gets too much, and it delivers a reassuring message.

This production is key to delivering that message, and Landon gives the verses room to breathe, letting the song’s main idea unfold before the arrangement slowly opens up. This measured movement gives “We’ll Leave the Light On” a natural sense of motion, with the dynamics following the story’s emotional arc.

Landon’s artistic direction also shapes the track’s identity, building a country song that connects the emotions, instrumentation, vocal performance, mood, energy, and arrangement. “We’ll Leave the Light On” is a story about compassion, about community, and about the importance of supporting each other in uncertain times.

This message is rooted in shared understanding, and a national foundation is the right context for it. The song is based on the reassurance that sometimes people don’t need advice or answers, simply knowing somebody is still there can make a meaningful difference. Troy Landon is a songwriter who can turn a simple act of kindness into a long-lasting musical statement, with an inviting spirit and crafted dynamics.

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Artist Spotlight

Naomi Jane unveils a statement of independence on latest release “Passenger Princess”

Naomi Jane

Naomi Jane’s latest release, “Passenger Princess” is a bright, witty indie, country and pop road anthem co-written with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket that provides a fresh perspective on relationship dynamics. This is a strong cry for independence. Cinematic pop smashing the normal passenger seat stereotype with country storytelling crashing into alt-indie intimacy. Catchy tune, message easy to understand, emotional core you can easily relate to. All thanks to that combination of humor and heartbreak.

But the road trip energy covers up a more complicated feeling, frustration at being next to someone and having somehow been left behind. Naomi Jane examines this tension in a story that moves from diminishing connection to self-possession. Fiddle and pedal steel give the crossover sound a touch of country flavor, and the hook-forward writing helps the core message come across without losing its playful edge. What you have is an anthem of a relationship that understands the difference between sharing a journey and having an equal say in a destination.

“Passenger Princess” works fundamentally because it takes a popular phrase and turns it into a statement of agency and personal choice. It’s a good road trip song, and a good one for those who like songs about finding your voice in relationships with a mix of humor, emotional honesty and country-pop allure. Naomi Jane is a hot reminder partnership is never a loss of control of your own journey. Sometimes you have to ask for the keys and drive it yourself.

Connect with Naomi Jane on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

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