Life in Pictures: Solange Knowles

My dad told me that Michael Jackson recorded in his “on” clothes. The essence of his delivery had a lot to do with that energy of having a certain stylistic vibe. When I’m actually producing and writing the music, I look like shit. But when I’m creating vocals, I present myself in whatever kind of melodic character I want the song to take.

March 13, 2:16 p.m. For me, it starts with the melody. I took piano lessons when I was a kid, from 6 until 9, off and on. I kind of play as slow as I talk. I’m always a little behind the beat.

2:27 p.m. When I’m working on a record, I actually have to remove myself from distractions—especially living in New Orleans. It’s always kind of awkward when I walk up and say, “Hi, I’m the Airbnb-er.” This house just looked super-vibe-y in the listing. I wanted to be in the area that my grandparents were from: New Iberia.

5:21 p.m. Swimming was never really a thought. Cajun country is gator country, so when you see all the stuff about Louisiana gators, that’s where they hang out.

8:41 p.m. Everything that I cook, I use Cajun seasoning. That’s the way I grew up. My mom used to use Tony Chachere’s, which is the more known brand, but here I became completely obsessed with Slap Ya Mama seasoning. I also discovered Punch Ya Daddy.

March 14, 2:13 a.m. My son, Julez, was with his father, so it was really unusual to be able to wake up when my body woke up naturally, instead of having to get up at seven to get him ready for school. Though he was missed for sure, it was really nice for my creative process. When he’s around, Julez gives ideas. They haven’t been used yet, but they should be giving him a producer’s credit.

March 16, 1:06 a.m. Saint Heron, my label, had a showcase at South by Southwest. My Austin Airbnb had a chicken coop! I recently learned that at sundown, they just go back into their coop. For a long time before that I was chasing them so they’d go back in there. I didn’t perform in Austin, but I said a few words, so I was kind of the showcase host. Me and my friends spent the whole day draping the venue with Christmas lights.

10:22 a.m. We had a label photo shoot. I used to be really, really heavy into my nails, the gels and the Minx stickers, all of that awesome stuff. And then Julez started school.

3:43 p.m. I remember having a conversation with an artist friend of mine who just had a baby, where we discussed how finding that rhythm, that balance again, is really difficult. No one really talks about that.