J. Nicole – “Peace Of Mind”

Texas neo-soul singer Aprena Bloou is hot like a volcano, and she doesn’t plan on cooling off anytime soon.

On her new single, the self-proclaimed “Southern girl” heats things up quickly. The song starts with soulful guitar. Soon, deep bass and drums enter. Aprena’s vocal layers describe a sultry and sexy scene, of a thermostat rising and ready to burst.

You got me hot, hot, hot
Like a volcano, like a volcano
You got me hot, hot, hot, hoo-hot
Like a volcano, like a volcano

For Aprena, this was a track that came together very quickly: first the instrumental track, then the lyrics, and she banged it out in the studio in minutes. Obtaining the beat from a YouTube beatmaker, Aprena brought her song to Spitshine Studios in Austin. There, she worked with producer Dutch Boy to create the polished and professional sound on “Volcano.”

Born Aprena Dimone Stodghill in Germany, the singer grew up in Alabama, spending time in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery. Her southern pedigree is evidenced by the twang in her voice. Aprena’s stage name came about from hanging out in the salon of her mother, a professional stylist, who dyed Aprena’s hair her signature blue, or “Bloou.” The name stuck.

Aprena now lives and works in Austin, Texas. A proud and hard-working single mother of five, Aprena dedicates her music to all of the other single mothers and fathers out there doing double duty in the service of their kids.

Aprena says, “I want to be an inspiration for single mothers and fathers. Just because we have kids, that doesn’t mean our hopes and dreams are over.”

Self-direction is evident in every part of her music career. This includes the musical production itself, garnering rights to her music, and directing and planning photoshoots, such as the one that resulted in the striking cover image for “Volcano.” In it, she poses in a black suit, her bright blue hair and face illuminated in front of rising smoke, suggesting the burning heat of the music.

Aprena sees her music as soulful, expressive, personal, and genre-fluid. The extent of this fluidity is apparent in her influences which include Erykah Badu, Prince, and The-Dream.

A previous single, “My Life,” was more personal, focused on mindset, emerging from a downfall, standing strong, and believing in yourself.

But whether Aprena is singing about making positive changes, or getting steamy with a hot new love, she intends to keep it real.

She says, “I always want my music to be real, you know? Based on true stories and what I’m experiencing in my life. To encourage others.”

The heat of her new music is encouraging indeed.

“Volcano” is out now with promotional support from Starlight PR. Listen everywhere, and follow Aprena Bloou at the links below.

Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Apple Music | TikTok | Amazon Music