‘I got into music simply because I fell in love’: this sentence perfectly sums up Yazmin Lacey. Always ready to speak her mind with honesty, she proves that vulnerability is not limited to her music.

Two years after her acclaimed debut album, Voice Notes, Yazmin is back with her second opus, Teal Dreams. Mastering the art of storytelling through music, this album envelops the listener like a makeshift bed, while her lyrics, imbued with love, act as a lullaby.

Born at Newham General Hospital and raised in Manor Park, east London, Yazmin never considered a career in music. Her initial goal was to work with young people, inspired by the youth workers who had encouraged her. She explains: ‘I’ve always had someone who believed in me or showed me another way of living or expressing myself — that’s why I got into this line of work.’ ‘

Her professional experiences took her far: programming a record store in Leicester, a youth theatre festival in Amsterdam, mentoring students in Nottingham, and particularly her time at the Nottingham Refugee Forum, which boosted her confidence and fuelled her creativity. ’Standing in front of 20 young people waiting for you to guide them forces you to be creative in the moment. It’s a different kind of creativity, and working with human beings who are still untouched by the adult world is incredibly inspiring.”

As her career in social work progressed, life had a surprise in store for her: while moving to the Midlands for her studies, she met her boyfriend at the time, a music producer. Although she had been encouraged to sing, she admits that music had never been part of her dreams, apart from a brief stint in her church choir. After several attempts and a late-night studio session, Yazmin finally decided to take the plunge.

She trusted her intuition. After a first gig that was a washout due to a lack of confidence, she promised herself she would follow her instincts rather than outside pressure. Even though she arrived ‘late’ to music (at 27), her first songs, such as ‘90 Degrees’ and her latest single, ‘Ain’t I Good For You,’ show that she was perfectly on time. She confides, “I couldn’t have handled that environment at 20. It’s good to know that I had an identity outside of music and that I still do.‘

Yazmin has always loved bringing people together through music: ’My family gets together when there’s music,”and she does so naturally, even when she’s not physically present. Her talent is recognised by her peers, as Questlove attests: ‘I love Yazmin Lacey.’ Her collaboration with Ezra Collective on “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing” and her performances on Strictly Come Dancing and Radio 1 Live Lounge have broadened her audience. She is also exploring presenting with her own show, Morning Matters on Rinse FM, where she shares her musical tastes with guests such as Kojey Radical and Katy B.

Teal Dreams confirms that her music remains authentic and soothing. Where Voice Notes was rooted in one genre, this new album embraces ska and lover’s rock, influenced by her Caribbean roots, with tracks like “Wallpaper” and powerful lyrics such as ‘Those who don’t hear they must surely feel’. The album also explores her personal experiences, from achievement (“Rear View”) to relationships and friendship (“Ribbons”, “Water”).

This album, shaped in part during a trip to Thailand, reveals a more assertive Yazmin: ‘With “Two Steps” and “Ain’t I Good For You”, you can see that I’m much more assertive…’ She approaches life with quiet confidence, aware of her many facets: “Everyone has the right to express who they are. Everything I choose to write or live is an offering, and that’s okay. “

By remaining visible in an environment where female beauty is often defined by narrow standards, Yazmin is making a powerful statement. Her natural beauty and authentic personality inspire her female fans to be themselves.

Teal Dreams invites listeners to enter the world of Yazmin Lacey, where the joy, truth and beauty of being seen can be felt in every note.