In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dig into “If You Don’t Want My Love” by Jalen Ngonda — a track that feels equal parts vintage and urgent.
From the moment the needle drops (figuratively speaking), the conversation moves beyond the song itself and into something deeper: love, longing, and what we do when connection isn’t returned.
Along the way, they unpack Ngonda’s origin story—from Maryland roots to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts—and explore the unmistakable texture of his sound: live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and what Toby dubs a “power falsetto.” It’s a voice that nods to legends like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, but refuses to be pinned down.
Joe and Toby zoom out to ask a bigger question: Why is this sound coming back now? Their answer lands somewhere between culture and craving. In a world of noise, speed, and algorithm-driven everything, this resurgence of organic, human-centered music feels less like nourishment.
From Motown grooves to modern burnout, from solo concert experiences to shared moments of belonging, this episode is a meditation on connection itself.
Music restores us. So whether you’re here for the riffs, the storytelling, or the search for something real…you’re in the right place!
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