Your music is very unique and experimental, Care to share what first drew you into music?
I remember growing up, music was something that was always played in the household. When I was being dropped off to school. Anywhere. A lot of the old classics, soul, blues and R&B; Nina Simone, Aaliyah, Al Green to name a few. Then my older brother bought ‘College Dropout’ by Kanye West. That’s when everything changed for me, that was the first time I heard someone and it felt like they were really talking to me, understood me and who I wanted to be. I had never heard production and lyrics put together like that, coming from such a place of honesty you know. Unapologetically honest, even if it meant going against the status quo. That let me know that everyone has a story to tell no matter where you’re from.
Your latest track “idols” utilizes some brilliant vocal chops and incredible garage sounding drums care to share the story behind this track?
Yeah I’ve always felt like this track was me getting stuck in and getting nerdy with it. Really diving in, taking a sample a flipping it every way possible, honestly if you saw the process in creating it, it was getting messy, in a good way though. After making the first verse, I wanted to find a way to keep that energy without losing the interest behind the track, that’s when I came up with the idea of flipping it all together on the following verses, but still using the same sample.
Listening to your track “Idols” we can’t help but wonder who are your personal idols?
Outside of the music, but keeping it contemporary, I’d have to say people like Christopher Nolan, Steve Jobs, and Kevin Feige. These are people who I’ve noticed have a vision, plan and execute, leaving little room for error. The way they go about things with such precision allows them to never miss in their respective fields. Taking risks, that at the time probably seemed crazy, but they believed in themselves and the people around them enough to get it done. That’s something I have a lot of respect for.
Your music sounds a lot like the music of some of the greatest experimental artists of the past century. Do you have any role models from that era?
As far as music is concerned, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Aaliyah, Biggie, Jay Z, Tupac to name a few. These are people that for me, made music that has a real feeling behind it, and took the music to a place where others haven’t. Whenever I’m going through something, I can always reach to one these artists, and there music touches me on a personal level. Outside of that, I have a lot of respect for their artistry, the way they were perfectionists with every note, never wasted a line and always had a good ear for the music. That’s something I strive for every time I’m in the studio.
Almost all of your tracks have a very artistic deep vibe to them. You can almost feel the London rain tapping on your shoulders listening to your tracks. Can you tell us more about your connection to your art?
My music always comes from a place of feeling and emotion, I have to be connected to every story I tell. Anyone that knows me knows I’m usually quiet, but it all comes out in the music. Stories from my past, what I’m going through at the time, that’s how I convey my feelings, it’s therapeutic for me. You know, it’s like whenever I have an issue, or my life feels like it’s a bit crazy, I know the music will never let me down, this is my source of peace, I just love to create.
How would you summarize 2017?
I would say this year has definitely been a learning curve for me. I’ve definitely made a lot of mistakes but I’ve been able to acknowledge them, and I believe that will help me grow as person and as an artist to have a much stronger 2018. Just taking everything I’ve learnt, all the experiences I’ve gained and use them as tools to guide me, as I go further down this path that I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.
Any upcoming projects we can get excited about?
I’m currently working on my debut project, which I’m really excited about! It’s still in its early stages, but I can’t wait to share it with the people. The production is primarily going to be handled by me. This one I feel will showcase my talents as an artist, and will be the first of many to come. It’s a very personal project, highlighting what I’m going through at the moment. The writing process has been very interesting, the way a lot of these songs have come about with such urgency, there’s definitely a lot of emotions going on, but it’s my way of connecting with the people through my story.
What are your goals for 2018?
Every year it’s become a thing to say, this one is my year! But with that being said, 2018 is definitely going to be a good year. Just taking everything I’ve learnt, taking more risks and putting myself out there more. Doing shows, releasing my project, and being in front with the people. I’m just looking forward to sharing my journey.
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