Category: Interviews

Ali Bla Bla – Island [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

raggo, classic, weird

You blend different genres in your music. Tell us a few things about your creative process.

I just like everything, i’m one of those people. I get excited by so many different types of sounds and emotions, I love all styles of music, everything has a place in my heart.

When I make a tune, i’m not thinking about fitting in a box or not, I just do what sounds good to me at the time, as cliche as that sounds.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Its important, but it doesn’t really have the same space as it once did, like in the 80s. That is because escapism dominates music, and people want to forget about their problems and enjoy it a lot of the time, fair enough really.

I think everything has its time and place, but we have been through so many cycles now, it’s easy to be another generic protest lyricist.
Sometimes I just wanna rap about money and women.

Is Britain racist today?

Everywhere is racist at every time. Intolerance is another human trait, and crosses over a multitude of different scenarios. It’s not always so black and white, no pun intended.

What does hip hop symbolise in your opinion?

Im just that millennial old school rap head stuck in his ways. It means something real to me I guess. What it means now, depends on whos involved. Theres a lot of imposters out there selling an illusion to lost kids.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Make sure you check out Hak Baker, a real voice of the people.

One last thing we should know about you?

I really dont care anymore about success in music. I am doing things at my own pace and self funded it all and I am not bound to impressing anyone or any labels etc… and I finally feel artistically free.

Join the revolution guys, stop giving a fuck and enjoy making music like you did when you were young.

Thank you!

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A.D. – Popcorn [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

“Built mad different”

You are heavily influenced by the American sound. But what makes UK Rap distinct?

Outside of the accent there’s actually not too much distinct about UK rap from American Rap. I would say maybe that your average UK Rap track is of a higher lyrical quality than the average American Rap track but otherwise there’s a lot of crossover between our music. That’s why these days we have Americans and Brits jumping on the same sorts of beats, especially in the Drill scene. That’s why UK Rap deserves more respect; it’s just as great as any other music out there in the top charts once you look past the accent.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

It ALWAYS depends on what mood I’m in when I’m writing but I’d say at the moment my lyrics revolve a decent amount around bigging myself up. Being unapologetic about how dope I am and believing in my sauce. After all, how can I make others believe in me if I don’t believe in myself?!

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop is far greater than just a genre of music, but a whole lifestyle and community across the entire the world. It’s a language we can communicate in, a tool of great expression, a method of release, a pleasure for our pain and a pain to our pleasure. Hip Hop is as deep as humanity itself and it symbolises exactly that: humanity.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Besides myself??? I would definitely have to recommend a singer called Kiing (@iamkiing). I was a legitimate fan of his before I reached out to him for a collab and thankfully he did it so we’ve got a song coming out soon that he absolutely DEMOLISHED! Nevertheless he’s got amazing music and I’m a real fan of his so definitely check his stuff out.

What would you change in the music industry?

Two things: being unafraid to show love/weakness and bringing back originality. In the UK especially it seems very rare for people to just show love to a dope artist, let alone artists bigging up other artists publicly. It’s also rare for artists to be vulnerable and let their emotions show so I wish people would do that more just like we did in Hip Hop back when we talked about the struggles we faced. Also these days so many artists share the same sound and it’s ANNOYING! Back in the day you could NEVER confuse 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Ludacris, Ja Rule, DMX, The Game, Jay-Z, Fabolous, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, etc because they had such iconic and identifiable sounds. Nowadays people find a sound and jump on the wave, which kills creativity and individual identity. Part of why I struggle to describe who I sound like or what my sound is like is because I sound like myself, and I love that about myself. I wish other artists would do the same.

One last thing we should know about you?

No matter what I just want to express how much love and gratitude I have for each and every person who genuinely likes me and my music. Of course I’ve got big dreams but it all starts from the ground up and I want everyone to know my appreciation runs deep for you if you take even a fraction of your time to come rock with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I hope you look forward to this journey we’re going on.

Thank you!

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JV/ZUU – The Drip [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

(JV) colourful, avant garde, mudbutt.

You blend different genres in your music. Tell us a few things about your creative process

(ZUU) Something interesting about our forthcoming E.P. is that three of the four tracks are written totally on an Electribe Sampler 2. Its a really janky & inexpensive piece of equipment. It has a lofi kind of vibe and often glitches quite a fair bit which makes the audio characterful. Anyone who owns one of these machines could recreate the sounds on our E.P. quite easily. I liked blending this sampler with my accoustic drum kit. I feel a lot of hiphop & pop is just pure samples these days. I prefer to use mics and actually capture something unique in a time and in a space. It might not have the ‘fidelity’ of some super produced drum kit out of Abbey Road but our music allows for the blend of the raw and polished sounds. We’re not looking to compete sonically with anyone.

Unsigned, unmanaged & completely independent, you managed to sync your music to a national TV advert. What advice would you give to young artists who want to follow your success path?

(ZUU) TALK TO EVERYONE. Its the key to life. Its said over and over in interviews to the point where it has become meaningless, but its true! Networking is a tried and tested means to success. The amount of opportunites which have opened up to Johnny and myself purely because we know a tonne of people in the music industry is insane. You have to emerse & surround yourself with people in all areas of music. Just enjoy connecting with people. Don’t go into these interactions focussing on how you might beneifit. That is disingenuous and people will see you coming from a mile away. Be genuine and take honest interest in what they are doing. If they are in the music industry conversing with them is your number one tool to moving your career forward.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

(JV) I haven’t written my most honest personal lyric yet.

What would you change in the music industry?

(ZUU) I would change the way streaming revenue works. I think blockchain technology is going to improve streaming income for artists in the future. I’ll give you an example… Spotify currently pays £0.0031 per stream. Say the average person streams 20 tracks per day. That equals around 500 streams per month. 500 x £0.0031 = £1.55

This means that per month, only £1.55 of your £9.99 subscription is going towards paying the artists. £8.44 is going directly to Spotify.

Imagine a streaming service where you only paid for the tracks you streamed? You could double the amount of streaming royalties artists would get & still give the end listener a 70% discount on their monthly bill. I think someone will build a decentralised music streaming service on one of the blockchains soon and this will become a reality. Who knows… maybe I’ll go and do it!

What is the most useless talent you have?

(JV) my most useless talent is doing nothing

One last thing we should know about you?

(JV) I’ve been in a house fire that burned up my first solo album back in 2005, I lost my 2nd solo album in a flood. Come hell and high water we are now bringing our your JV/ZUU project.

Thank you!

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JV/ZUU

Gold Frames on Brown Skin – Medusa (A Versace Consumer)

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unthinkable, Unique and Timeless.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

My lyrics usually are about overcoming a struggle, whether it be getting over an abusive relationship, poverty or police brutality.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Music is about expression and when an artist state their political preference, I feel its the same as the artist releasing new music. If you have the ability to vote, you should have the ability to speak on politics.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change how playlists are regulated. I believe all playlists should be verified that no bots are responsible for plays and make it so just not anyone is not allow to have a public playlist.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Gold Frames On Brown Skin

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

Godzilla Vs. Kong. I can’t wait for the new “Mortal Kombat” to come out.

One last thing we should know about you?

I love laughing and being happy. Anyone or anything that brings a smile to my face, I am in your debt.

Thank you!

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Aeropryme – Bonafide [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Wavey, Lyrical, diverse

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

Life, Love, and The Culture

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

I haven’t gotten to that moment yet

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop symbolizes freedom, connectivity, identity, purpose, and lifestyle.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change everyone sounding the same. it’s confusing tryna figure out who is who lol.

One last thing we should know about you?

I can do different genres of music like country, alternative rock, pop, edm, and afro music.

Thank you!

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Spence Brown – 2011 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe it as melodic, fun and usually thoughtful.

Tell us a few things about your song 2011 and your creative process in general.

The song was heavily inspired by high school days coming up listening to people like Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y. It’s part of a mixtape coming this Spring/Summer that will all be inspired by my upbringing musically and otherwise.

You control all stages from producing to marketing and everything in between. Does this feel lonely? Is a successful collaboration in music difficult by default?

I don’t ever really get lonely, I love doing everything myself. I’m kind of a solitary person in general so I tend to just spend my nights making music in my studio. I definitely do collaborate but it has to be the right person because I’m pretty introverted.

Missouri and California. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

Man there’s honestly not a lot I hate about California, besides maybe the wildfires. But I love everything about California from the forest, to the mountains, the ocean, it really just is my favorite state. I can’t speak for all of Missouri but I actually also really enjoy the Kansas City area, where I lived. The BBQ has to be one of the things about it for sure. Although I don’t love how flat it is lol.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Man, so many different things! It’s hard to pinpoint one thing exactly because there are so many sub-genres and moods of hip hop, but to me the most central is probably the story telling. That was the thing I think I fell in love with growing up listening to music like Nas, Tupac or Outkast, all of which tell such vivid stories that almost make you feel like you’re in them.

Favorite music related film?

I’m working on watching more movies but I just usually don’t end up watching them for some reason, I usually end up watching anime. But I will say I saw Juice a while ago and remember that being really good, plus Tupac plays one of the main characters.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m here for a good time AND a long time! Also I’m learning Japanese.

Thank you!

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Nashbi – After All [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Innovative, Authentic, Tangible ( You can really feel it )

For which lyric you are most proud of?

This message was God given
Inspired by God written
Like scripture cause God’s in it
It’s finished cause God ended
The spirit of God lives in the depth of my Heart
Listen, don’t judge em cause God didn’t
Cause there is a God in em

What makes a song ‘conscious mainstream’?

Any record that has a beautiful, but meaningful approach to it. Music that has enough potential to dominate the charts, but there’s actually a strong message behind it as well.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-Hop is a symbol of self expression. In its deepest form, hiphop is a reflection of the current state of the culture.

Favorite hip hop album of the past decade?

That is so hard to decide, It’s between 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Eminem Recovery, Coloring Book

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.

Future plans?

We are going to be dropping a bunch of music videos really soon!
Depending on the strength of the pandemic we may be hitting the road very soon as well doing minor shows in a few cities.

Thank you!

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Weez – Nah [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

conscious, mainstream, experimental

Tell us a few things about your creative process

I have to get myself into the right headspace, then I just write what I feel. Sometimes, I make my own beats and I feel like having the music there helps drive my lyrics. Then I record what I have written, and listen back to it over a few days. If I like it after absolutely rinsing the tune, I’ll record it properly at the studio. Then BOOM song!

What was the stupidest thing that you’ve ever obsessed over?

One time when I was about 9, I was at Starbucks with my friend and his mum and his little brothers who were toddlers at the time. The mum was wondering what drink to get. I kept repeating the fact that you could get ‘babyccino’s’ for the toddlers to the mum because she wasn’t acknowledging me so I thought she didn’t hear me or know about them. Turns out she was trying to decide what drink she wanted for herself! Not the kids! As soon as I realised, I was quiet for the rest of the day and I still cringe about it. Why didn’t I just shut up?!

Why is it still difficult for UK rappers to break through to America?

The American market has become so oversaturated with itself that you don’t really need to listen to music from elsewhere in the world to find something you like. So why would you need to listen to UK Rap as an American? However, having said that, an increasing number of American people are listening to UK Rap because of this market oversaturation. To them, the UK Rap Scene is a wealth of new and untapped ideas so I don’t think we actually have to break into the American market going into the future. The American Market will find us because we are the voice of change now. I feel like American music is hitting a dead end in terms of being the sole driving force for rap music. I’m not saying they won’t still be a driving force in future – just that we are about to have more influence than you think!

Favorite uk rap album of the past decade?

EDNA by Headie One. That album blew me away. The depth of thought and emotion that went into it is something I hadn’t quite experienced before. The man’s a genius.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

I like to game with my girlfriend. We play a lot of WoW and Valorant together. Also, I got a camera for my birthday and it turns out that I’m quite sick at photography so I enjoy that too. Oh and eating. Los and lots of eating!

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m a jokester. Life’s too short not to buss jokes! I think I have a good sense of humour so if anyone sees me on road, come over and have a laugh with me!

Thank you!

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https://soundcloud.com/weezophicial/weez-nah-explicit

TeeshyBaby – Alius Amina

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I feel like I don’t have a style to be honest! Im an artist and love doing music. My music is very versatile I just can’t describe myself.

You have a new album titled “Alius Amina”. Tell us a few things about it. Which song of the album reflects you the most?

ALIUS AMiNA is a Latin word meaning I’ve always felt I’ve been different because I’m not scared to be vulnerable on my records. I’m able to be TeeshyBaby. The song that stands out the most for me would have to be “ Fuck Love” I put a lot of thought & emotion making that song. I feel like it’s easy to relate too.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I would have to go with my song”Hood Dreams” coming from montreal we grow up playing ball and having dreams. But that street life is always around you. Just me tryna share what I’ve been going thru growing up but also letting someone relate to what I’m saying.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop is like back in the 70’s in basketball. Basically the foundation of everything. If it wasn’t for hip hop I probably wouldn’t be doing music right now.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

I feel like music in general changed. And life will always change and evolve we just have to adapt to it.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

I like to spend my time reading books understanding the mind as well. Anything that gives me knowledge I love doing. The more knowledge you have the more powerful you are.

One last thing we should know about you?

I feel like my time is coming soon. And that I want to be one of those people that will be in the game for a while. I’m here to inspire and share my experiences with the people that support me. Once it’s all said and done I want to die a legend.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Clo 9 – Ronin [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Chill, Descriptive, Bouncy

What is a Metropolitan Ronin? Tell us a few things about your new song.

‘Ronin’, commonly know as an drifter or wanderer in Japanese dialect, was a samurai without a lord or master during the feudal period (1185–1868) of Japan. A samurai became masterless upon the death of his master or after the loss of his master’s favour or privilege. So, taking that information, a Metropolitan Ronin is a city goer who has no boss and nothing to tie them down. Someone who goes against all odds to make something of themselves without the help of a power figure.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

You show them love but underrate mine,

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

Hip Hop is in an evolutionary process. I feel as if the genre is patiently waiting for someone in the new generation to push the genre into a new realm of music and this stagnant period is a result of that. The interesting question is who is going to instigate this process. Maybe that person doesn’t even know they are the Hip-Hop Moses or this specific person is still in an early stage of their career. Positions like this can not be forced they can only be made, so I suppose we just have to wait and see what is to come for the future.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

There’s nothing but gems in this vast industry! A few I listen to regularly and I’d say look out for are, June Lizon, Toro y Moi, Clyde, Eli Sostre, SORIANO, Yani, CA7DO, Zuko Hardy

What would you change in the music industry?

One thing I’d like to change in the music industry is perception. If I can change someones perception for the better through my music then I’ll be happy. I think as artists we are very impressionable and way more people take note than we realise. I want my impression to open ones perception to more than just fame, money and glory. I want them to perceive the idea that there’s way more to gain from success and there’s loads to be grateful for. The first step to a better world is a better mindset.

Future plans?

My future plans is to just grow and learn and to become the best human/artist/creative I possibly can.

Thank you!

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