What inspired you to release your EP ‘33′ and what is the significance behind the title?
I turned 33 last July, and I really wanted to mark where I am personally, spiritually and sonically as an artist!
How did you approach blending R&B and Drill styles in your track “Blast Off”?
I was inspired by artists like Chris Brown who have found awesome ways to blend the genres. I wanted the song to have the energetic feel that drill brings, but also bring a more smooth and soulful R&B style vocal to it; while writing an inspiring message to it!
How do you see the R&B and Drill music scenes evolving in the future?
I definitely see the two worlds blending more and more in music. I see drill continuing to take off as its own sub-genre around the world. And R&B is going nowhere, it’s here to stay!
What sets your music apart from other artists in the same genre?
I think it’s that it’s hard to actually pinpoint me to a particular genre. There’s a blending of so many influences. I think while many mainstream acts fit into a particular mold as far as song subject matters and style; I definitely march to the beat of my own drum. I want to be sure my songs are filled with substance, Soul, and my life experiences. That makes it unique to me.
How do you handle criticism and negative feedback on your music?
I think we all have opinions and our own tastes. I respect it to a degree. But there’s definitely a difference between negative feedback and constructive criticism, in which I appreciate the latter. Lol
How do you balance your personal and professional life as a musician?
It’s very hard and it’s something I’m still learning to do! But I say it starts with patience, and pacing. Everything doesn’t have to get done everyday. Do what you can and compartmentalize the rest!
In your opinion, what role does music play in shaping and reflecting culture and society?
It plays one of the hugest roles in society and culture. Music helps shape and move the culture. It’s one of the most powerful mediums in the world; something we can’t see necessarily but can feel. It can set the tone for an entire decade or era of time!
H.O.M.A flatters honestly on magical r&b single titled “Nubian”.
H.O.M.A pays a powerful homage to women of colour with a new single titled “Nubian”. It is a song which celebrates women of color in a heartfelt and empowering manner. He showers worthwhile praises in poetic nuances towards a love interest who is symbolic of women of colour in general.
Nubian captures H.O.M.A in a super flattery but honest state, painting vivid pictures of the awe, beauty and sensuality of a modern day Nubian princess. Graced with a magical sonic contribution from Nigerian based producer Clogz, the record was created in between the lines of contemporary R&B and highly eccentric alternative music. It is a sensual, percussive and progressive alternative R&B song.
COMPILATION 2 is a seven-track mixtape by impressive alternative artist H.O.M.A, an ardent effort in reflective exploration of sonics and subject matter. He sings about amorous feelings and relationships in different contexts on soulful r&b, pop and eclectic alternative compositions.
Creating a body of work like COMPILATION 2, H.O.M.A has also developed the talent for evoking strong emotions and moods in his listeners through his music and it can be why the music he creates leaves a mark on his ever-increasing blend of unique audience. Scheduled for official release on the 22nd July, COMPILATION 2 welcomes listeners into the deep waters of musical potential H.O.M.A possesses and sets the tone nicely for everything else he offers.
Breath of life came at point in my life where I had to battle clinical depression again. Yet that time, it felt different. I felt strong, self-loving and guided by God. I knew that my voice is supposed to heal others, but I didn’t know that Breath of Life would come to say so.
How does incorporating the Tabla instruments add to the overall vibe of the song?
Adding the Tabla was a fun experimental (I know ! Me too I am shocked) We laughed at how beautiful and playful it did to the song. Which is a reference to the fighting spirit inside me.
How does your Arabic Culture influence your music?
This is only the beginning to witness the influence of my Saudi Arabian Culture on my music, but so far, I would definitely say ! The spirit and character. ! My Lyrics are expressive, direct, honest, collectivist based and have exquisite associations we have.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Oooh That’s a tough question !! Hahahah. What comes on top of my mind are: Utada Hikaru, Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Faith Evans, Kelly Price and so much more !
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I try as much as I can, or I intend to, to release music that can be heard at 9 AM and 9 PM with the same feeling. Yet what I have released so far can be heard when someone feels introspective, dreamy, future forward thinking, grateful or reminiscing.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Hahahah. Not a trouble maker to be honest. I am the nerd kid in school.
Can you tell us a bit about the creation process of “Chill N’ Vibe”?
Made the beat and it was pretty open sonically. I added my own oooos in there that are layered way in the back. Alyssa Jane rocked a whole vocal track beautifly. I thought some sax would sound great with her. Once I added it all together it sounded a bit busy, so I dialed back the vocals and sax to create some more breathing room in the track. I wanted it to be chill, laid back. Like the end of the night, just let the drum machine go and musicians vibe out.
How did you come to collaborate with Alyssa Jane and Kevon Scott on this song?
I have worked with both of them in the past and always loved our collaborations. They are both so talented.
What role did each artist play in bringing “Chill N’ Vibe” to life?
Alyssa Jane rocks the vocals and takes you in and out journey with her soulful chops. Kevon Scott does the same with his sax, smoothes it all out and glues everything together. I made the beat & produced it.
What do you hope listeners take away from the song, both musically and emotionally?
I hope they get a bit of a timeless, oldschool vibe, that can calm them down, bring stress relief. Basically Chill N’ Vibe 🙂
One last thing we should know about you?
Jim’s Pool Room! That is the label. We have so many amazing hip hop acts, primarily from St. Louis, MO. Check us out jimspoolroom.com
Tell us a few things about Spotlight. What is the story behind it?
Spotlight is a blend of alternative pop with a touch of trap thrown into the mix, inspired by Rihanna and Britney Spears’ high energy tracks. This track represents another milestone for my career as this is my first release where I played the role of the singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. Spotlight is about celebrating who you are with my main goal being to bring out the confidence in oneself/my listeners, whether that confidence is buried beneath negative emotions or has already scratched the surface. This track is about loving yourself and embracing who you are while letting go of negative energy.
How difficult is it to play the role of singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer at the same time?
Now that I’ve been doing this for over a year at my home studio it comes pretty easily to me. When I start a session with myself I already know the vibe/energy I intend to go for and will pick the instrumentation/sound accordingly. I have so much fun and it feels really rewarding to have the ability to create a song entirely myself. I also love being able to produce my own vision the exact way I want to. Of course I still love to collaborate with other producers/engineers because it’s great to combine creative visions and learn from each other in the studio, however, to me it’s a luxury to have the skills to execute a song the exact way I envisioned it.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
My inspiration is a wide range of different artists. I grew up listening to classic rock icons and some of the first music I listened to was Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Queen because of my parents. However, once I was gifted an ipod Nano (when they first were invented) in elementary school I got to expand the artists I listened to. From a young age I loved listening to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. As a kid I would always dream that one day I could be like them. Naturally as I grew older and as technology advanced making it way easier to explore/stream music, my taste continued to expand. Other artists who have inspired me on my journey as a musician are Lil Peep, Juice Wrld, Skizzy Mars, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, AC/DC, and Bring Me The Horizon. My writing has also been inspired by author/philosopher Albert Camus and poets like Sylvia Plath, Robert Frost, and Dylan Thomas.
What would be your dream performance venue?
The Super Bowl and headlining at Coachella.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
When my mental health was at a low and I was doubting myself I lost who I was, so if today I could go back to that girl I was and give her some advice I would tell her that everything happens for a reason. Rejection and self doubt was something that used to really get to me when I was younger so I would tell her “I know right now you feel misunderstood and lost but this is part of your journey to success and personal growth. The pain you’re experiencing will turn into your power and shape who you are. As much as feeling this way can lead you down a rabbit hole into a dark place, just know that you will overcome this. You have so much to say, you’re smart, driven, and have been given this creative gift that you can share with the world. Don’t let anyone tell you different and go with your gut because that will be what turns out best for you and girl you already know you don’t take shit from anybody. Continue to do what you think is right for you and know that you’ll end up in the right place if you work hard and trust your intuition. Even on the days when you wake up heavy and it’s hard to escape the pain. Know if you could see yourself into the future and what you’ve already accomplished you would be fangirling right now. Trust the process. This is how you learn to love yourself and that alone will grant you the wisdom, grit and motivation you need to succeed.”
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
The most trouble I got into was when I was putting others first at the expense of my own well being and safety. I have always been a very giving person which is one of my best qualities but was also one of my biggest faults. I had to learn to set boundaries for myself and with others by experiencing the consequences of caring about others more than myself. I used to think it was my job to save other people from their own issues and I didn’t understand how much that held me back. I was naive and surrounded myself with a self destructive crowd which was damaging and abusive to myself, but in turn it forced me to level up and it is one of the reasons I am so strong today. I learned a huge lesson because of my experiences and I will never let people cross my boundaries like that ever again because no one is going to change just because you want them to. That only comes from within. I don’t regret a thing because I had to go through the motions in order to grow and become who I am now. I had to deal with the consequences of putting myself through that but now I look at life as the glass half full rather than half empty.
Tell us a few things about this new remix on RITUALS. What is the main idea behind it?
It’s about breaking free from the past- I’m prophesying a new beginning, a call to “join the dance”. We know that society is stuck in structures and to change, we need new rituals. The old ways don’t work no more.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
A firm YES, it’s energizing when most of the time you’re alone in charge. I’m collaborating with musicians and producers from various places, we have the love and passion for this music in common. My main collaborator Salome Kappelin creates the visual world for smiling LIS- the videos, the fashion and set design for live performances. She puts my music to fabric and I do the same with her art- gives it a sound. It’s a deep process to create together like this. Unlike anything else.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
My foundation is in jazz and gospel, so I must say Herbie Hancock has influenced me from a young age. So has my mum’s style of singing and improvising. Later on I heard J Dilla and D’angelo- it changed my life. I’m also a huge fan of producer Georgia Anne Muldrow.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
How to combine my artistic vision with making a sustainable living, in a way that feels right for me. Integrity and longevity seems to go in the opposite direction of fast food social media. I can see it now though. But seeing the vision is one thing, then working towards it with persistence, without any tangible rewards can be daunting when there are bills to pay. It’s been a long and intentional process preparing for this moment – but now I am reaping the rewards of my choices. I think this will be a constant challenge for any artist who seeks to search for newness.
Favorite music related film?
Well, the soundtrack for The Woman King by Terence Blanchard was a “in-awe” experience. I’m very inspired and into documentaries about other artists, so “The Defiant Ones” about Dr Dre is a big one.
Future plans?
Releasing the mixtape album “PROPHECY” which comes out end of March, followed by a release performance in my hometown Stockholm on March 26. I’m creating visualisers with Salome that are going to be released with the songs- and ending in a physical art installation that’s revealed later in the year.
Tell us a few things about Clouds. What is the story behind it?
“Clouds” is that feeling of being so present with yourself that you can’t help but see all the beauty in life. I’ve realized it’s the little things in life that are the most important. Driving with the windows down, listening to the sound of the ocean or sharing a really great dinner with an old friend, etc… Those moments are the story behind “Clouds.”
Is there a bright spot in every dark cloud?
Oh wow, we’re getting a little philosophical now. I don’t really think of it that way. I’d say that if you wait long enough every dark cloud will eventually pass.
Imagine you are in a place with a view above the clouds. What are your first thoughts?
My first thoughts would be I wish I could just run and jump from cloud to cloud and just feel infinitely carefree.
Does your music help you talk about truths, difficult to reveal otherwise?
The short answer is yes but it’s much deeper than that. When I create music, I’m tapping into the core of my spiritual, sentient soul and oftentimes I feel like I’m in a space that’s neither past, present or future. It’s a place in which emotions and the truths of the universe present themselves. Sometimes these are my truths that I’ve hidden from myself. It’s a beautiful process when I’m able to create in this way without my ego getting in the way.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
I recently lost someone that was like a little brother to me. When I was in the thick of the grieving process, a friend of mine said the best thing to do to honor the person you lost is to focus on doing something in the world that they would have wanted to do before they passed away. And it really helped me change my perspective. I’m still grieving but there is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel now.
Favorite TV series?
My favorite TV series right now is probably The Mandalorian. The depth of storytelling and character development in the show is amazing and it gives me that feeling of Star Wars nostalgia but doesn’t feel antiquated.
Tell us a few things about your new work Sabotage, what is the story behind it?
Sabotage is a high energy fun pop song about being triggered in a relationship and wanting to leave. The real story behind the song is the battle with the self we have when triggered because of stories and walls we’ve built to block ourselves from getting hurt. Holding on to these walls and stories often have a byproduct of self Sabotage. Thats what this song is for me. Its the battle I was going through internally when my relationship hit the 2 year mark and we were questioning if our core values and relationship goals lined up. I was fighting with should I say fuck it, walk away, and Sabotage myself because I was afraid to really dig deep and address what was blocking me from opening up fully. Or put in the work and break through the stories I tell my self. I chose to walk away in Sabotage which made me see through the bullshit I was telling myself. Writing this song helped remind me that putting in the work is always the better path.
How do you know it’s time to leave a relationship??
If we’ve legitimately exhausted all other options then we should know if the relationship serves us or not. It’s important to really look at yourself with an honest perspective before leaving a relationship. It’s so easy to blame others for the mistakes they’ve made but have we taken accountability for our own actions? Has our partner or friend or family member expressed some concerns that have fallen on deaf ears? Are we holding ourselves with the same accountability as we hold others to. I can only speak for my self that it took me really deconstructing my self to see that I wasn’t hearing what my partner needed for the relationship to grow. In that process I was able to hone in on what I needed in the relationship and was able to clearly communicate that with me partner as well. So in short, if we can’t find a way to communicate with each other, if our goals and core values don’t match, and if one or both persons stops trying and/or don’t care to try then leaving the relationship may be the best decision for both parties.
What first got you into music?
I’ve always loved music from a young age. I grew up in a very religious family put for me music was always my religion of choice. Ive found more comfort in lyrics more then any bible. Because of that I found myself writing poetry at a young age then progressively writing songs. Music has always been there for me when I feel alone so I naturally feel like I just need to give back to the Church Of Music.
Favourite album of the past year?
Oh man thats a loaded question! Haha There were so many good albums this year but hands down I think one that really shook my world was when Ab-Soul dropped Herbert. Fuck I love everything about that album. The beats are the right amount of old school and lyrically….mind blown. I was also really in to the August 08 albums Towards The Sun and Towards The Moon. Which as we know were later combined to make Seasick. Love the sounds and direction of the production with that release. I know you asked for my favorite but I also need to shout out to SZA for dropping SOS. Damn that shit hits different!
What would be your dream performance venue?
Damn! No question my dream venue to perform at is Madison Square Garden. Period.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Fuck the judgment of others and create art from a place of pure courageous vulnerability. And just put it out.
Future plans?
I’m in the studio all year pushing singles again. Working on putting the funds together to drop an EP. I’ve got an acoustic version of Sabotage coming. Just playing shows, create more music, and connect with other artists. I’d love to collab with other artists this year and just create a solid community.
For Scribble you blend the piano with electronics in a very nice way. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
Thank you! It has elements from different aspects of music I’m interested in: it combines the language of jazz with some textures found in electronic music. For these types of songs the main building point is always a piano/keys improvisation that reflects a current mood, and from there it evolves in a direction that feels natural.
What first got you into music?
I don’t have a distinct event, but I started learning the piano at age 5, and it is a part of my life ever since. Alongside I have listened to many different types of music, changing with me on a wide range of styles.
Favourite album of the past year?
Anomalie – Galerie
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I create music in genres considered niche, or at least not mainstream (contemporary classical, jazz, jazztronica, experimental electronic), so I think the biggest challenge is to find and reach the (right) audience of my works.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be more decided, take the opportunities that present themselves.
You’d give up making music for…
nothing:) I can’t imagine completely abandoning this aspect of my life.
Love, whether lost, unrequited or blossoming, has always been one of the biggest inspirations for songwriters. How does a really good song stand out from the crowd though? Well, it has to have a sophisticated chord progression and surely an uplifting groove with light but vivid jazzy touches would do the trick. Look no further! Daydream by Savoy Ellis Sunset (feat. Breland) is the winning example of a modern gentle sound made to lift your spirits instantly!
HipHop Paranoia 