What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I realised how writing rap and practicing the art was so critical to maintaining a healthy state of mental well-being when I went traveling alone for two years.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
It starts with my Mum as she is a singer in a group called ‘The Westenders’. I was brought up around musical people because of her talent.
I then met lots of rappers at university which inspired me to start dabbling in writing rap and spitting bars.
Since then, I’ve met lots of incredible independent artists that continually inspire me and encourage me to continue in pursuing this creative career path.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
Linkin Park Reanimation
NAS Illmatic
Bob Marley Legend
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
The Isle of Arran – Loyle Carner
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I feel I’m doing well. It’s very early on in my career and I’m encouraged by the reception i’ve had for my first single release.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I think sometimes it can be really great for Artists performing to take some responsibility to ensure the safety of their audience.
For example, mosh pits can be a danger and quite concerning for anyone going to a gig who fears getting caught in them. I think being mindful of people and speaking out at an appropriate time of the show can make a big difference in men’s and women’s experiences at gigs.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
At the beginning of my career, it’s become apparent that using the network you have to the best of your ability is paramount. Focusing on trying to get the music listened to by playlist curators as well. Also, utilising media publications and running adverts created using similar artist’s already existing audiences can also be effective.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you?
I am 29.
I’ve been to Bob Dylans tree house in Canada.
I’m designing my own social media platform.
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
I wouldn’t call it a monopoly necessarily, because there are other services available to use similar to Spotify. But I think it’s very unfortunate that artists are in a position where making money from their art is made so difficult to do because of such major music distribution platforms.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
Yes. I believe it’s important to have an open mind and not to dismiss what could be important truthful information, because someone else labels it as a theory, before doing your own research.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
No, I wasn’t spending much and anything I bought at that time was to further my career whether it worked or not.
What was the worst experience on stage?
I took the mic at a Link Up TV event and spat bars that I don’t think people vibed with at all. I didn’t get much of a warm hand at the end which made me feel awkward afterward.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I am building a streetwear brand called INGENEUS which is inspired by two things key to forming every human being’s individuality; consciousness and genetics.
The name represents the design in human genes that unites us all as human, yet differentiates each person as unique. While each graphic design concept is connected t a message of conscious awareness.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I think my flow most of all, and then my ability to combine that rhythm with strong similes that paint visionary pictures.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
Grateful is a beautiful blend of soulful vocals, lyrics depicting a real-life experience of struggle with an overall theme of optimism, and a jazzy saxophone heavy instrumental.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
It was the first song I wrote after returning to London after two years of living in Australia and 18 months of Covid lockdowns.
It was the summertime and I was beginning to feel like things were changing for the better. I was feeling Grateful for the peace I felt and inspired to write when listening to Tom Bailey’s Lia on a warm golden evening.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a lot of fun. Me and Nolan Barthel who sings the Grateful chorus had some wine and felt really connected to the song in the recording.
At times I was on my knees because the microphone slipped which afterwards I thought was fitting to the overall message.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Definitely that I want to write more positive songs. A lot of my rap comes from a place of struggle and darkness over the years, and I’d like to focus more on creating positive tunes to create more light energy to be carried through music.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No. It is what it is and that’s what it’s meant.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I would like to say: anything worthwhile is not going to be easy and everyone is going through their own difficulties on the journey. So try your best and enjoy where you are now because it’s the journey itself that is the most beautiful experience of all.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE