What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.
That’s a difficult question. It’s like what inspired me to walk?! A need, a drive, a passion, a destination or connection. It became rap because I didn’t feel comfortable, or confident as a singer. Rap felt accessible to me in a familiar way. It clicked.
Provide us with some info about your latest release…
‘Sunday Dinner on a Monday’ is an album about communion. When I say ‘family’, I mean the ones we chose as well. I’m a queer, black, fat, rapper… I had to create a mini-universe and this is the soundtrack. The first voice you hear is my late grandmother and the last voice you hear is my niece. This album feels ancestral. It’s fun, and it feels good.
Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?
My Jamaican culture is a huge influence. The way I’m slightly behind the beat. I rap to the bass. That’s super Jamaican. Growing up in south London in the 90’s I was a part of sound system culture. From carnival to Jungle to House and Garage and House music. It’s about delivering on the beat. Step up and say your peace.
In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?
The new album examines family, friends, lineage, and ancestral DNA through the lens of afro-futurism. My tracks journey from smooth soul to ‘ancestral rap’ and alternative hip-hop.
Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…
Album – impossible to choose!!!
Movie – Contact
Book – The Secret History Of The World by Mark Booth
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Recording and performing are kind of worlds apart. Recording is about trying to capture something. A melody, drum sound, phrasing, words. You’re trying to hear ‘it’ and make it make sense. I love those downloads. Feels like an honour to be a part of that process.
Performing is about sharing it. It doesn’t belong to me anymore. I’m not borrowing it anymore. It’s to be shared and that feels like a release and offering which I love too.
Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?
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Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?
Probably “Searching” from ‘Speech Debelle’. I think it was a great A&R choice to release it as the first-ever single. It didn’t and doesn’t sound like anything else. It happened because I was trying to explain what was in my head. What came out was an accidental mix of Jazz and Hip Hop. It’s a good example of how little I stick to the rules when creating.
Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?
The tour is up next for this year. I’m currently writing a book. I’d love to move into acting.
Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…
If you could make the music industry better in one way, what would you do?
I wouldn’t pretend I have the answers. There are a lot of people with a lot of opinions, and some are helpful. I think there’s enough.
Photo Credits: www.NigelRGlasgow.com
Curated by: Christos Doukakis
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