Why do you think a program such as Voice for Change that aims to inspire youth and create positivity is important?
There is so much bullshit in the world and if you shy away from countering it, there’s no shortage of people who’ll take advantage and use their power to reinforce their position rather than give a leg up to those who need it. It’s a shitty part of human nature to exploit others and actively prevent them from getting ahead, so decent people need to explore all options in resisting that part of our nature. You can’t be passive and sanctimonious.
Are there particular aspects of Voice for Change that resonate with you and the ability to tell your story alongside other influential and diverse talent?
Stories have a way of illuminating an experience you may not have had, and help develop empathy and understanding. It’s dope seeing Khalid from Diafrix shed light on his life and how he got to where he is – it helps the discussion focus on our shared humanity rather than our political leanings. Khalid and I faced completely different sets of obstacles to get where we have – I hope that resonates with people who’ve found it hard to comprehend why we as a society are not collectively on the same playing field. You can’t click a finger and solve someone else’s problems – but by pretending that their problems aren’t significant simply because you don’t empathise, is one of humanity’s worst flaws.
How has music shaped who you are – not just as an artist – but as a person?
Music is an outlet for me – it informs my identity and makes up a big part of my purpose. The frustrations that simmer away; the rush of performing and the tiredness of touring; the expectations that reset every week; the spark that’s always lurking with songwriting; the joy of collaborating; the highs and lows. I could go on for days. I don’t know what I’d do without music.
How did you have the confidence to follow your creative pursuits and make a career from them?
I have an insatiable curiosity and a drive to box above my weight. Fuck it, why not. My confidence has only ever been derived from that first sentence – I’ve rarely ever felt entitled to be where I am.
What advice would you give the next generation who want to follow their passions in creative fields?
Just do it and work it out as you go but for god’s sakes make sure you have a job that runs parallel to your creative pursuits – or accept a lifetime of insecurity and poverty. That job might just save your creative dreams, or at least let you pursue them long enough to make them real.
You sit in a very unique space in the music and creative landscape, not only as a hip hop artist, but also as a manager and director of your own label, Elefant Traks. What would you say to those that aspire to follow in your path, who find themselves stuck in a cycle or situation they cannot see a way out of?
Good luck! It’s going to test you and it’ll be thankless a lot of the time. Have a big vision even if you’re not entrepreneurial, so that when you get bogged down in all the BS, you’ll find a way to persevere cos you see beyond it. Hanging around is everything.
How did you set about finding the “right” people to help you on your journey?
I didn’t look, I was lucky to fall in with some good people. I think there’s an art in identifying toxic people and removing them from your life – but that’s a different thing for everyone and it’s not always clear. I do not adhere to the belief that artists are absent-minded and unreliable in a professional sense – which is an attitude I’ve come to expect from corporate minded people. Many artists have great initiative and ingenuity that enables them to multitask and find creative solutions for problems.
Have you been able to use this and your experience to inspire others?
Having people around to share the good and bad times is the best. Being alone can really suck. An artistic life is already characterised by long stints of being solitary – share the journey even if it means giving up a bit.
What inspires you?
Everything.
