INTERVIEW:
EazyMan
___________
WITH his latest smash out there…
I have been speaking with EazyMan about Hurdy Gurdy and its story. He discusses the albums that mean a lot to him and the sort of music he was raised on – I ask whether there will be more material coming later in the year.
EazyMan talks about a new artist he has just found and what advice he would give to new artists; what he wants to achieve by the end of the year; what it feels being backed by DJ Target (BBC Radio 1Xtra); what he does away from music – he shares his favourite memory from music so far.
___________
Hi, EazyMan. How are you? How has your week been?
Hi, guys. I’m all good, man! Had a great week; the weather has been 10/10.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I am a U.K.-based rapper who goes by the name EazyMan.
Hurdy Gurdy is your new one. Is there a story behind the song?
Well. When I was growing up, the Nokia was the phone to have and I always used to rap to the Hurdy Gurdy ringtone back in the day, so I just thought I would get a track built based on it. My friend, Wisper, is a big U.K. underground producer so I went to him and he built this masterpiece. I instantly started writing to it once I heard it and the track just came together.
It is an 8-bit, ringtone-inspired track. It is quite nostalgic in a way. Do you often look to the past when it comes to music influence?
I look everywhere for influence: the past, the future; old artists, new artists; anything can inspire me. I just listen to the instrumental a few times and catch a vibe. My most important thing is to feel comfortable when I’m making music.
What is it about those Nokia ringtones and the phones of the past that stuck in your mind? Did you have any embarrassing moments where your phone went off or caused blushes?
Well. I grew up with these phones as a teenager, so they will always have a place in my heart. I always keep a couple tucked away for old time’s sakes. I can’t really think of any embarrassing moments that I’ve had with any phone…
Is there going to be more material later in the year?
Yeah, most definitely I’m working towards a project at the moment and should have something ready by the end of the year. For now, I’m going to keep releasing these singles and continue to give my fans the best version of myself that I possibly can.
The likes of DJ Target (BBC Radio 1Xtra) have supported you. How does it feel having some big names behind you?
It’s a great feeling, you know! I mean, to know that my music is being supported by some of the most respected DJs and figures within the music business is extremely humbling. It makes me feel confident that I’m doing the right thing and to keep pushing.
What sort of music were you raised on? Do you have any artists you’d count as idols?
I grew up in the '90s on Hip-Hop and R&B which, I believe, were one of the best eras in music history so, for that, I am very glad. I listened to so many artists growing up. When I was young, I would listen to Snoop Dogg, Biggie Smalls; 2 Pac etc. and then, as I got a bit older, it was Mobb Deep, DMX and The Lox.
My favourite artist would have to be 50 Cent, because he had a really big influence on my life at a time when I was not coping so well as a teenager. Listening to his music made me believe anything was possible - and I still believe that till this day.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
I’m just going to keep putting out quality music that people can enjoy and listen to with a smile on their face. I’m 100% sure that that one banger is going to come and the world is going to recognise me one day for my talent but I’m not rushing anything; it’s one step at a time.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
My favourite moment was, most definitely, last year when I performed at Halo nightclub in Bournemouth alongside Giggs and the crowd really showed me love. The feeling of all those people rocking to my music was just surreal.
If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ would be number-one
The reason would be because it got me through some dark nights - and the drive to go and chase my dreams - and I still live with this mentality today.
Second, would be Mobb Deep’s Infamy
I think that every song on this album is a banger! Havoc and Prodigy are two of the best musicians ever in my eyes and, together, their music just does it for me. They also have that hard street vibe which also helped me when I was out hustling on the roads back in the day.
My third choice would be a few so I can’t choose one, but I would say it’s between Life After Death by Biggie Smalls, I Am by Nas; Gangster and a Gentleman by Styles P or It’s Dark and Hell is Hot by DMX.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Enjoy the journey, be original and make music that you like. Don’t let anyone dictate what direction you want to go in because music has no limitations.
IN THIS PHOTO: Ambush Buzzworl
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Recently, I have been focusing on my own music so haven’t really been checking out any other artists music that much, but I was on Spotify the other day and I came across a guy called Ambush Buzzworl. I have never heard of him before but he has a track called Blood and I like it a lot so go check it out.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I believe life is all about balance. So, I always mix things up. You know; too much of one thing can be bad for you. I always spend time with my family. My wife likes to watch films, so it’s usually cinema or something. We are also into our food, so we always out eating or clothes shopping.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Ok. Play 50 Cent - Patiently Waiting
____________
Follow EazyMan
