First off, where are you from? And how’d your surroundings shape your interest in music?
I’d say I’m from Merton, South London, predominantly. But, I’ve also lived in Croydon and Wandsworth for considerable amounts of time while growing up too. South London is a massive cultural melting pot and I’d say that growing up surrounded by different musical cultures shaped my interest in music massively.
Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
To name a few: Ghetts, Kendrick Lamar, Young Thug, Bob Marley, Skepta, DMX, Lauryn Hill – and all for different reasons as well, whether that’s their lyrical precision, how their pour their soul in to their sound or even just their energy towards self expression. Honestly, I’m just one of those people that listens to everything and my music so far has been quite personal so it doesn’t really feel like its coming from anyone but me, if that makes sense.
Was there a moment that made you fall in love rap?
It’s hard to pin an exact moment when I fell in love with rap specifically. But, it was probably when I was kid, a lot of the olders where I grew up would rap, so naturally I picked up my pen and realized I wasn’t bad and they say you love what your good at as a kid, right?
Any current/newer artists that you appreciate?
I’m really in to Mk.Gee and Dijon right now.
UK rap is having a big moment, what do you think of the current scene there? How’s it evolved over the years? Where do you see it in 5-10 years?
It really is! There’s so much talent here, so it’s about time really. What I’m really liking at the moment is that we’re starting to see a lot more diversity in the sound of UK Hip Hop with sub-genres such as New Jazz and Jerk. Not to mention that we’re seeing a lot more self-expression in UK Rap from the lyrics to the fashion, which was needed because everyone was starting to sound and look the same.
What would you say are some of the major differences between the rap scene in UK vs the US?
I don’t think the UK Rap scene is completely hostile, but I think the rappers in the US scene support people from their city a lot more, whereas rappers from the UK look at the rappers from their city as competition, but I think that’s slowly changing
What do you want listeners to take from your music?
I almost want them to feel like they’ve met me in-person because my music is me and if they can relate, then that’s sick too.
What’s the process when it comes to crafting music?
It changes all the time to be honest. Depends if I’m making the beat or whether another producer is. But when the beat is ready, I’ll zone out for a sec and try and get lost in the music and see how it makes me feel and then I’ll get to experimenting with flows, hooks before actually writing. Then I’ll record engineer myself.
Congrats on GRIM! How does it feel now that it’s done and out?
Thank you, I appreciate that! Weird if I’m honest, it was my baby for a minute, so it’s kinda strange to have people talking about it and stuff. I’m super restless as a person – my heads already thinking about what’s next.
Do you have a favorite track off the EP, and why?
“Thank You, Truly” – it’s the most vulnerable I’ve been on a track I’ve released to date. Talking about my mental health amongst other things and it feels really freeing every time I listen to it.
How’s the response been so far? Any song resonating more than others?
The response has been amazing, much better than I expected to be honest. Old supporters, new supporters all telling me what their favorite track is and even which time of day they listen to it, for example: in the gym, on the way to work, when their chilling with their peoples etc. which I find kinda cool. “Māori” seems to be the one resonating with the most people so far, but it’s close between all of them!
What were some of your influences for the EP? Is there an overarching theme?
I grew up in a place called Pilgrim Close, we all called it ‘GRIM’ from when we was young, for many reasons I’m sure you could guess. But it was growing up and finally leaving there that inspired me to write the project. It starts with me as a young teen: reckless, untouchable and self-assured and as the project progresses, you can hear me mature and become more calculated and precise with my hustle, before leaving GRIM on the final track.
Besides music, do you have any other passions?
Sports, Business and Acting are the main ones but I have quite a few to be honest.
What can people expect from you in the future? Album? Tour?
More live shows, Dope drops on a regular basis, Merch and more!
We always say you have to be fearless to chase your dreams, do you agree?
Most definitely, you have to be to thrive in this game because the tangible rewards don’t come fast at all.
Anwar Noire’s debut EP GRIM is streaming now!
