it’s more just being responsible. And thinking about others.
A little while ago I had the amazing opportunity of interviewing Rejjie Snow about his debut album and the UK tour that followed. To my expectations, he voice was as dreamy, and he himself was extremely humble and kind. We got to talking about his dreams, his relationships with others in the industry, and the importance of being yourself. Albeit a slightly awkward start, with my extreme nerves and his intimidatingly cool, calm and collected stance, the ball got rolling. I was eager to find out about his experience performing in Exeter, as it was definitely one of the weirdest gigs I’d experienced myself.
Hi Rejjie! I’m Iszy.
Hey Iszy, you good?
I’m good how are you?
I’m just chilling.
Cool. I saw you perform in Exeter a few weeks ago. It was quite a weird night wasn’t it?
Yeah, it was fun tho.
A very interesting crowd… how did you find performing here for the first time?
It was cool but it seemed very young. I like to do shows to people my own age, cos the energy is good.
Yeah, I felt like the oldest person there! It was weird.
*laughs* Yeah me too.
What kinda tracks do you like performing live usually?
Usually, it’s ‘1992’, but at the moment it’s ‘Pink Lemonade’ off the new album. It’s always changing, ‘Blakkst Skin’ is good.
I saw you tweeting about Anthony Fantano’s review, I was just wondering how you felt about that? Because he’s a bit of a meme isn’t he?
The fact that he even spoke about me means a lot to me you know, I’m a massive fan.
Did you have any favourite collaborations on the album?
‘Egyptian Luvr’ definitely, or ’23’.
Ah, 23 is my favourite! Do you have anyone you’d really like to collaborate with in the future?
Not really you know, I’m down to work with anybody at the moment.
Obviously, the production credits are quite impressive with the likes of Kaytranda and Rocki. What was it like working with them? Especially Kaytranda who’s doing quite well for himself at the moment.
Yeah, it was cool. Again it just adds value the production to the album, he’s someone I’ve talked to quite a lot.
Something that really interests me is obviously your Irish background. Just how it feels to break out into the industry being from Dublin. Do you think you’ve experienced any isolation or anything?
I’ve gone over this now. You just get used to it, people gave me a chance and I just came out of it. There’s a new approach to things and just cause I’m from Dublin and that kinda held me back in the past but now I just use it to my advantage.
Absolutely. And speaking of being different do you have any particular inspirations from other artists, especially as your album has a new kind of approach and feel to it compared to your older works. To me, it feels jazzier and a more positive vibe.
Yeah yeah! I was just being honest and I feel like that is the person I am now.
Are there any perhaps smaller artists that your backing right now or see a good future for?
Not really to be honest I’m not listening to a lot of music. I forget everybody to be honest.
Also, I wanted to ask, a while ago you were talking about your song Loveleen and the kind of profanity that you use and that you felt you’ve grown a lot from that. So what is your relationship to the lyrics of this song now?
I mean you can’t change the past or nothing but definitely, my choice of language in the past has not been me, right now I’m very aware of what I say and that the effect they can have. And I just feel like now I’m just in a different head space.
Yeah, I guess as your influence grows you are more watched and critiqued about what you can say and be more conscious. Do you think being conscious can affect your artistry? Like where do you draw the line?
Kinda, it’s more just being responsible. And thinking about others.
Okay, and to other people thinking about being musicians, or a rapper, do you have any advice or tips about how to be the most authentic artist?
Just be yourself you know. It’s really hard to be yourself sometimes so I just really recommend that. Just open up and be unapologetic with yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N32qtGdQ5rg
Definitely. I just wanted to tell you that my boyfriend and I have been coming to watch your shows for three years in a row now. Even if we’ve lived in different countries or been across the country from each other we’ve always made the time to come and see your shows so yeah!
That’s really sweet.
And yeah the amount you tour is pretty insane I’ve never seen someone live as much as I have you. Is that your plan to just keep touring loads?
Yeah definitely hitting the road soon but I’ve been touring loads and getting sick in the middle of it so I want to do a bit less this time.
And now you’ve had your debut album out, which is such a big milestone for any artist what do you think is your next goal?
Produce a film or star in a movie or something.
Really! That’s sick! So is film quite important to you then as well as music?
Yeah, it’s just as important as music. It’s the whole thing.
Any favourite films?
I can’t even think right now.
I know it’s a big question don’t worry! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me. A dream come true in many ways.
A short but sweet experience. Rejjie is clearly someone who prides himself on being true to yourself, even if that does mean being a bit weird or even allowing yourself to be the happy person you always hoped to be.
