Photo: Trang Quynh Thi Vu
After generating a huge amount of praise and acclaim for their glittering array of releases to date, emerging duo 808 Saints are back once again with their vibrant new single 'Breeze'.
Blending a heady mix of warm and inviting hip-hop and lo-fi textures into one infectious groove, 'Breeze' makes for an instantly engaging listen. With a bold and progressive approach to production, alongside some mesmerising flows throughout, these two have a sound that is like nothing else out there right now.
So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with both of them to find out more about their backgrounds and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
Carlos: Green Day
Ladi: Linkin park is one of my oldest and deepest favourite influences. I rarely formed a love for entire albums or catalogues until I heard theirs. It hit me at a critical emotional point of adolescence.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Carlos: No, never really tried to. I was just a fan of music.
Ladi: I definitely formed one in my late teens/the early 20s - and it sounded like Dave Matthews meets John Mayer - the bands I’m in NOW have a much better-defined original energy of their own.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
Carlos: Having the opportunity to create and experiment with new sounds every day.
Ladi: Life experiences and personal relationships. I wouldn’t be who I am without the sum of those and those tell enough stories as it is.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Carlos: Mezmorized by Wiz Khalifa
Ladi: “More” by Flying Lotus & Anderson Paak
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Carlos: I'm just getting started on my journey. I know there will be a future opportunity where that feeling will come into play.
Ladi: It’s early at this stage - but I would relive the moment I experienced the deepest connection with my audience - probably in one of my more intimate sets in Kathmandu Nepal.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Carlos: I think sharing the stage with Snoop Dogg would be pretty cool.
Ladi: Mick Jenkins
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Carlos: I'm a huge fan of Wiz Khalifa so if I could create a song with him it would be a pretty huge accomplishment.
Ladi: Childish Gambino or Ryan Tedder
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Carlos: I try to focus on being in the moment, but in five years I can see myself finally having a sustainable career in music production.
Ladi: Playing bigger shows, touring, earning my living from show performances and royalties income.
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808 Saints' new single 'Breeze' is available to stream now. Check it out below.