Following on from a stream of bold and impressive cuts over the last year, progressive rapper lil a-lik has now returned to deliver his powerful new offering 'CALL ME'.
Teaming up with fellow artist spcbyeq and amani the producer for the release, 'CALL ME' showcases more of the fresh and enigmatic direction he has been pursuing these last few months. With an atmospheric energy and driven flow layered throughout, he is definitely reaching for greatest on this one.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
I’d probably say Tyler the Creator. He was the first artist I felt like I could actually relate to, he was young just like me and was all about being himself. He would really say the craziest things in his early works and just didn’t care what anybody had to say. Not to mention he also dabbled in other things besides music as well like skating and fashion. Tyler in my opinion really opened my eyes to the DIY aspect of being creative, he really got to where he wanted because he invested and believed in himself.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Nah, I never formed a band when I was younger to be honest. I’d love to be in a band, though I can’t imagine trying to keep a band together. Trying to get people to see the same vision as you is hard, not everyone is willing to make sacrifices.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
How I feel and what I go through really is what inspires me to make music. Writing songs is like a timestamp to me. When I go back and listen to my older work it takes me back to when I recorded it and I’m able to be taken back to that vibe. Really makes me reflect on how much I’ve grown as a person, not just musically. Girls also definitely play a large part in me crafting lyrics, the moments you share with someone you deeply care about are always something I’ll cherish. Sometimes I’m in the wrong or it’s them, but it’s all part of the story of what makes you, you.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamins. The mix of melodies and screaming vocals is just perfect. Lyrically it’s pretty emo and about being in this state of craving love from someone, but it does so without being so obvious. Referring to being involved in this person’s life like a personal diary. Not to mention the heavy riffs and screaming give it such an edge, despite it talking about heartbreak and absence.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Probably the time I recorded “All In My Head”. This girl I spent so much time with ended up ghosting me and I just let it all out on that song, it felt good to just express myself. I vividly remember how cold it was outside, which is really something special since Florida doesn’t really have seasons. I recorded it in my room on this little snowball microphone I had and I just couldn’t stop listening to it again and again. It was the first time I layered my vocals too. Everything was just so simple back then, I didn’t try to overcomplicate things or overthink anything. I just knew this was something I really wanted to do and devote myself too.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
XXXTentacion is pretty high up on my list, where both from the same area and his energy was wild. He would literally jump off the second story of venues and go straight into the crowd. Despite all the backlash he was facing too, he made sure to spread positive energy at his shows too.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I don’t really collaborate with many people, I feel like it just has to come naturally. Just because I love their music doesn’t mean the records we make together will sound good. It has to make sense and we have to be in the same room, so we can bounce off each other's ideas.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Living off music completely alongside my other creative passions. Really just waking up everyday doing what I love and being my own boss. Touring other countries forsure and dabbling in modelling. I wanna either live in the hills or the forest, nature is just so beautiful and inspiring. Like imagine waking up everyday and you’ve got the craziest view of the mountains.
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lil a-lik's new single 'CALL ME' is available to stream now. Check it out below.