HMD - 10 Questions & If I (Single Drop)

HMD makes thoughtful music, influenced by hip-hop, R&B, and his family heritage. Moving to Manchester as a child, he went to school in Denmark, where he started learning the drums and made his first steps into music. He hails from a long line of orators and poets, drawing energy from his roots in Somalia where he was born.

HMD was part of 2019’s Future Bubblers, Future Bubblers is an expansion of Gilles Peterson’s network supported by Arts Council England designed to discover and develop unsigned talent within left field music. Previous Future Bubblers include artists such as Yazmin Lacey and Skinny Pelembe.

He is part of this years compilation. The 8 track, 30 min project is a musically diverse collection of tracks from the Year 4 (2019) Bubblers, fusing genres that span across Electronic, Alt-R&B, Alt-Hip-Hop, Spoken word, Neo-Soul, Jazz and beyond.

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Getting kicked out school and spending a full year digesting MTV videos, and Michael Jackson of course.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Drake, Kanye, N-Synch, I would like to work with Tiana, 9-Major, such a great voice.

3. The Future Bubblers compilation with your track on is about to drop, what are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the project during the corona virus pandemic?

I wouldn't say I faced any problems, I just had to find inspiration from within which is not difficult for me, the pandemic has been the best thing that happened to me, it allowed me to face my demons and to really reach my core as an artist.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Traumatic symphony paired with European melodies mixed with East African poetry

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

That I get to create music everyday.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Embrace your inner madness, and then share courageously.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Frvrfriday - thank me later.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Early lil baby music, and drill tbh, no albums as such apart from my own.

9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

Go gym, go for a run, see my family, or dig for new samples on youtube.

10. Name Three things you can’t live without?

Work out gear, a studio, and my family.

Words - Ed Lindsay