A1 - Interview & Again (Official Video)

Born and raised in Ontario, A1 are an exciting Canadian rap duo that show raw emotions through every line in their lyrics – they burst onto the scene earlier this year and have been causing quite the stir since then, with their infectious melodic rap styling and cinematic visuals on fan-favourite tracks like ‘Margeila’ and ‘Safezone’. Made up of childhood friends Milly and Sincere, who’ve virtually become family, A1 began their journey into music at the age of eighteen, when they went into the studio for the first time – the rest as they say is history.

Their brand new single titled ‘AGAIN’ comes as the latest precursor to their forthcoming debut EP ‘Heavy Heart’, in collaboration with platinum selling producer Figurezmadeit, who has recently worked with the like of Roddy Rich, Migos, Future and Lil Durk. For this new offering ‘Again’, the rap duo have linked up with producers Zepfire (G-Eazy, Partynextdoor, Hodgy Beats) and Nao.e to deliver a smooth, infectious and melodious rap sung, with which A1 are in introspective mode, as they wax lyrical about failed relationships, temptations and love lost.

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

Sincere: I have been into music since I was a kid. My parents always had music running through the speakers growing up. Smokey Robinson, Tracy Chapman... the greats. I’d be around my older cousins as a kid and all I would hear is Buju, Sizzla, Chaka, Shabba - classics before they became classics. I’ve always had a love for music because it’s always been there.

Milly: It all started off with poetry, writing poems about how I feel in certain situations. The pencil was like the first instrument I learned.

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

Sincere: Nipsey. Nipsey was and still is a big influence to me. Not just in music, but in life too. RIP to big bro. As I grew up I learned to take inspiration from everything. Right now that new Future is going crazy in my speakers. Thug. Snoh Aalegra is getting a lot of play too. Durk. Money Man. I’m a fan of all their music. If I ever meet them and we click, I’d make music with everyone. I just want to connect on a different level before we can create something, you know?

Milly: Tupac taught me that whatever genre you produce, make sure it means something. You gotta have a message. At this point of my music career, I’m ready to work with anybody bigger than me. People who will get my music on different platforms; build a fan base. Whether it’s tik tokers, country artists, rappers, singers - I’m ready to work with whoever wants to make history.

3. Tell me about your creative process when you make music, do you have a particular routine or do you just write when the feeling takes you?

Sincere: No routine. Life has been nonstop for as long as I can remember now. I know it’s been like this for Milly too. We take what we go through and put it into our music. We don’t all go through the same experiences, but we all go through the same feelings, the same emotions. We just say what we feel, and if you’re keeping it real with yourself, you could relate in one way or another. Even if you don’t relate, it helps us get the weight off our chest that we're carrying.

Milly: I always got something going on in my life, so there’s always something to write about. I just let my emotions take over.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Sincere: I don't think there's one word to describe our sound. There is no one word. It’s just emotion. One day we can be on some real heartfelt “make your heart cry” type sound; the next, we can be on some “we just won a championship” type sound. It’s real. You get what we feel.

Milly: I'd say it's the perfect balance between old school and the new school. Authentic with the new school bounce.

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

Sincere: Hard to say because we still have a long road ahead of us. I think it’s just the process. Each time we get into the studio and break past our comfort zone, that’s a proud moment... knowing we can do more than we think we can.

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

Sincere: Don’t give up. A lot of things will try to block your road. Could be strangers, friends, family, even yourself. If you're really passionate about this, invest in yourself, and really put the work in.

Milly: Jay-Z ignored J.Cole the first time around. Cole kept coming back until Jay gave him the time of day. Now look where Cole’s at. Eminem choked during his performance, got boo’d off stage... Now he's a legend. Rick Ross didn’t blow up until he was 30 years old, after dropping multiple tapes. If you really believe in yourself, you're gonna make it or die trying.

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

Both: Easy, A1.

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

Sincere: That new Future x Uzi tape. Toosii new album. Money Man. Blxst. Durk - Just Cause Yall Waited 3. Tame Impala album. Conway. Griselda gets constant play, big fan. There's a lot still.

Milly: Can't really pick one album... Meek Mill, Mozzy, Dave East, Russ, NBA Youngboy have all been on rotation. I've been bumping that purple tape! Couple years since it came out but it’ll never get old.

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

Sincere: Work. I can’t sit still, I need to be doing something if I’m not making music. Whether I’m out making money or I'm with the team planning what to do next in terms of music (releases, videos, what we want to make, who we want to work with)... It’s non stop.

Milly: Making money.

10. Name three things you can't live without when you’re in the studio?

Sincere: Water, weed, and a video camera.

Milly: What Sincere Said.

Words - Ed Lindsay