EASYAS...[self indulgence] is the new EP from 22 year old  North West Londoner, Sophomooreik. A piercing, vital and socially aware collection of 7 tracks, it documents the highs and lows of an artist working to gain recognition and is the follow up to his debut EP, EASYAS…[growing up], released in October of last year.

As with his debut, the EASYAS...[self indulgence] EP firmly demonstrates Sophomooreik’s ability as a shrewd and perceptive storyteller, using his own experiences and those of people around him, to construct a semi- fictional, semi- autobiographical yet always authentic narrative, that develops over each track.

Wordplay sat down to chat with Sophomooreik about his new EP.

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

Well, when I was about 12 or 13 my mum sat me down whilst a 4music special was on about Eminem. As soon as I heard “Without Me” I went on the house computer and downloaded all of his songs. From then on I was obsessed and someone from school told me I should start writing raps so I did and haven’t stopped since.

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

Obviously I really love people like Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne etc. but I’ve also been in love with rock. I listen to a lot of My Chemical Romance, Green Day and The Strokes so being able to work with Julian Casablancas (the lead singer from The Strokes) would be amazing ; I really love his writing style and voice.

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?

Yeah I just write when I feel like it to be honest. I try to write as much as I can every day and I always have my notes full of song titles so I just have a scroll through them and see which one I’m connecting with at that moment in time. I try be at least one project ahead so I come up with concepts and songs way before I release them.

4.    How would you describe your sound?

I would say at the moment it’s quite dark and trap influenced. I hear a bit of rock coming out of the beats I select and some of my chorus melodies are quite classical. I’m hoping to expand in time though and start experimenting with different sounds.

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

I don’t think there’s one stand out moment so far but overall just the reaction I’ve been getting from fans has been amazing. The amount of appreciation and love I’ve been getting from people and places like yourselves (Wordplay) has really been amazing.

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

I’d advise them to trust their gut. Stick with whatever ideas you have if you truly believe in them because at the end of the day as long as you’re being yourself and work hard enough towards your end goal everything will fall in place.

Also, don’t rush anything , take your time and don’t feel the pressure from this “NOW” society to do things at other people’s pace.

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

I really like Connie Constance who’s a singer from Watford. Her album “English Rose” is amazing. Her voice is really nostalgic and gives me a feeling I can’t quite put my finger on, I love it.

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

The Strokes - The New Abnormal, Connie Constance - English Rose, Shotty Horroh - Salt Of The Earth, Holly Humberstone - Falling Asleep At The Wheel, Dizzee Rascal - E3 AF. To name a few.

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

Just hang out at home and link my mates from my SCVM collective. Honestly , I don’t do much apart from work, think of ideas and write but do like to have a couple beers with SCVM when I get a chance.

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

Peppermint Tea - helps with keeping me voice nice and clear.

My Phone - I use voice notes a lot to record melody ideas and obviously use notes to write down all my lyrics.

Comfy Clothes - can’t be feeling all stiff in the studio , so some loose fitting garms are essential.

Words - Ed Lindsay