2W0 - Summer Flame (EP) + 10 Questions
After recently delivering their popular garage-infused single ‘Story Time’, West Midlands raised duo 2W0 are ready to add heat to their catalogue with the release of a 2 track E.P entitled ‘Summer Flame’.
With ‘Story Time’ gaining support from reputable outlets such as Mixtape Madness, Kiss FM, No Signal and popular social media outlet MadeYouThink101, Lz & Ruebz are keeping their foot on the gas as they continue to showcase their diverse range of talents.
The ‘Summer Flame’ E.P is a coming together of 2W0’s different styles. The Walsall raised twin duo effortlessly delve into the ups and downs of romance with two infectious tracks entitled ‘Playing With Fire’ and ‘Comfort’.
‘Playing With Fire’ arrives as a house infused party anthem which see’s them join forces with upcoming R&B talent, Q-Hef. The duo showcase their slick rapping ability, laying down hard hitting love lyrics delivered with clean up- beat melodies. The track is tied together with a punchy hook which will have listeners singing along after their first listen for sure.
‘Comfort’ then goes further to show 2W0’s versatility. The pairing lay down some enticing melodies over a smooth R&B beat, creating a melodic hit which slots perfectly into the current climate of the scene.
SW0 sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Dad was part of the baddest dance crew in the UK club scene in the 80’s. His love for deep-soul house, jazz & hip-hop was passed on to us. There was always different genres of music playing in our house growing up. Mom loved her Mowtown, Paulo Nutini’s, Adeles etc so we were exposed to and loved it all. Plus, being the youngest 2 of 7, we were blessed with all the music our older siblings enjoyed from young.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
In terms of influences there are really too many for us to list here! Some artists that have made really big impressions on us and our sound are Weeknd who’s songwriting and godly vocal skills have been giving man chills since we first heard ‘Wicked games’ back in 2011. Exceptional wordsmiths like Drake and Skepta who have been on top of their game for what feels like forever are definitely a big inspiration also. Ed Sheeran has to get a mention, his ability to write beautiful music that touches such a wide range of people makes him an artist we look up to for sure. With his smooth delivery and ability to make party bangers as well as deep RnB tunes, Partynextdoor has definitely had a massive influence on our style. And in terms of the current UK music scene, no one optimises the ‘wavy rap’ sound we like to experiment with more than D-Block Europe for us. Everything they touch sounds so effortless and is instantly stuck in your head after only a few listens.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Most of what needs doing can be done online these days so our process wasn’t really hindered by the pandemic. The slower pace of life during the lockdown periods gave us both so much time to focus on our craft and experiment with various sounds so we’re actually coming out the other side with a much better understanding of our own and each other’s musical abilities as well as so many bangers scheduled for release.
4. How would you describe your sound?
In a word; Multidimensional.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Hearing our creations on radio for the first time was pretty special but nothing will top writing/singing a song that bought tears to our Mom’s eyes, that was a big compliment.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don’t limit yourself in anyway. If you enjoy making the music your making and it comes from a genuine place, that will resonate with your audience. Nothing is more valuable than an honest opinion when it comes to showing the world your music. Consider every bit of criticism you face as it could really boost your artistic powers. Lastly, be aware of what you're really good at doing as well as what you feel you could improve on.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
There is a new wave of music coming from our hometown of Walsall. With upcoming artists like Varntae, 1SideJay, Lowkz, Ty Silence and Hamzino, just to name a few, it is a very exciting time to be making and listening to music in Walsall. Big things coming from the ends, we love to see it, banging WS mixtape definitely on the cards for the future so watch out for that one.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
So far gone by Drake has been on loop on my Spotify for the past couple days, ‘Little bit ft Lykke Li’ in particular been getting played non-stop! Recently been getting into our Beatles bag as well so Abby Road is plastered all over my Spotify atm. ’Come Together’ sounds like it was made yesterday, crazy to think it was released when our parents were only kids. Since I’ve been trying to get back active in the gym, ‘Konnichiwa’ by Skepta has also been getting a lot of play time. Tunes like ‘Man’ and the titular track ‘Konnichiwa’ are perfect to get me pumped for a workout, pretty much got me raving in the gym.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
With how much we’ve been grinding in studio these past few months there hasn’t been a lot of time for much else. When there is a moment spare, I (Ruebz) like nature and going for walks, checking out the scenery especially through the Walsall Arboretum which is one of my favourite places. When I step in there, I’m in a world of my own and the phone goes into do not disturb til I’m back on earth. We both like to let loose every now and again but I (Lz) am definitely the party animal out of the two of us, few bevs, loud music and good vibes is a good night for me. We also both love football however Lz supports Arsenal and I’m a life long Chelsea fan so it can get tense in the yard on derby day.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
For us, apart from the necessities, mic, recording software etc. there’s not much we can’t live without at the studio. We even go alone sometimes so we couldn’t even say each other. That being said, sessions definitely go a lot smoother with plenty of water as we will record as many takes as it takes until we nail what we’re going for so that can mean a lot of strain on the old vocal chords. I (Ruebz) definitely love my smoke when I’m creating music. It helps me really get in the zone as well as think all the way outside the box to come up with new ideas to try out. And since our studio sessions can be 12 hours or longer sometimes, it’s always nice to have some snacks on hand. Just discovered a fire new pizza spot local to our studio so bare meat-feast pizza and jalapeno cream cheese been getting munched in the lab lately.