PREMIERE: Paleblu - Mayhem (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Paleblu has been making music since 2016, releasing music across the genres. As a performer he’s played sets at a number of venues (such as Printworks, XOYO, Fabric) and festivals (Lovebox, Meadows In The Mountains, Hospitality On The Beach). He’s also been hosting a show on Reprezent Radio since 2016, primarily focussed on d&b music.

Paleblu 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?

I've always been into music, when I was younger I was surrounded by all kinds of music in the house. My dad was playing the likes of The Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode, New Order and a bunch of other 60s-80s bands. As well as this he showed me bands like Massive Attack and Portishead from a young age, bands which I thought were super cool. He has quite an eclectic taste in music which influenced me for sure. My sister also played a big part in my influence she was proper into UKG, Grime and UK Funky. I remember knowing all the words to the album 'A Grand Don't Come For Free' by The Streets when I was about 7 years old. Also when I was around that age, I performed in West End musicals so I've always loved performing (this is something I used to be hella embaressed about but now I think it's actually kinda cool). When I got a little bit older in my teen years I started going raving and jumping on the mic or decks playing dnb. My brother started a small label and he was doing night at a (now closed) legendary club called Cable. I heard the likes of Dillinja and DJ Hazard for the first time and got gassed. Since then I've been involved with dnb, I've been doing a radio show on Reprezent for nearly 5 years now and have been lucky enough to play shows around Europe as a DJ and an MC.

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

A few of the artists would probably be Mike Skinner, Degs, Hak Baker, Loyle Carner & Jamie T.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

The lack of motivation at times hasn't been great. It's easy to get sucked into the news every day and get information fatigue which is horrible. But I haven't put anything solo out since 2019 anyway so it was kind of a wake up call for me to develop my sound a bit more.

4. How would you describe your sound?

That's a tricky question. It's say it's almost like 'indie drum & bass'. It's taken me a while to get to this point as I mainly just wrote bars to spray over dnb sets. But then I took a few years out, started songwriting and formed a small band. I think this experiment combined with my previous experience of writing lyrics managed to created this hybrid unique sound that you can hear in Mayhem. I'm really excited for what comes next because of the feedback I've been getting from people on Mayhem, I'm hoping to go with the this sound for a while.

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

For me, it was probably hosting a set at Hospitality On The Beach 2019 and after that introducing DJ Zinc and Dynamite MC. That was wild. I still have to pinch myself sometimes. Thinking about it gives me goosebumps and I remember coming off the stage in awe wanting to cry in happiness.

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

I've been working professionally in music as an artist/producer/engineer/event manager for a few years. One thing I will say is that you really need to be true to yourself, your craft and just be fucking nice. It's really competitive and people can be assholes. Also don't obsess over the numbers and the stats. Social media is a whole different world. Focus on your niche and try and tap into that market. If you understand the business side people will respect you more and won't be able to exploit you so much. I'd say learning the business is important.

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

Yeah there's a few. I mentioned Hak Baker already, I fully rate what he has done with his music it's proper fresh and unique. Other people are Leyma, Fela.mi, Keep Vibes Near and Luke Glaszhero.

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

I've been listening to Original Pirate Material by The Streets at least fives times a week cos that album is so seminal. Also Hoodies All Summer by Kano still bangs.

In terms of new albums though Isles by Bicep and Conflict Of Interest by Ghetts.

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

I really love running and exercise, I feel like everyone should make a better effort to do it more. It's a natural anti-depressant and it teaches you to never give up. I like playing video games too... when I have the time. Cooking is also a passion of mine. My dad has Pakistani heritage so I like Pakistani and Indian food.

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

I was on residential studio trip a few months ago and my boy Chris Chords bought a massage gun. I've gotta tell you, that needs to be on the rider for every gig and studio session. ESSENTIALS.

So yeah I'd go with a massage gun, wine and some healthy snacks.