Bristol based artist Komposa has been gracing us with his beats, gritty flows and lyricism for some years now. 2021 has been a productive year for Komposa, he has been busy collaborating with other prominent Bristol artists, with these tracks receiving national airplay on BBC Radio1, BBC 1Xtra and KISS FM. This year he brings something new to the table.

His latest EP ‘Charging up’ is out now and the lead track ‘Bounce’ has attracted people’s attention with its soullful beats and melodic & rhythmic vibe - and there’s more on the way. He's been stacking up the tracks in the studio, with new releases due for summer and beyond. Expect hard hitting flows and content, combined with soulful melodic sounds, whether accompanied by live instrumentation or set heavy beats, Komposa is on a mission to make you sit up and listen.

Komposa 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?

Music has always been a prominent fixture in my family, so from young I was always around it. Whether it be the old school Rare Grooves albums or Reggae blaring from my mums speakers in the kitchen or the Hip Hop that me and my brother listened to a lot growing up…music has always been around me from early. 2pac, Tribe Called Quest etc.

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

I’m influenced by a lot of different types of music, as I like to keep my range broad. In the UK scene right now…I’m a fan of the music coming from artists like Kojey Radical, Little Sims, Ghetts. Outside of the UK, I would say Anderson .Paak and Chronixx. I feel like I would vibe musically with the artists I’ve mentioned and possibly create some greatness, who knows! 

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

It’s been weird as I’ve released some music over the pandemic period and it’s good that it feels like some people have had more time to spend listening to the music, but nothing beats being able to perform your new material to crowds/audiences and catch a vibe with everyone. That’s been the hardest part for me really…not playing the music to people live. On the flip side, it has given me time prepare more releases and also plan for when things are fully back into effect, so I’m excited about the music I’ve managed to create over this time.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Like your first coffee in the morning. Hot and fresh and here to wake up you up! Jokes aside, I would say that the main part of my sound is more soulful, conscious hip hop with an element of grit through the range of flows.

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

It would have to be performing at Eskimo Dance in the O2 Academy Bristol. There were some super dope DJ’s/Artists playing that night and was just pure energy all round.

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

Cliché but just to believe in yourself, cause nobody might until you do. Music’s always been about the feel and if feels right, then go for it! I try to apply this to everything outside of the just the creative process. If it doesn’t feel right then I won’t do it but if I believe it is then I’m all in. 

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

There’s too many to mention! Bristol especially has some great musicians and artists that have been releasing some great music! T-Relly, Twizzy, JON - there’s a few names I would say to check out but yeah there’s loads.

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

Well since the sad recent news in music, I’ve had DMX on repeat! Ghetts’ new album has been spun quite a bit but one album I keep going back to is Swindle’s ‘No More Normal’. That’s a masterpiece from start to finish.

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

Mainly try to read and keep fit. Doing things to keep my mind ticking and generally just try to look after my mental health. I find that’s important, so that you can have more clarity when in the creative process.

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

Slides have become my new work boots for the studio. Yeah they’re a must! Kettle for when it’s the winter recording sessions and a nice plant. Who doesn’t like a nice plant in the studio?