WhoisOrion - 10 Questions
WhoisOrion, the London based artist is a self-taught producer himself and comes from 4 generations of musical heritage and has a vast knowledge and experience of music from every corner, and whilst you can often find him edging towards fun-loving vibes in his public output, his exceptional level of artistry behind the scenes, can only be commended. Undoubtedly it is his adept musical capabilities that allow him to effortlessly shift between being a skilled rapper to a melodic, harmonious singer.
Delivering music at a time when many of his contemporaries are focused on street life and hardships, WhoisOrion consistently delivers a fresh and accessible sound that sweeps us up in its wavy vibe whilst remaining full of bars, punchlines and impact. An artist arriving at the new frontier of Black British music, WhoisOrion is an essential find in the next generation of rappers.
WhoisOrion 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 think I would have to thank my pops for my love of music. He exposed me to so much music from hip-hop to soul and so on. That's probably why my musical range is decent, I also had a studio from when I was around 3 so really I fell into music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I don't really have a set artist that influences me apart from maybe Drake and Eminem. In the UK, I rate bare artists, I would work with most artists like Headie One, Stormzy, honestly whoever wanna get in the booth.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
Contrary to what people say I think the pandemic was a plus for upcoming artists. I think it's a bit more difficult for established artists mainly because they can't tour which is their main source of income. For me, the only difficulty I found was that there were just bare regulations we had to abide by when shooting our videos, that's more or less it.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I'd say my sound is upbeat, mad energy, fun, witty, and bar heavy. Every song that I release at the moment will tick those boxes, especially if I got Kevin Gani or Blinkie producing the beats for me.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment would probably be releasing my first song under my new label at the time, Pxl.
I had a track called "Freezing" you should check it out, it did the most views I got at the time and my visuals were such a step up.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Definitely be consistent/persistent that is KEY to every goal in life. Focus on branding and marketing, that's what will make you stand out from the rest of the competition and find your target audience. Invest most of your money on promo and a videographer over sound engineering and buying instrumentals. With that being said make sure you've perfected your craft enough that you truly enjoy it because if you TRULY enjoy your music there are 1000’s of other people in the world that will, you just need to find them.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Check out Kwayorclinch, he's sick trust me. If you shout him, tell him I brought you! I sound engineer for him and multiple other artists. Big up DXVL and 4stringzs too!!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Gully - Take Me In, Gunna - Wunna, and Lil Wayne - The Carter V .... I'm a big fan of Wayne. I'm just in the mood for them... you guys should check Gully. I'm a bar man and the way he rhymes on drill is different to me.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I would trade forex, trying to get that BIG MONEY, music money is minor compared to that. Maybe watch some TV, link up with the mandem, you know normal young shit.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
THIS IS A SICK QUESTION, first thing I need is my phone, my phone plays multiple roles in my recording process…
I write my songs on my phone pad and use the notes to see my lyrics for me to record... I also use it to voice note some ideas down which is quicker than recording on the mic because I’m sound engineering myself.
I need some of that inspiration flower that one can smoke to put me in the mode. Lastly and maybe most importantly I need water, normally room temperature, It’s just good to clear my vocals when recording and it’s also GOOD FOR YOU, make sure you drink water kids!