Birmingham-based rapper Tarju Le’Sano continues to push his bold new sound with the incendiary new single ‘Goaltend’, produced by the talented Casey Orange.

Goaltend’ is a fierce combination of rap, grime and drill, where Casey showcases his love for booming, trap-style percussion using 808’s and a sample to create room for Tarju to bounce through perfectly. The track explores the choice of staying true Tarju’s own path in his career, with a true focus on developing his craftsmanship as a talented lyricist, performer & visionary.

The music video that will follow the release was directed by Ellie Howard of 1709 Productions with animations provided by Tarju himself. The influence of the video concept is a marriage of the influence of Space Jam and Rick & Morty.

Tarju 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 was raised in a musical family, Mom was a signed R&B/Soul artist and my pops a producer and sound engineer, so music was always playing, my mom had me in and out of studios since I was a baby. I remember hearing A Tribe Called Quest in the house and Phife Dawg made me want to rap, but I couldn't do it without the accent. Then I found Grime, More Fire Crew "Oi" was the first single I ever bought on my own at like 8 or 9. I started writing and then around about 11 I came across Dance Ejay then Fruity loops and started producing from there.

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

Firstly my boy Casey Orange produced the single and he blows my mind with his versatility and his ear for music, so for sure we're gonna keep building together.

Some of my biggest influences are Pharrell Williams, J Dilla, Kano & Timberland. I love jazz and complex arrangements so Production-wise I want to work with Swindle, Davinche, Kenny beats and 9th wonder.

Artist collabs I could give you a whole list but top of my list right now are: Kojey Radical, Kadeem Tyrell and Children of Zeus.

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

I come from building a career through the live scene in Brum (Birmingham) and touring, so for me the biggest challenge has been performing throughout the Pandemic. But if I'm honest the silver lining has been the growth of my online presence.

4. How would you describe your sound? 

I'd describe my sound as Rap meets Grime, Jazz and Alternative soul. I've been raised in a versatile background so I'm open to anything with a vibe but I'd like to think my sound breaks further out than just the realm of UK urban music.

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

The proudest moment of my career so far I'd have to say is travelling around the states and Europe and meeting some of my role models from across the pond like Ras Kass, Talib Kweli and Troy Taylor.

But the biggest moment for me so far was being a featured artist to my good friend Tom Ford performing at Ronnie Scott's 20 years after my mom performed there in London.

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

Stay true to your art, your sound, be prepared for a long journey and stay consistent. Build a team of people around you that believe in building a vision with you.

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

Right now I'm listening to Kemba, Hiatus Kaiyote and Ghetts a lot. Everyone's taste is different but I'd recommend listening to genres that built the foundation of your preference: Jazz, Funk, Soul etc.

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

Ghetts - Conflict of interest, Children of Zeus - Balance, Tyler the Creator - Call me if you get lost, Mez - Tyrone 3 and Hiatus Kaiyote - Mood Valiant.

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

Haha make music! I guess watching anime, getting lit with my peoples, spending time with family, getting involved with the vibes around my city, meeting people having random nights all of that.

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

1 - “Moii Gee’s” I’ve got a circle of my close ones that have all been investing time and skills (Producers, Artists, Visual artists, Engineers & Influencers) all building and supporting this vision together for the past 3 years. I always feel most inspired when with my people.

2 - My insulin and a snack cos I’m diabetic, when I'm creating I get animated n pace a lot in the studio n that adrenaline makes my glucose levels dip haha.

3 - I can't jump into creating on my own without having some time to sit and listen to beats to relax or if I'm creating with Casey Orange or any of my peeps,

we always have some catch-up time, talk shit, buss some jokes and make sure we know where our heads are at. I like us to empty the cup's of our minds for real. My best inspiration comes where there is mental space, otherwise the ideas become tethered towards stress or frustration because that's just life and I think expression should be more than just venting.