Glints ft: Feux - Roma (Remix) (Official VIdeo) + 10 Questions
Hailing from vibrant Antwerp, Belgian-born rapper and singer Glints is no stranger to innovative productions. With a distinct UK accent born out of many trips across the pond and a cheeky chappy quality, the rising artist makes his highly anticipated, grand return to the spotlight with his UK remix of ‘Roma’, featuring wordsmith Feux and following on from the original release earlier this year.
A member of the ‘Abattoir Anvers’ collective, operating out of a defunct halal slaughterhouse in Antwerp, Glints has a creative hand in everything from production, to artwork, to shooting videos, working in-house for all creations.
Once a choirboy, Glints’ dynamic musical background grounds him, providing him with a unique perspective, allowing him to integrate contrasting sonic elements to create truly exceptional projects. His new offering is an epic example of this captivating result, as echoes of fierce, driving hip hop production are packed with unique additions of grandiose choirs and enveloping operatic elements. With the addition of North-West London hailing rapper Feux’s verse, building on the release with his signature whirling, lo-fi hip hop sound; Glints and Feux continue to successfully sew away from the seam and breathe some new life into the UK scene.
Glints is undoubtedly an artist born out of organic growth, possessing a unique talent for inviting listeners into his thoughtful headspace. With a zest for collaboration and a desire to explore his operatic roots further, this release sees Glints join forces again with his producer, dear friend and fellow member of ‘Abbattoir Anvers’ Yong Yello. A popular Belgian artist in his own right, this duo has seen prior success from collaborative singles such as ‘Bugatti’, ‘Gold Veins’ and ‘Lemonade Money’, the full album ‘Choirboy’ putting the ‘Glints’ name before a well-versed group of music fans.
“The track Is defined by grandiose choirs and horns fused with synths and beats. Never before was my upbringing as an opera choirboy so informative to my sound. Produced by my beat-brother-in-arms Yong Yello, the two of us set out to create a whole new majestic universe. In ‘Roma’ I rap about my and everyone’s split personality. On the one hand trying to be good, efficient and mature; on the other being self-destructive, manic, and Dionysian. In the verses I tried to keep myself in check, but with the motto ‘when in Rome’ as a call to arms, my impulses always seem to get the better of me. Feux’s verse sees the city metaphorically on fire. In the manic outburst of a chorus the genie gets out of the bottle as we hear an arena of people chanting ‘Roma Roma’. So let’s raise a glass to our mistakes!”
Glints 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?
Thinking back, I think there are two distinct things that sparked my love for music. First and foremost, growing up as a choirboy in the opera had a profound impact on me. When I was 9 years old my uncle (a classical composer) noticed that I could sing and suggested to my parents to have me audition for the opera children’s choir. I made the cut and spent 5 years working there, rehearsing on weekends, performing in operas every few months. Though it is no longer the genre I’m (although I like to incorporate classical and operatic elements in my music), it showed me at a young age that music was not necessarily just a hobby, that there were worlds that existed outside of school and the beaten path.
Secondly, from a young age I was fascinated by my dad’s vinyl collection that was stored in the attic of our family home. Holding the record sleeves while listening to the music was one of my favourite pastimes. The fact that I wasn’t really allowed to touch them without supervision only helped to fuel this fascination. I would sit in the attic listening to music, dreaming about making records myself one day.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
To be honest there are too many interesting artists to mention. A lot of people are doing really interesting things at the moment. People I want to work with range from icons like Stromae to upcoming guys like Deema. One life goal however, would be to have Mike Skinner of The Streets on a track one day. He was the man who showed me how to rap without being street and that would be a full-circle moment.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Next up are some new singles, which make up part of a larger body of work that I’m currently working on. I feel like I’ve tapped into something with ‘Roma’ and I’m currently exploring that even further. I’m having lots of fun. Time will tell whether it will become an EP, mixtape or album.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Obviously there’s some rap in there and the UK edge definitely comes to mind, but I’m also really into songwriting. Having a Pre- and Post-chorus and so on. Plus I like my stuff catchy so there is for sure some pop in there. To me that is not a dirty word at all. I think what really sets apart my sound is that I love the grandiose. Choirs, horns, strings; symphonic and operatic elements that make everything sound larger than life. I like things to sound bombastic and dramatic, haha. This is my way of paying homage to my background as an opera choirboy.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
There are a couple of really big festival shows that are serious contenders, but the proudest moment must have been the sold-out release show of my debut album ‘Choirboy’ at the legendary AB, the iconic concert venue in Brussels. That evening was something else.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don’t overthink shit and just make stuff. Have fun! Don’t start planning the whole PR side of things until you have the music. Focus on the music, everything starts with that.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Everyone should definitely go and check out Feux’s stuff! His recently released debut album ‘Opal Blues’ is a work of art. He’s also played me some new stuff and all I’m going to say is that I’m really looking forward to his next release!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I really love Denzel Curry’s album ‘Melt My Eyes See Your Future’. It’s been on repeat all Summer. He’s just released ‘The Extended Edition’ of that album which consists of renditions of the original tracks with a live band. They are called the ‘Cold Blooded Soul Versions’ and that’s what I’ve been bumping all week.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love reading books and watching movies. I usually go to the movies twice a week. I like to watch everything from ‘The minions VII’ to ‘Triangle Of Sadness’. I also really enjoy cooking. Especially on Sundays I can spend the entire day in the kitchen. It’s the thing that de-stresses me the most.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My notebooks with all of my ideas
Airplane mode so no-one can reach me
My best friend and one of the best producers in the world: Yong Yello.