ESSEO - Retrograde Memoirs (Album) + 10 Questions
UK artist ESSEO drops the spacey and eclectic 'Retrograde Memoirs'.
The album is a dreamy trip through space and time, with ESSEO taking the listener on his own personal journey through life and love.
ESSEO's signature "melodic rap" sound is prevalent throughout, with each of the 10 tracks a cohesive and well-rounded listening experience.
Key radio tracks 'Bliss', 'Pisces & Capris' and 'Memoirs' all perfectly showcase what to expect from the project as a whole, yet are still a mere taster of just what ESSEO has to offer with 'Retrograde Memoirs'.
The British Nigerian artist is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air within the UK music scene. Born and bred in Luton before moving to Lagos, Nigeria at age 12 followed by 3 years spent in Houston, Texas at age 20, ESSEO’s music is a culmination of the different cultures and environments he was able to experience throughout his childhood into young adulthood.
Drawing influence from artists such as Travis Scott and PARTYNEXTDOOR, ESSEO's sound can be described as a unique hybrid between both Rap and Melodic vocals, lacing each track with his own infectious sonance.
ESSEO 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?
You know it all started in year 7, Grime was on the rise, I was a black British kid trying to find myself & my identity and I found that in grime and it’s culture. I also had an older brother known as one of the best MC's in the town. Naturally that made me want to get involved. Almost every male cousin I have is an artist, so it was almost inevitable I'd join the gang. Since then i’ve found my love for music as an art of expression which I need and more or less breathe through.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
You know If i’m being honest, I'm influenced by artists such as Drake, Bryson Tiller, Lil Uzi Vert, Summer Walker, Young Thug & PARTYNEXTDOOR. Hearing these guys' takes on music did open me up to a new way to express myself. Even Joe Budden was an early influence for me with his Mood Muzik mixtape series. I come from a long line of emo rappers. I'd love to work with all of them, as well as people like Starrah, IAMDDB, BAKA, D Double E, RADA, Pink Pantheress, DVSN, FKA Twigs, Ty Dolla $ign, JAE5 and so many.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Well i just released my most recent LP 'Retrograde Memoirs', after this I might drop a deluxe or I'm thinking about working on a new project with a more summery vibe/sound. If not another project this year then definitely expect new music & singles very soon. I tend to make music as a direct result of inspiration, even last year I had plans of making a different album but scrapped it to make Retrograde Memoirs. So some new vibes will undoubtedly be coming.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is quite unique I feel like I've carved out my own sound. It's a mix between rapping and melodic vibes, it's a part of this hybrid between rapping & singing that is going on now. Sonically I feel like I lie somewhere between R&B and Hip Hop, but I personally feel genreless and by myself. The concepts I explore in my music, I don't hear many do it, especially in the UK. When you come to me you’ll get a unique experience only I can give.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment to date, that's a tough one. Some of my early moments with my old group VK bring me joy. Being on TV & releasing an album independently at such a young age. I spent some time working at major labels gaining industry knowledge and working on big notable artist campaigns too. I think one of my proudest moments so far is the collaboration on Retrograde Memoirs, was just a real full circle moment. The first time I've really seen something come full circle. I'm really proud of that.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Consistency! Resilience even. You got to put time, effort, resources and work in. You also need to believe in yourself, and have a support system for when times get difficult. One thing I know for sure is every dog has his day, for some it's day 10 for some day 1000. For some it takes 10 years to become an overnight success. Just never give up.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
You need to keep your eye out for Nothing Was Easy - that's my collective and each artist is so unique and special. Each with different sounds & styles – rappers, singers, melodic songwriters all of the above. We're actually all related funny enough. F- Don just won Pen Game Rap Battle by Margs. Merki Waters won the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, and other members like RichIsWaved, NWE Klash & Carlito are all ones to pay attention to.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
The new Drake is getting constant spins from me right now, I love it, I think it's so cold. Same with Future. Also I've been playing a lot of Youngs Teflon recently, RADA & Mahalia too. Tems & Afrobeats have my heart for the summer I swear, and US Hip Hop acts like Smiley, Kodak & Jeleel too.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
You know everything I do is music related. If not making music I'll be watching music content, listening to music or analysing the industry. If it's not music related I'm most likely playing Naruto or FIFA, or just chilling. My family think I might even be a bit too obsessive! I'm just really determined, I stay in the studio, kind of Wayne-esque.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Alcohol, loud speakers and I need to get in my vibe, in my zone!