PREMIERE: Weirdoe - SCUM (EP) + 10 Questions
2023 has proven to be a busy year for Northampton’s own, Weirdoe. It was only in July when he released his debut EP, BORN IN A BARN, which served as his reintroduction into the music scene, following his viral JDZ media freestyle.
Now, as the year draws to a close and the nights grow longer, Weirdoe returns with a darker serving with 5 tracks of chaos, pieced together to make SCUM.
Fans of the MC can be prepared for one hell of a ride, as Weirdoe takes his listeners on a journey through a whirlwind of hard-hitting, aggressive tracks, all of which pack a punch and refuse to let off until long after the run time is over.
The brutal honesty of Weirdoe’s story telling abilities have always been a talking point. Whilst Weirdoe’s previous releases have allowed listeners the opportunity to both bear witness to Aaron (his birth name) and his alter ego Weirdoe; SCUM forces the listener to focus solely on Weirdoe. This is executed with precision and is the forefront on tracks such as the lead single HOTEL CECIL.
The gritty foundation and audio landscapes in SCUM, executively produced by long term collaborator Harlz, will leave a lasting picture in the minds of Weirdoe’s listeners. With the release of SCUM, Weirdoe is truly cementing himself as one to watch in 2024.
Weirdoe 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?
My love started in poetry and lyricism to begin with but I was first introduced to grime by my older brother. It became competitive eventually, taking turns to spit a 8 or 16 bar whilst we all stood around someone’s phone or a set of turntables if we were lucky enough, waiting for our turn to impress everyone involved, I was always told I stood out from the rest so I ran with it, whilst writing I remember always thinking “the lyrics I write today need to be better than yesterdays”.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
All the legends really. Back in the day, Channel U was the one, so people like Ghetts, Skepta, Kano, Dizzie Rascal and Wiley but the list continues to grow. Originality is something that will always catch my attention.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My new project “SCUM” is being released on 24th November. I’m really excited for people to hear it. This is definitely my darkest, rawest work to date. I’m sure you’ll love it.
4. How would you describe your sound?
It varies really, I like to describe it in 2 ways when it’s just pure “Weirdoe mode” it’s aggressive, grimey, dark and well … weird, but sometimes I reflect on my life personally which is “Aaron mode” which comes across more passionate, soulful, relatable and very descriptive which allows my listeners not only to understand who I am and where I come from, but allows them to relate.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I’m proud of all of my achievements for different reasons, I had a freestyle video that racked up millions of views and practically went viral, I’ve featured on radio stations for BBC and had my first ever “Don’t Flop” clash witness by artists I’m inspired by such as Eyez and Stormzy, but right now I’m most proud of my recent work, the “BORN IN A BARN” project I put out with Harlz, that recently done 100K on Spotify, organically, which as in independent artist I feel is a milestone you look to reach and I just hope we continue to see success as new music comes out.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Stay resilient and never deviate from your strengths or the plan. I feel like a lot of people spend too much time trying to make a square peg fit a round hole when it doesn’t need to be that complicated and lastly be unapologetically yourself!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I came across a guy called Slew recently and rated what he’s doing. I've always rated Mercston, I’ve been listening to him a lot more recently and lastly a massive standing ovation for Flowdan as he’s smashed it out the ballpark.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Harlz, my producer, just sent me Quade PoundSign’s album which is hard. I try to keep my ear to the ground with new releases just to hear what everyone’s doing but I definitely say I’m listening to more under the radar artists right now. If I can hear the hunger then you have my ear.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Making time for my loved ones mostly, it’s so easy to be self absorbed and caught up in your head in the world of music. Time is the most valuable currency there is, spend it wisely.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Good people are most important to me, without positive vibes, making music becomes a chore. Food has to be on the list too, nothing worse than when your concentration hits a brick wall from hunger. Lastly headphones! I like to disengage sometimes from what’s happening in the room and go off into my own little world by myself, I feel like it helps with productivity.
Keep up to date with Weirdoe on Instagram here.