Hertfordshire-based rapper-singer mustbejohn releases new single ‘Just A Glimpse’ taken from his forthcoming project ‘Losing Balance’, due 6th October. Led by Electronic-influenced production from Sam Ellwood (Bertie Newman, Feux), ‘Just A Glimpse’ captures mustbejohn’s melancholic flows and lyricism, offering transparency and introspectiveness “What you really scared of, everything we shared?”. Recorded off the back of a hangover from hell, he paired the vocals with the melodies before adding an additional trumpet from Poppy Daniels (Easy Life, Blue Lab Beats). The release follows a year stacked with studio sessions, festival performances and a nationwide tour that saw him visit Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, Brighton and London for a sold-out headline show at The Grace.

mustbejohn possesses the energy that effortlessly connects with his growing fanbase. Before becoming the musician in front of us, mustbejohn was born and raised in Hertfordshire, where he took it upon himself to use poetry as a creative outlet. Before his mid-teens, his poems turned to bars, and he began trading pocket money for studio times which meant traveling to and from London without telling his parents. Sharpening his tools by creating everything between Grime, Rap, Dance, Electronic, and Afrobeats, he found a winning formula once he arrived at Westminister University - where he completed a degree in Music Business - and emerged under the moniker mustbejohn in 2018. The 23-year-olds music is an intersection of Rap and Electronic, providing the ultimate nostalgic feeling and honing in on his array of influences: Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys and Mike Skinner, Loyle Carner, and Tom Misch. Cult classics ‘Lucy’, ‘Jenny’s House’ and ‘Raining Colours’ have helped accumulate fans far and wide, simultaneously fueling his determination. Putting everything towards growing his reputation as a cult trailblazer, mustbejohn is now grateful to be turning down shifts at a local shoe shop to ensure his dream comes true.

mustbejohn 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?

It’s hard to pin-point the exact moment but there’s definitely core memories. Hearing music on car journeys, from Coldplay, to Notorious B.I.G and Nirvana. When you get to school and everyone’s sending each-other the latest track or freestyle that had dropped on SBTV or your first time in the rave hearing dance music played where it’s really meant to be heard. I think there has been and will always be new moments that spark my love for music. But the dance and nightlife scene was definitely the main flame that really started it all.

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

I find a new artist that inspires me every week. But I’d have to say The Streets, Maverick Sabre, Peter Cat Recording Co. are heavily up there for me right now but it all really depends on the day. I’ve been listening to a lot of Dijon at the minute. I’d love to work of course with these names, but I’m also really content building and working with the creatives I currently am. They’re insanely talent.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve got a new project coming up in October that I’m honestly really proud of and cannot wait to release. I feel like it’s a new chapter and new side for my listeners to connect with. I personally believe that it’s my best music to date.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I think the best way I’ve found to describe it, is a conversation with your mate. It’s always going to be honest, open and personal to me. Whether I’m talking about the wildest night of my life or things I’ve been struggling with, I’d like to think everyone gets to know a bit more about me with each release and hopefully relate in some capacity.

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

Every time I jump off on stage in all honestly. Having people sing lyrics back I wrote in my bedroom. My first UK Tour earlier this year was definitely a highlight, seeing people from all over the country come out to have a good time. Can’t wait to do it all again.

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

I’m very much still learning the game myself, so I can’t preach too heavily. But I’d say do what feels true to you, speak on things that you care about. Enjoying and making the best music you can will always stand the test of time. And network sidesways! It’s the people around you who will make the magic happen with you.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Cap1talA is making some proper music and is a super cool guy, he supported a London headline we had a while back. Also I’ve had Aguava - ‘Payday’ on rotation, big tune!

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

I’ve got currently got the new Jungle project on repeat like everyone else. Instant classic. Jordy’s new project ‘The Love Ting’ been on the rotation recently aswell and Hak bakers new album! Another classic in the making.

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

Spend time with my mrs, family and friends to be honest! Whether that’s hitting the rave or having a catch up with my mum. I also spend time down the local boxing gym where I use to train. But mostly I’ll still be thinking about music and plans, it’s 24/7 on my mind.. unhealthy I know.

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

I’m not to fussy, long as we can get the music flowing. But always need the waters on deck, dried mango a lot of the time, couple beers if we’re celebrating life maybe! But yeah speakers, mic, interface and we’re usually good to go.