Weekly > Interviews
Blade
Beat Surrender regular, Sumoboy, went off to chat to UK hip-hop star Blade about what he’s up to at the moment.
First of all thanks a lot for taking time out to take part in this little interview for us, much appreciated.
Not a problem. Thanks for taking the time out to interview me.
You manage to cover a lot of ground, rapping about many different topics and issues on Storms Are Brewing, was this conscious decision or was it something that just seemed to happen?
It was a mixture of both. I just had a lot going on in my head and music is the main means of getting it all out so I just turn the music on and get writing and see where it takes me. It starts off as a conscious decision then you sort of go into cruise control and let it take you where ever it will take you.
How much input do you like to have in the production process, do you have a hand in the samples used or play any of the instruments on there?
On this album I wrote everything and just got people in to play my ideas out. I’ve been producing my own material from God knows when and have always played a major role in the production process, but in the future I feel I’m gonna take a back seat and just focus on writing the lyrics. I’ve literally done everything that I set out to do so now I can concentrate more on what I love, which is basically the writing and performance side of things.
I read that the album was actually produced 2 years ago, but due to difficulties with the label, wasn’t released at that time. Did you go back to it again to change anything before releasing it this year?
There are 3 tracks on the album that were actually written and recorded back in 1996 but were re-recorded with live musicians and that’s about the only change that was made to them. I once met a famous musician who has been a huge inspiration to me, who told me if you record something and if feels right the first time and you can listen to it a few months later and still have the very same passion for it, then you do not need to enhance it in any way. Leave it as it is or you could lose the feeling you originally captured and could possible ruin the reason for the tracks existence. Fred Wesley, if you ever read this interview, thanks for your inspirational words you once spoke in the hotel room at the hotel in Blackheath after your concert. I’ve lived by your words since that day and have never looked back. If anybody has no idea who Fred Wesley is … he was one of the (JB’s) musicians who was responsible for most of the music behind James Brown.
You funded the release of this album with your own money which clearly shows a real confidence and belief in your music. Could you tell us a little about that?
I completed the album 2 years ago and have been back and forth with Virgin Records to try to get out of my deal and put it out myself, and eventually after all the bullshit managed to get myself out of there. I knew it wasn’t gonna be easy in any way but was prepared to fight the fight and stand up for what I believe in, like many other musicans before me.
I feel passionately about my music and no one can ever take that away from me, regardless of whether I sell a million or one. I believed in it to the point that I put everything I have on the line for this knowing full well it’s going to be hell, but one link at the right time could potentially open all the doors. I’m still waiting for that link but never losing faith in what I do or my music or my abilities, given the opportunity. The hardest hurdle to conquer is to get that opportunity given, but I’m gonna keep doing what I do and constantly keep pushing till something gives way. The important thing is that I BELIEVE IN MYSELF AND MY MUSIC and that’s what matters most. Now I’ve got to make others believe in it and I’ll keep going till I’ve done that. I’m not one for giving up on things easily and as long as I got oxygen entering my lungs I’ll keep that belief till I smash those walls down.
Does it seem like you’ve some full circle in some strange way after having the major label record deal and then coming back to having to fund your own stuff, weren’t your very first records self made and released?
That’s a weird one, but yes it does feel that way. My first records were all originally done on my own label, 691 INFLUENTIAL. Like a good friend of mine always told me, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. Now I just got to wait and find out what that reason is and hope that it’s all positive. I’ll continue to smile regardless but will keep my guard up in case it’s not. To be honest I feel a good vibe around me, so that’s a good sign.
I’ve learnt a lot in my time in this industry and know there are more often other reasons for successful records rather than just on the basis of the music. I could get technical and explain it all, but I won’t coz it will take forever, but I’ll sum it up by saying …. IT AIN’T WHAT YOU KNOW, IT’S WHO YOU KNOW. The music plays a minor role in the equation which I’m sure you’re all beginning to find out with some of the stuff you hear on radio or see on tv or read about in magazines. You make your own assumptions.
Are you still as driven in the same way now as you were when you first started out in the music industry?
Most definitely. I doubt that will ever change but if it does then it’s time for me to bow out gracefully. But saying that, I also have to say that for me personally I am driven by the passion for making music and checking good music; the whole image thing and knowing people in the right places to help you get there is killing the vibe for me a little. I judge everything by the sound of it rather than so and so is a friend of so and so therefore she’s worth checking out. I don’t really care who you know, the music comes first and if you ain’t cutting the cheese then it ain’t for me. I judge my own music and work in the same manner and in all honesty am probably a little more cruel in the way I check my own stuff to how I would judge other’ s material.
Is touring and performing live the biggest buzz for you?
Yes. If it wasn’t for the touring I doubt I would still be here making music. I would have got some job pushing trolleys or dish washing and forgotten all about music.
Do you still keep in contact with Mark B, any plans for anything in the future with him?
I still keep in touch with him and have spoken to him about doing future stuff but nothing in the pipeline just yet.
Are there any MCs or Producers stateside or here in the UK that you would love to work with right now?
The list could go on for ever so I’ll keep it diplomatic and short by saying anybody out there who can deliver the right beat to suit my voice or the right lyrics and flows to compliment mine. If that doesn’t work then just bring me a big name who can help me to get my recognition and I’ll be happy. We all need a helping hand every now and then.
Do you listen to much music outside hip hop? What kind of stuff is rocking your stereo right now?
Right now I’m listening to OASIS, FEEDER AND SYSTEM OF A DOWN, along with a few ‘70’s soundtracks. I try not to listen to too much hip hop as I work around it all the time and it can get a bit tiresome. The change is always welcome.
What are your thoughts on the success of Dizzee Rascal and the Grime/Dubstep scene?
It’s not really my cup of tea but I wish them all luck. I like to watch others do well because it gives me hope knowing that the tide could turn any minute.
I noticed the quote on your website about comparing your music to home cooking rather than the fast food which is what you say most people are happy with. You say you prefer home cooking yourself, are you really a good cook or are you like me, a beans on toast specialist?
To cut a long story short …. I COULDN’T COOK TO SAVE MY LIFE! Toast never fails.
Lastly, what advice could you give to up and coming musicians or mc’s?
Believe in yourself and just keep going regardless of what others say or think. You’ll know when you’re ready and you don’t need others to tell you so. Be the master of your own destiny. And last but not least … make sure you switch the equipment off before you go to bed!
Thanks again for taking the time to answer a few questions, hope the album does well and good luck for the future. Cheers!
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