Having already established himself with a wealth of riveting releases over the years, genre-bending artist Eternal Khali is back on the grind once again to deliver his pulsing new single 'Recognize My Face, Pt. 2'.
Lifted from his recently released EP 'BLEACH II', which is available to stream now, 'Recognize My Face, Pt. 2' makes for a stellar return for him. With its pulsing production elevating his distinctive flow throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more impactful names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I played clarinet way before I ever wrote songs, in like grade school. I loved getting out of classes to go play clarinet and I think because I had asthma I took the breathwork and mouth skills of clarinet as such a challenge, and inspired by John Coltrane I learned to be very proficient for my age group, excelling among the other kids in band, being the lead woodwind as one of only two clarinets. Later on I fell in love with electric guitar as a listener and then a player. I got my guitar in 2020 and have played since but still haven’t got very consistent.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a child I loved any music that made me want to dance and have to learn new words because the singer had a distinct vocal tone and accent. Sade, Bob Marley, Mariah Carey, Tracy Chapman, Michael Jackson, were all my favourites. Then I remember getting into rap around when Lil Wayne dropped dedication.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned for sure was The Slim Shady LP. I remember playing it with my family being so excited to show my parents Eminem, but then all the songs to my surprise were explicit. I’m like seven years old, and I just freak out like I have no idea what it means to stick nine inch nails through your eyelids and impregnate a spice girl. I was ashamed I thought my parents would leave me.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wished I could have written Redemption Song by Bob Marley. Soundtrack to my life type song.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
There’s often incense or some kind of scent that’s intentionally setting the mood. I usually just listen to beats over and over and try to hear the words or melodies that come to my mind.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lancey Foux, Lucki, Tana, Young Kayo, Baby Osamaa, BigBabyGucci, No Savage.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably Lancey Foux or Asap Rocky though I’m coolin.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Just being able to express myself to an extent that makes others appreciate themself more. Illicit messaging.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Social media. It just makes everything feel contrived, gives so much pretense, and afterthought to music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To always keep your connections and build with people that match your vibe. And know when its best to burn a bridge.
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Eternal Khali's new single 'Recognize My Face, Pt. 2' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.