Following on from his highly-praised studio album 'Note to self...' earlier this year, London-based rapper and producer K Zorro is back on the grind once again to deliver his pulsing new single 'The Prayer'.
Bringing back more of that broad and immersive aesthetic he has been honing over the years, 'The Prayer' makes for an incredibly warm and inviting return for him. With his driven flow riding across a progressive production throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more captivating names doing the rounds with this one.
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 lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano! My uncle had an upright at their house and my cousin was doing all her grades when I was very small, so I used to watch her practicing. Then my mum sent me for lessons with her teacher and then it became more of a chore!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I’m a hip hop baby, baby! My brother (new guardz band mate Venomspitter) was a hip hop student from the late 80s onwards so my house was full of hip hop from the start! My dad, who didn’t live with us full time, was in a cover band and was into all the Motown classics, and then I was a big mj fan as well so there was so much music I was tapped into!
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think k9 - come baby come was the 1st music that I actually owned myself (I know it's a single), although Michael Jackson ‘Bad’ was probably the first album I rinsed into the ground around the house. The next ones were snoop – doggystyle, and kriss kross – totally krossed out.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jehst – alcoholic author
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try to let it flow through me and not force it. My creative juices come to me at random moments and in those moments I really need to satisfy the need to write. When I’m in the opposite frame of mind, I try to disconnect from music completely.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Currently I’m listening to Joyner Lucas, Common x Pete Rock, Lola Young, Jords and Benny the Butcher.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Hmm, probably The Roots. Their musicianship is insane and they put on an incredible show! It would be amazing to be a part of that.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to turn thoughts into songs, and then to be able to share those with strangers. Whenever someone has told me something I have made resonated with them in some way, it’s always a humbling experience.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Those damn algorithms, haha! In all seriousness I’d probably say the nature of streaming itself. We’ve kind of entered a period in which independent artists can get their music heard far and wide throughout the world, but the whole process is not nearly as beneficial to the artists as it is to the streaming companies, which in turn creates clout chasers as the money is in monetising from going viral as opposed to making a good song.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To always bet on myself!
-
K Zorro's new single 'The Prayer' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.