After recently returning with his brilliant comeback single 'HURRA' earlier this year, London-based rapper Komanii is back to his best once again on his latest offering '254'.
Bringing back more of that broad and inventive aesthetic he has crafted over the years, '254' makes for a dazzling return to form for him. With its smooth and alluring textures, stellar production, and his own driven flow at the helm, he continues to rise as one of the more impactful names on the scene 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?
The Piano. There was one in the house in my early years.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was a big fan of 2000’s R&B and Hip-Hop, as well as some soft rock, indie folk, and acoustic.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember being given a Gwen Stefani CD as a gift at a friend’s birthday party. I think it was the Love. Angel. Music. Baby. I didn’t know her or listen to her at the time but Hollaback Girl was a BOP.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Love Yourz - J.Cole What a powerful song… I’m happy J.Cole made it of course and it made such an impact in so many people’s lives. I would love to do the same with my music.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Less-so a habit or ritual but I do have one go-to rule. D.O.T.S as Kenny Beats would say. Don’t OverThink. Sh*t. Sorry for the profanity but this really does help with making stuff and not getting stuck in your head.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Some favourites are Russ, J.Cole, Aminé. They’re always in the rotation. I recently been listening to the new Tyler the Creator album CROMAKOPIA, it’s awesome. Tems, Jorja Smith, Kehlani, Sainté and a few others.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Russ or J.Cole
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When you can make a song that a listener can really connect with. If the song can make someone feel something then it’s doing its job. Life can be tough and in this world I feel like a lot of people want to avoid their feelings. They might not want or be able to connect with their feelings so if I can make a song that helps them access and connect with that part of themselves then that is truly amazing and priceless.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting caught up in all the nonsense and noise out there. The stuff that doesn’t serve you and add to your life but takes away and distracts you from your passion and destiny which you define. There's a lot of noise out there…
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It's just like working out/going to the gym or playing a sport. You still have to have self-discipline with your craft. You have to put the work in, every rep leads you to a better version of yourself and self-improvement is not linear but it is also never ending. You can always get better, just make sure you enjoy the journey. The journey is all that really matters.
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Komanii's new single '254' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.