After breaking through with his much-loved debut single 'You What' last year, Bradford-based artist Makh returns once again to offer up his driven new effort 'Closer'.
Blending a diverse array of influences including R&B, hip-hop, and his own Sikh heritage, 'Closer' makes for a brilliantly inventive listen. With his smooth yet progressive flow riding across a bouncing production from start to finish, he is certainly one we can expect to hear a lot more about in the months to come.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I learned to play the piano when I was a child, so that’s the first instrument I fell in love with as it was so beautiful and elegant to play.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I really had a massive range of music I was into, but I loved listening to Motown, soul, R&B, reggae and hip-hop.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning myself (and not borrowing from my older family members) was Usher’s 8701, which is for me an all-time classic.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
John Legend – “All Of Me”.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I just try to clear my mind and be in the moment with what I’m doing. It’s quite a meditative experience – as soon as I’m in my head too much I lose the flow. My ritual is to just try and switch off and let the music lead.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have such a varied range of music that I like, so it could be anything. But I’m a huge fan of everything that Drake is doing. Alongside him there’s Bad Bunny and The Weeknd.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would have to be Drake.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The creativity it allows me to express, and the ability to tell stories and connect with people emotionally. I love the process of starting with silence and building music and vocals that connect and move people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Writer’s block! The most frustrating part for me when writing or producing music is when the creativity or inspiration isn’t there and I can’t create anything I like or that’s up to the standard I set myself.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Make music that you love, that is for you first and share your passion with the world rather than trying to make something inauthentic.
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Makh's new single 'Closer' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.