Having already established himself with a wealth of rich and immersive releases these last few years, Chicago-based artist Nxll returns once again to offer up his sweeping new single 'One Of One'.
Capturing more of that sweet and tender aesthetic he has built for himself over the years, 'One Of One' makes for a brilliantly warm and shimmering listen. With his broad and sprawling voice layered across a dreamlike production throughout, he is certainly looking to lure us in with this mesmerising new delight.
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 think the first instrument I fell in love with would be the saxophone. I’ve always wanted to play it, but never got the chance to. I love listening to jazz and the saxophone is a great jazz instrument. Just something about someone playing the saxophone immediately looks cool to me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was very much into Gogo. It’s a sound that originated in Washington DC and is popular in the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area. I think everyone I was around wanted to be in or create a Gogo band. The sound is cool, the dances associated with it are cool, just everything about it to me was and is cool. My favorite band is Reaction Band. I was also into XIB, TCB and Dream Team when they came out.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I technically never “owned” an album growing up since I was always playing sports or in band so I didn’t have time for a job and my parents only were cool with gospel music. What I will say is I remember I was in high school and J. Cole was about to drop his third studio album ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’. I was really into his music at the time and was anticipating the release. When I got to school one morning word was spreading that the album leaked on SoundCloud. When I got to my first period class, Pre-Calculus, I immediately asked to go to the bathroom. I took my phone and headphones with me and listened to the entire leaked album from start to finish during that class. I remember it was obviously pitched up a few tones, but I didn’t care. Lol shit was FIRE. I do own his latest project, ‘The Off-Season’ on vinyl now and it’s the first album I owned so crazy full circle moment.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I could’ve written ‘So Appalled’ from Kanye’s MBDTF. Every verse on that song is straight FIRE.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to spark up or eat an edible prior to working on new music. It keeps everything flowing, I can hear more in depth, and the ideas and conversations that come to mind are very creative and out of the box.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately I have found myself listening to Tyler the Creator, Kelela, and Steve Lacy on repeat lately. I’m enjoying the chill and carefree vibes that each one of their latest projects is providing me. I like where the music takes me.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Currently I would like to open a show for Tyler the Creator.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The fans are the most rewarding part. When someone comes up to me after a performance and is like “dang I really felt that” or “how did you think of that” or even “yo have you ever thought about trying…” it just makes me feel good and fulfilled like I captured their attention and fully engaged them.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part about being a musician is how long certain things may take. I can be a very impatient person so when I’m working on literally anything from a song to a mix to a video and I just feel like it’s taking longer than I originally expected I get really frustrated and have to take a step back to think.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I have ever received is to be yourself and play to your strengths. I know it sounds so cliche, but in all reality what makes one person successful may not make you successful. You have to know yourself and know what you’re good at so you can take advantage of a situation that best fits you. The only way you can do that is by being yourself.
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Nxll's new single 'One Of One' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.