Q). Hows things with you? 

I'm in a good space right now. I feel like I'm putting myself in the right spaces to succeed and have been reaping the benefits of doing so. It has definitely been difficult to adjust to the transition from leaving college to pursuing music full-time and navigating life as a young adult but I feel good about where I am. In saying that, I recently had a performance with a live band at ‘Rich Mix’ in Shoreditch on September 15th. A short film about my journey in music so far was shown on the big screen as well which was cool to see. I feel like it acted as a reminder of how far I’ve come.

 

Q). Where did the whole Macelino journey all begin? 

I started rapping at the beginning of the first lockdown and was mainly writing to Lo-Fi/Jazz Hip Hop beats before moving on to UK Drill and then merging the two musical styles. I knew that I would have success with the Drill tempo after I wrote and recorded my first single 'Statement,' but always knew that the lyrical content of the genre was not something that resonated with me. I wanted to find a way to stay true to my personality which has manifested itself into what I call Lofi-Jazz Drill, which is represented by my singles 'Holiday' and 'Wavey (Stacey).' I used to record in my room with the help of my brother on a DAW called Audacity so seeing the progress between then and now always inspires me. 

Q). Your single ‘Get To Know’ is available now. How has the response for that been? 

People appreciate the message and the visual concept behind the video and the song has also been featured on Reprezent Radio. Producers being in the spotlight is not something that you see often and I feel that I've successfully shown my audience that for me, it's more than just music. There was uncertainty around whether or not the split-screen idea would work for the video but it's great to see the creative vision I had come to life. 

Q). Whats it like being in the studio with Macelino? 

It depends on the role I'm playing. As an artist, I tend to have specific goals to record a set amount of songs during my sessions. Everything tends to be very systematic when I work on my own tracks and I prefer coming to the studio with ready-made visions which makes everything more purposeful and almost surgical. I'm really specific about how I want my voice to sound and how that corresponds with the production. When I'm collaborating with other artists I like to sit back and soak in the vibe and my contributions are more sparse but meaningful and considered. 
As a producer, I like to open communication between myself and the artist I'm working with even if they don't have knowledge of production themselves. All artists have an ear for music and I'd rather try to merge their ideas with my production knowledge in order to make something that is tailored to their taste as opposed to making something I think they might like. I feel like there's more of a connection that way. 

 

Q). How would you describe your sound? 

Three words that always make people want to know more: Lofi-Jazz Drill

Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with? 

My dream collaboration would definitely be JME or Knucks, they're the artists I listen to and resonate with the most. 

Q). Who is your biggest influence? 

JME. From his cadence to his production and how he illustrates the topics of his songs both lyrically and visually to the things he does outside of music like making rugs and clothes, he is someone that I'll always look up to. 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry? 

I was originally studying A-Levels before dropping out and switching to a childcare course. Within this time period, I picked up music and came to the realisation that nothing made me happier than music. It was hard for me to accept that education wasn't for me because I was a high achiever at school so I went through a mental battle before making that leap; it was definitely a tough time. I always describe music as my soul food though, and I didn't want to let my soul die by being someone I'm not. 

 

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far? 

Performing one of my tracks with a live band at an event I hosted and organised, that was lit still. 

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year? 

I have two more songs coming out this year, 'Control X and Full Disclosure' with music videos in the works for both of them so look out for those. I want to get a bunch of people to be on the song and in the video for Full Disclosure but I'll release details on that closer to the time. I'll be doing more shows, putting out more content, and collaborating a lot more so you'll be seeing huge growth from me as both an artist and a producer. 


Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

My Instagram and Tik Tok are where I'm mainly active @macelino__