Teedra Moses joined me on a very special edition of ‘The Wave’ and helped me select some amazing music for everyone to listen to. We also took a deep drive into Teedra’s album ‘Complex Simplicity’, celebrating it being fifteen years since its release. We got into great tracks like; ‘You Will Never Find (A Better Woman)’ with Jadakiss, ‘Be Your Girl’ including the KAYTRANADA remix and of course ‘Backstroke’. We also discussed:

• Love, dating, relationships and the effects of a strong backstroke.
• Writing songs from her experiences .
• Wanting to do a 2020 remix collaboration of ‘Backstroke’ with Jhené Aiko.
• The first time she came to London touring with Will Smith.
• The UK rocking with her and knowing all her lyrics.
• The importance of supporting acts performing and warming up the crowd at shows.
• Working with KAYTRANADA and other collaborations set for release in 2020.
• R’n’B music changing, evolving and much more.

 

 

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about Teedra Moses or listen back to the full show on Mixcloud on the web link below:

https://www.mixcloud.com/chynajohnson/the-wave-with-special-guest-teedra-moses/

 Full Teedra Moses Interview

Chyna Johnson: Hey everybody! What is going on? You are locked into your girl Chyna Johnson. This is ‘The Wave’. The tune that I just played was ‘Backstroke’, coming from Teedra Moses. Taken from that phenomenal album ‘Complex Simplicity’ and I’m so pleased, because she is joining me on the phone right now. Hello Teedra!

Teedra Moses: Hi Honey! How you doing?

I’m good thank you. How are you? 

I’m really really good. Really really good. No complaints.

Awesome! Now, we just played one of the tunes from that INCREDIBLE body of work, and I know that the tour that you are on right now, marks the fifteenth year of the album ‘Complex Simplicity’.

Yes.

How do you feel knowing that fifteen years on, this album is still loved and well received?

Errrmm…I feel really… I feel a lot of gratitude. I feel very grateful you know… I had no idea what was going on when I was making it. I was just making it because it was something I had to say. So, I think it’s beyond me I guess. It’s like one of those situations. I was really just the vessel at that moment in time. I just had something in my heart, in my mind that I guess…. other people may have had in their heart and their mind too. And I expressed and I shared it with people. And I think that that  feeling that I had at the time, all those experiences I had at that time in my life, they were pretty universal and  pretty  general. In a sense that generations that came after felt the same way- you know.

Nice! Now, like you said, “you were expressing those experiences that you were feeling at the time”. Do you or can you still relate to a lot of those songs now?

Yeah! Especially because I was so in that space at that time- you know. I was like heavily in that space. Like for instance ‘Backstroke’  you know. Come on!  Every woman can relate to that. You might not….errr I don’t know what kind of show you have so, I can’t speak to vividly. You might not still allow yourself to be in that position, but you know it’s possible if someone with a strong enough stroke comes. You could possibly be.*Laughs*

No, we have all been there. *Laughs* Not just me. Our listeners- we know.

You are mature enough not to allow it- you know. But if it’s too strong (the backstroke)… there’s nothing you can do. Hey, that’s life you know. *Laughs*

*Laughs* I like the way you kind of broke that down. Like yeah. You know as you grow, you are like, “Yeah, I can get over that but then…. like that backstroke hits again” and you’re like… “Whooooa! heeeey!”.

*Laughs* It’s like wait a minute. Hold on.

You know. You know them ones where you are like, “I’m not going to answer his call”. Then two seconds later you have answered his call, you have got you jacket on and then you are at his house.

Exactly! Exactly! You know how it is baby?

I know and as you are driving to his house ,we are listening to the Teedra Moses ‘Backstroke’.

Exactly and it is ok because we are all human.

Exactly. It’s so true. So true. Now you are joining me on the phone right now, but you are going to be in London. I know that your Sunday show is completely sold out, but we might just be able to get our hands on some tickets. For the; Monday 24th February 2020 show – at  ‘Jazz Cafe’ and Wednesday  26th February 2020 – at the ‘Hideaway’. At the show do you have any opening act?

Each show, each city is somebody different. Iit’s not someone that I am bring with me. So I don’t you know. You know I feel bad about that because, if I was an opening act- I would feel really hot right now. Blame my mind not my heart, because I wasn’t really told. I don’t know exactly who it is.

No. It’s all good because at the end of the day, I know these things can happen. I understand because sometimes these things can be last minute changes and all that.  Well, your energy is beautiful and whoever it is, they are going to be in the presence of love and appreciation. That’s the main thing.

Yes for sure! I’m going to be very excited to have them and appreciative of them. Even though I don’t know who they are yet. Like whoever gets on stage and warms up the stage- it is so imperative. It’s such a important job for that artist that is coming behind them. You know because they get them (the crowd) ready. So I am really appreciative.

100%. And the thing is about you, you always come back and show love to the UK. We love you!

Oh, yeah! You know. Listen, I’m a person…. I don’t chase love. I don’t really chase anything. Well the thing is that I’ve never even had to ask for it (love) from the UK. It was given to me without really asking, or trying to get it, or vying for it. It’s just as soon as I came to London the first time, it was like the second place I heard people sing all the lyrics to my song. The first place was Baltimore but they knew one song, ‘Be Your Girl’. When I came to the UK, they knew every song, every adlib, all the musical parts. It blew me away, so I have a huge affection for the UK. Even before I did music, one of the first places that I went out of the country, outside of like Mexico, outside of the States (USA),to the other side of the pond- was to the UK. I was always mesmerised with the people in the UK.  I expected being an American in the UK that British people would be a bit more stush, a bit more uptight, but you guys were not. And I love it so much. So it was a different experience. Your idea is (not being from the UK) you see the Queen, the Monarch, all these things and you think that the British are going to be really uptight. But you guys were really super cool and down to earth. I fell in love with the UK before I even done music. So I love the UK.

We love you too Teedra but when you say they were friendly, I reckon it was a weekend… and we were all having a good time,  because catch us on a rush hour day. Teedra, I don’t know if you would of got the same reception.

*Laughs* Well the first time I came, I came on tour with Will Smith. So maybe that’s why everyone was friendly.

There we go. I mean if you were trying to walk around between  seven in the morning and nine… out of the tube…Even your biggest fan would be like girl, I love you but I got a go to work. Okay!  *Laughs*

Well that’s any given city baby. 

No, but we appreciate that you come back and show love. Now you said, “performing in London everybody will be knowing all the tunes and the adlibs and everything”. Now what tune do you perform that gets everybody going over here?

Well, ‘Be Your Girl’ is just a staple in any given city. That’s the song that gets going in any city. It’s a tossup between ‘Backstroke’ and ‘Be Your Girl’. You know, the States (USA)  go really hard for ‘You Better Tell Her’. But I think in the UK, it’s a tossup between ‘Backstroke’ and ‘Be Your Girl’. ‘Be Your Girl’, I think is the one that wins the most popular one. Everyone whether they know my name or not they know that song. Some people don’t know my body of work and their literary coming to the show for that one song, even though they enjoy the rest of the show. When that one song comes on.. They are like, “that’s my jam, that’s what I’ve been waiting for”. So everyone gets excited for that song.

Now that is an absolute banger! It says something about us over here in the UK -If we are loving off ‘Be Your Girl” and “Backstroke”. That means we either have a guy that don’t want us or we got a guy that we can’t get rid of.

*Laughs* 

*Laughs* That really sums up dating in London. I am not going to lie. It really does. Now you did mentioned ‘You Better Tell Her’, which is… love it! We are going to get into that right now, so the London crew can learn the lyrics before the show. We are going to get into that right now and then we are going to talk some more.

A lot of them know it already. Believe me. *Laughs*

Now we are going through your phenomenal body of work ‘Complex Simplicity’. Ah, fantastic! And we just played ‘You Better Tell Her’. Now earlier we did mention,  ‘Be Your Girl’, which you did say, “Is staple. Everybody knows it, like we’ve all been there with the crushing thing”. Now as if that could get any better… KAYTRANADA remixed it….and it’s like WHAT!? Did you know that was going to happen?

 We figured it out. Yeah. I didn’t know him then he was a young up-and-coming DJ/producer and I didn’t. But we figured it out. He reached out and we figured it out. It’s been really a blessing to me, because I personally had no idea that it was going to be that huge- you know. I had no clue that  it was going to carry on and we just decided to be released it because it did so well from him (KAYTRANADA) doing his thing. We just went in an rereleased it because there was no way for people to truly find it. It was like it had to find you. So we released it, so people could have it and now there’s a whole other wave of people that have gotten on to it. In 2016/2017, to now. It’s so crazy to me, because we did it that long time ago and then now it’s like got a whole other wave. It has just bought so much more attention to ‘Complex Simplicity’ on a whole actually.

 I feel like I love listening to it. I mean I love the original and I love the remix but…..I love them both but

One makes you dance. The remix makes you dance that’s what it is? It’s a whole other vibe to it.

Yes! 100%! You have hit the nail on the head. The original is like I’m in my bedroom. I am chilling

Or I’m riding in my car. It’s like more laid back.

Yeah- but the remix is more like I’m going to the club and I might see my see my crush. Tune!

Right. Right! *laughs*

It’s phenomenal! Now as well as you having the remix with KAYTRANADA ‘Be Your Girl’, there is also a tune between you called ‘Culture’. Now that is an absolute vibe and I’m thinking can we get a full body work between you and KAYTRANA?

I mean, I don’t know. We would like to. We both are just …you know it’s hard being a individual artists and coming together with another artist. The artist is an individual artist and all the different scheduling of working and all the work that you have to do. And right now he (KAYTRANADA) has just put out his album. I am getting ready to put out an album and work on another one and it’s kind of tough. We have definitely  talked about it, we have talked about it multiple times. We have a chemistry and you know he’s on my next album as well. The song that is going to be on my album (with KAYTRANADA), it’s not even going to be what people expect- but it’s still very very KAYTRANADA and Teedra. So we would love to do that (collaborate on a whole project) but it’s just that first of all… he is a Virgo he is a perfection…. I am a Sagittarius. I am not a perfectionist but I am a person who also strives for greatness. So we are hard on ourselves and us sitting together- it’s going to happen obviously in time. We know it has be done because people keep asking, but when  it’s coming we don’t know exactly. 

I am excited for that! I can’t lie. Now you did mention new projects and that’s the thing about you. ‘Complex Simplicity’ is an amazing body of work but you also have other amazing bodies of work as well. You just mentioned you’re going to be working on one right. You are going to release one right (a new body of work/album) very soon?

Yes. Well I mean, we have just finished of the first single and we are taking that to mix and the album should be out before the year is out (in 2020).

Really!

First of all I’m always making music because I’m a recording artist and that’s what I do for a living. So I’m a recording artist I am always recording, but it doesn’t mean that an album is coming out, right? When I am recording. Sometimes I am just recording to have bullets in the chamber-You know what I’m saying?. So, when it’s time to shoot I have them. I don’t like to try make an album base on six months, because six months of my experiences are just so limited. Sometimes my albums are based on like about seven years, because I might pull from something that I did seven years ago. You know- that I started seven years ago and that’s when I was in the emotion and I’m not in that emotion anymore. If I just did six months- it would be a pretty narrow perspective, so I tried to take time to record constantly, so when it’s time for me to say something, like this time what I have it’s pretty distinctive.  So I have to go back into my catalogue and find songs that fit that expression. You know what I mean?

I completely understand what you mean and I feel like this is why your music is so relatable and believable. Because like you said you’re not rushing to put a project out and your drawing from real life experiences and I feel like that’s why women especially, can relate so much to your music.

Oh yeah. They can definitely relate to this next one.

Oh, I’m here for it. What kind of things If someone is going through something and they are going to relate to the album, what kind of things are they going through if they are going to relate to this new album?

Oh, you have definitely been through heart break. And you’re over it.

Oh. Yes!

It’s like you start of…. . It’s one thing to have your heartbroken, you are going to hear on a lot of albums. “Like oh he broke my heart”.  But my perspective on heartbreak is totally different from a lot of people. You’ve got to understand I can talk about a lot of the same things people say. But I’m such a weirdo my perspective is not only very different, but it’s an album to call out the BS (BullSh*t), which is short for the bull -right?. But I don’t call it the BS, because I don’t speak in acronyms. I speak direct. But I’ll tell you because we are on the radio show and it’s called the BS and it is about the BS. It is about the BS of getting your heart broken and extending yourself and getting your heart broken, but also the BS within yourself. The BS within yourself that allows you to be in that position that you don’t want to acknowledge, but it’s very true. Like we draw things into ourselves and then once you realised that, “oh, I put myself here”. Then  you realise that, “oh no, hell no!” I will never put myself here again.  That is kind of like the whole journey of  that project.  I’m so into this person and this person is not acting right, but I’m still constantly beating this person over the head to act right. And I realise okay. Its like first of all I start off with saying, being in a place where I am really into this guy so much and how is it that he is not acting right. And I’m beating him over the head. I need him to act right and I need him to get it right, please just come on, love me right. I’m giving you this opportunity to love me right. And I getting to this point where, you know what has put me in this position- where I feel like I need to draw someone to me.  And I told you I don’t chase things, but in this moment in my life- I decided to chase things. I decided to chase this man’s love. What? Why am I doing it? What BS is inside myself? Then I had to look at myself, like you are drawing certain things into your life and I need to take accountability for this. Let me tell you how powerful that is. Once you start taking accountability for the things that have happened to you, instead of putting the blame on people around you. When you start saying I am I making choices to put myself in this situation. Then you realise you’re never going to make those choices again and then you turn into a boss. You know that is when you turn into a real beast. You know- It is that oh okay!  If a man is going to be in my space- this is my requirements and I am not coming down off those requirements. If you don’t meet those requirements then, okay! And the thing is I know what I have to offer, because I have been the person that has offered up a lot.  So I am aware of what I have to offer, so now I put value on that. So if you are in a relationship where you are not being treated the way you want to be -that is your choice. That is your BS. That’s not somebody else’s- you know so. That is really what the album is about. It’s a self awareness type of situation. Initially, I am pointing the blame on this other person and then I turn around and look at myself. Like ok, blaming someone for how you are allowing them to treat you… and why are you allowing them to treat you that way… and now you have to come to a place where you never allow that again. And that is basically the journey of that album.

Teedra! I know you are a spiritual being, so when I say this- I know you’re going to hear me. That message right there… was right on time. And I’m hoping that any of my listeners who are going through something that message was right on time for them as well, because everything that you said there, you hit the nail on the head. Because a friend recently told me that if you go to the shop and you buy something and it doesn’t say what it does on the tin- you return it. Or you stop using it. But when it comes to men, they say they are going to do all this stuff in the beginning and they are no longer serving you how you thought they were supposed to be or it is not working how you thought it would you was going to be. It’s your choice, your power and your decision to get up and go. But us women are lovers and we stay.

And let me tell you this bit of information. Most of the time you see that is about to go wrong, but you want it to go right so much. See people don’t understand how egotistical they are. We think because we are lovers and we are kind and we are giving -that we are not egotistical. No! You need to get to the origin of why you are extending (love etc), you need to get to the origin of that. Why you are you being so loving and so kind because you have an ulterior motive to make this person treat you a certain type of way. You see a lot of times in the beginning you see these signs and you overlook them like, “Oh, that’s okay though. Ah that’ll change. Or Oh, I’ll love him into this kind of person”. No- that egotistical, so you can’t change another human being, you can only deal with yourself- you know what I mean. So I had to learn that. I had to…literally sit with myself and reflect, because I didn’t have relationships for a long time. I was just raising my kids. So I didn’t deal with men during that time…I had to get money girl and take care of my kids. So I jumped in later after seven years of not having any type of relationship. I jumped in and I realise,- oh I’m egotistical. I think because I run a business then- I can make things happen. I’ve got my kids I can make things happen. I see my mum- I thought I could get into a relationship and make things happen, but that’s not how it goes- that is your own ego. People are probably tell you exactly what they’re about to do but you just don’t want to hear it. People are probably even telling you that they probably not even into you like that, but you just don’t want to hear it. Because your ego wants to believe that you can make anything happen that you want to.

This is so right on time.  You haven’t even released the BS (album) yet. You haven’t even released this album and as you were speaking I wanted to scream, because I heard you so loud and proud. But I just really didn’t want to interrupt. 

I’m glad you can relate.

Listen, it’s right on time. I am so waiting for this new album. I cannot wait. When it comes back out, we are going to have to invite you back on the show and go through this whole album all over again. 

Please! Oh yeah.

It is right on time and I feel like a lot of women…we are getting more powerful now. I feel like we are constantly being told to put up with BS and put up with all of that.

It’s like you wait it out and in the end  you will get the prize.

Yes!

*laughs*

And we’ve got a stop doing that now.

Yeah!

I am so excited. Now,  as well as KAYTRANADA on the new album have you got any more features?

Errmm..I have KAYTRANADA, Big K.R.I.T. he is one of my favourite rappers. I have the Durand Bernarr- I don’t know if you guys know him in the UK. He is a really amazing soul singer over here in the US. Let’s see… I think they might be the height of my features. I have a couple of remixes of a couple of people that your guys know actually. I have somebody from the UK that is on one of the remixes.

Oh, who?

It’s going to be really really good. I don’t want to expose the remixes yet though. I want to put the album out first.

I like that. Speaking of remixes, we haven’t got the new album yet that we are all gassed on it. Whao! Speaking of remixes like we mentioned when KAYTRANADA remixed ‘Be Your Girl’, I didn’t know the song could be taken to a whole other level. If you could remix any tune from that album (Complex Simplicity) now and put someone on it. What song would you remix and who would you put on it?

I would remix ‘Backstroke’ and probably put Jhené Aiko on it.

Ooh her verse would be so fire on that. Oh my gosh!

Yeah. I think she (Jhené Aiko) speaks from an honest place about that experience, so I think she’ll be really dope. And I just love her as an artist. 

She is incredible. I feel like R’n’B is changing, but in a good way. I know there has been a lot of talk about R’n’B. I feel like it’s changed, changing,  but in a beautiful way. It’s just evolving. Things evolve and they evolve into a beautiful thing. There is quite a lot of a new R&B artist that have popped up in the recent years. Can you give me if you can, top three, who you are really rocking with right now?

Let me see top three. I love a guy called Xavier Omar, he is really amazing. I like Ari Lennox. Ari Lennox,  very very amazing. She is very soulful. It’s like when you say “R’n’B is changing” I can tell you three different people that have very different sounds. And I like all the different ways that R’n’B is changing. I think that people want R’n’B to be one thing but it’s not. I definitely like Jhene (Aiko), but that’s the person that comes to mind because she was just on my mind. Those three people are totally different though.

Yeah they are (all very different).

R’n’B is diverse and I think we are going to have to allow it to be that way. The way you would have a Ty Dolla Sign, at the same time you will have a soul singer like  BJ the Chicago Kid. They are two totally different things, but they would do records together and we have to allow it to be all of  what it is.

I totally agree with you and you just picked three incredible artist. I will be playing their songs throughout the show (The Wave) as well. Teedra this has been… Well 2020 has just started, kind of yeah- It’s been the month and a bit.  This may be the best conversation I’ve had for 2020 so far.

Awww thank you!

No, it has been right on time. Like this is amazing! I’m so excited for your new album.  We are excited for your shows in London. We are excited….

I’m excited for it all. Listen, I can’t even contain myself I’m so excited. I’m just excited to give. To contribute. It’s all about contribution to me, as an artist, as a human being. Like- what are you contributing to the world? And I’m excited to contribute something. I haven’t contributed new music since 2015 and I just want to and I’m excited to come back to the UK. I haven’t been back in a couple of years, so I’m excited to come back and contribute my energy. You know what I mean? So I’m excited. Yeah, I’m really excited.

Well we’re excited for you. And like I did mention earlier on in the show, as well as ‘Complex Simplicity’ and the new album that you have got something coming out this year…super excited! And you’ve got other bodies of work that are equally as amazing. Now this show is very soulful/very vibes-ie. From your other projects what song do you absolutely love. I know it’s so hard to pick one.

It is so hard. *Laughs*. It’s like asking a mum, which one of your kids do you…(like the most).

I’m going to make it a bit easier for you. Like I said, “this show we play that mellow R’n’B and Soul for hip-hop”. You are going to press play on the next tune and I want it to be from one of your projects that is not complex simplicity. So DJ…

Errmmm… I think…what came to mind when you first started describing the show. Is ‘Only You’ from ‘Cognac and Conversation’.*Teedra sings ‘only You’ song acapella * “I won’t waste another breath, on someone that isn’t yooou. I am done with them. I’m done with them. It’s only yooouu”.

Oh my gosh! We are going to get into that right now on the show.

So to end the show, we love to sign out with an archive classic, because we believe on ‘The Wave’ that to appreciate the new we have to also celebrate the old. Without the past, we would not have the present. So we love to show love. So from your archive selection (because I usually pick from my archive selection). So, what R’n’B song from back in the day do you still rock with in 2020?

I agree (to celebrating the old). Okay, I’m going to go way deeper than some people probably can even think of, because you have to understand I am a very old soul. So I listen to really old music. ‘Jamaica Funk’, because Miss Toni Smith just died. So RIP to Miss Toni Smith. She was the original singer on’ Jamaica Funk’ and people thought that it was Chaka Khan but… . .*Teedra sings ‘Jamaica Funk’  acapella * “Jamaica funk that’s what it is, let me get into you”.  I would just like to bring attention to her more than anything because people thought that that was Chaka Khan. 

You know what you are schooling us on the show tonight. So we are going to sign out with ‘Jamaica Funk’. Thank you Teedra Moses for the archive classic selection there. Thank you for joining us. I hope you enjoy your amazing time in London

Thank you. I will thank you. I always do.

Well we love having you. And again. Don’t venture out during rush hour because you might hate us.* Laughs*

*Laughs* Everybody make sure they come to the show, it’s going to be a good experience.

After this conversation… Everyone is rolling (to the show)! Thank you so much.

Recently I had the chance to sit down with Cincinnati, Ohio, singer and songwriter Arin Ray. Arin Ray was a contestant on The X Factor USA in 2012, and has since gone on to continue to make music. He has also been a part of making hits for Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, John Legend, Young Thug, Jeremih, Juice WRLD and many more. He comes from a musical family; with his aunt singing background for Marvin Gaye, his Dad playing drums for New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe and his mum singing in the choir and also auditioning for The X Factor USA. Arin recently was in London to support Dreamville’s Ari Lennox, on her European ‘Shea Butter Baby’ tour. I got to know a little bit more about Arin Ray as we talked about:

• Good food in London and being particular about what he eats.
• His family and writing ‘Sleep (ZZZ)’ with his mum.
• Arin’s first time in London and his favourite places in Europe.
• His song ‘Change’ featuring Kehlani.
• Touring with Ari Lennox.
• Being handsome and humble.
• His latest EP Phases II
• Music and much more.

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about Arin Ray.

 Full Arin Ray Interview

What’s going on? It’s your girl Chyna Johnson. And I am joined with the very handsome, talented, super stylish…. Arin Ray! Hello!

How  you doing?

I’m doing good. How are you doing?

I’m great!

How are you enjoying your time in London, right now?

It’s amazing! I love London man. Like I haven’t really got to see the city too much obviously, but what I have seen is beautiful. What I have eaten…. great!

The food is good,  right?

Yes.

But when people come from America, they say the food is not good.

They hating on the food.

Yes!

What?! It is so good. Well, I just had Burger and Lobster. That was fire!

That place is so good.

That was fire so. I can’t complain.

And it’s Christmas.

Yea Christmas time.

And I don’t know about in America, but do you guys have Mince Pies?

Yes. But I don’t eat those things.

Oh Ok. I brought a box but I won’t offer you one. It’s ok. That’s fine.

Maybe like give them to Allen …. or something like that. Me, I am just a really picky eater.

I hate fussy eaters.

I am terrible. Like you would hate me.

Are you one of those people that don’t like onions? 

It’s in everything though.

But it’s like look….. like, onions are gross.

They ‘re not. They are in everything, and they are blended up and you don’t even know.

Trust me. If I don’t taste it – I am cool. But if I tastes a chunk of raw onion……  and it has to be cook if I eat it ever. I just can’t. The texture, the taste, the smell. Ewww I just am not with it. I don’t like mayonnaise. I don’t like none of that. I am good.

Uhhh.

I am a terrible eater.

I could never cook for you.

I am simple. But I can cook good so…..

You are not simple. Fussy eaters when they say they are simple. They are not. There are all these rules and regulations. 

In a sense yes. You are right. I am a simple eater. Let’s say that.

I am not going to lie, all this food talk is making me hungry and I feel like I am going to reach for a mince pie, but I am not going to do it.

I am hungry…. As ever right now.

That’s all I have got for you (mince pies). So unfortunately.

But anyway you are here in London with Ari Lennox on her European leg of her tour. How is that going?

Shea Butter Baby tour, has been  amazing! We have been to so many countries, and cities and stuff. I have never been to Europe before, I have been to one town. I went to Stockholm for a writing camp.

So is this your first time in London?

Yes. 

Really?!

Never been here. It is beautiful.

So of all the cities you are going to on this European leg, which city is your favourite? *Whispers London*

Mmmmm I am liking London. London is top 3.

Like, Love

I had a great time in Stockholm. I love Sweden and I don’t know why. But I love London. London has been great, you guys are obviously very beautiful.

Thank you.

I love the fashion here, but Paris is the most beautiful place I have been to. The scene weren’t too great… but I love the way it looks. I had a great time sightseeing, and seeing everything and being  under the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

Did you take the picture where you pretended it was like in your hand (The Eiffel Tower)?

No, I didn’t get that one….. But you know the Loo… what do you call it?

The Lo?

The Louvre. The big triangle thing that they keep the Mona Lisa in.

Ok, Yes!

I tried that and I did the little thing with that. I just got cool dope pics (pictures). So that was cool.

Did you go to the lock bridge?

No, I didn’t go to any bridges. I just went to some restaurant after I did the site seeing and saw cool statues of people….. and poets and all that. It was just beautiful. It’s a beautiful place.

Do you know what is beautiful? Your face.

Thank you so much. You got me blushing. Come on man.

Obviously, I seen you on Instagram. And I was telling people, ” Yea, I am interviewing this guy and he is awesome”.  And they are like, “Oh my God! I really like his music. And I am like “he is great. He is handsome”. And then they are like, “but like is he handsome in person”. And I am like, “I don’t know”. Your face is amazing. How do you cope walking round with such a beautiful face.

I blame my mother….. and my father.

Is she gorgeous?

Ah Yea. For sure, my mother is the reason for everything.

Ok, so you look just like mumsy (Mum)?

Yea, kind of. Actually, I just found out that I do. When she was a little younger…. I kind of look like her when I was younger. I kind of look more like my dad though… But team mom all day.

So both parents are just elite and beautiful?

Nah, my mom is gorgeous. My dad is cool. But I got my mom’s like prettiness. I got my mom’s like…. you know what I mean. My dad he is just a handsome guy. But my mom! I got my like pretty features I guess, from her. She is definitely….

I am glad that you know. You know some people I will be like, “you are really good looking” and they will be like, “huh. No”. But you know, which is good. But in a humble way.

But no, no look… I had to get into this- you know what I mean. I had to grow into this. I wasn’t always. Trust me, I feel like I can do way better.

What looks wise? What?

I’m going to get shredded and everything.

I am not going to lie guys, off camera I saw his erm…. chest. In a photo. Not in person. Nothing  went down like that. But you look shredded already. You look fine.

I am trying trust me. I need a bigger chest. I need the whole eight pack game going…

Are you trying to get the muscles- where they come from like the neck to the shoulders?

No, I am not trying to look like a wrestler. But you know what I mean… I am trying to get real lean, real nice, real cut. So if I could do an action movies, I could do an action movie. Or if they need me to do a romantic thing. Or if they need me to do like some modelling. I can get crazy with that.

It definitely works with the whole R’n’B singer thing. Because as a female….. and men, when you are listening to an R’n’B singer you know you feel it in your emotions. And when they look good as well it just works hand in hand.

It Helps. It Helps.

That brings us on to your EP Phases two. A V-iiii-be!

Thank you.

Five tracks. Amazing! From the beginning, it is just like….It is a body of work that is seamless from beginning to end. Do you know what I mean?

Thank you. I would hope. I hope

No it is good. When did you create it?

Like…. in between ‘Sleep (ZZZ)’…. The first record is like two and a half years old. ‘Sleep’ (ZZZ). I wrote with my mum.

You was sleeping on sleep?

No, I wasn’t sleeping on it actually. It was like a year and a half. I just…. No…. I had that one when I had ‘Platinum 5’. It was just timing honestly, getting the falls right and I wanted the intro, the outro where is switches up. I just did that. So it was just like timing. Timing is everything.  ‘A Seat’ came early top of this year and ‘Change’ came at the top of the year. 

With Kehlani

And ‘Don’t Chase’ I’ve had…. top of the year.

‘Change’ is dope!  When I was listening to it. I was like who is the sample?

112…. Bad Boy remix. Well actually it is not really a sample…. it is a reinterpretation. For business… I needed that. But there is a sample from the… you know the drum beat that’s a Fugees . *Sings ‘Strumming my pain with his fingers….One time!*

I need to hear it again. Because I am listening to it and you know when you are like I know. I know… which is a good thing, cause you really made your own spin on it.  Which is awesome. 

Are you and Kehlani  like mad cool?

She is cool! We are Straight. Yea. Yes.

Who else would you like to work with?

Pharrell. I think me and him are like the unknown, dynamic duo of music right now. Come on Pharrell, pull up dog!

Do you know what? I don’t know if we could handle it. Should I tell you know why?

Why?

Cause you are talented, he is talented

He is incredible.

You are good looking. So is he. Could you imagine the video…. He would be like *does dances moves*

Yea he is cold.

And you would be like *Does dance moves*

I don’t know how…. I think it would be too much sauce for the world.

Nah, It’s never too much sauce. Well sometimes it’s too much sauce… but only in pasta. It’s literally only pasta.

When it’s on Pasta. You say Paastaa. I say Pasta. A lot of sauce is a necessary isn’t it.

It’s not. You see  with me I need the sauce. But like I feel…I think you are born with it honestly. You got to have the sauce but I don’t know. *Shrugs shoulders*

I like your analogy. I got it. So, if I was to go to Ari Lennox’s show with you there as well, what should I expect?

I am going to try to entertain you. I am going to try and make you smile. I am going to probably sing to you. I am going to try and butter you up …and make you nice if you got a cool  date, or you by yourself. I don’t know I am just trying to put on a show. That is my biggest thing to make people smile… and move and have a good time. That is like literally it. If I see you smile and you are not worried about the next person beside you. That’s my biggest pet peeve too…. like if you want to dance. Dance! Have a good time and dance. So my biggest thing is just putting on a show and particularly for this tour making sure that Ari (Lennox) and anybody else is juiced up, so they can have the best show that they can possibly have.

Do you lot (Ari Lennox) get along backstage? You and Ari?

What? She is like the coolest person that I have met.

She seems so cool.

She is like so sincere. She is so soft spoken. She is cool. She is funny. You know what I am saying, and she is obviously like amazingly talented.

So talented.

She is like incredible and I found a love for her album even more now and I am an even bigger fan just doing this …. Just doing the tour and seeing how prepared she is and doing the same thing every day, as far as getting ready for the show. So it is just an amazing time obviously.

When are you going to headline your own one (show) over here?

I got to get a little bit bigger for that. But soon.

You are literally there.

Hopefully next year. I am close but I got a long way to go. But it is cool and I am ready for that journey wherever that takes me. But if I do what I am supposed to do, I can do it next year for sure. I can do some nice little crowds out here.

Do you know what the energy is right. You’re awesome. The thing is I wasn’t expecting you to have such a dope personality.

What?!

Yea, I know. You are really cool.

I just be chilling.

Yea. I feel relaxed. I am hungry. I have been dreaming about the mince pies that are just there.

Me too. Well I might have a try.

You made me forget about it for the last ten minutes.

I just be trying to chill. You know what I mean.  Like all the little extra stuff is cool, but you know at the end of the day if you can’t hold a conversation. If you can’t just be a regular person what’s the point. If you just  can’t enjoy times like this then what is the point. So, I am just blessed to be here. And this wasn’t promised. So I am just going to enjoy this and be happy.

Exactly. Well I wish you all the success in the world. And just before I let you go because you need to eat. Do you know what I mean. So before you go, where can we stalk you and keep up to date with everything you have got going on?

Twitte.  Instagram.

Where are you most active?

I am most active on Instagram and that’s @ArinRayCamp . You can follow me there. Then I have got…you know iTunes and all platforms and stuff. So you can check out my music and stuff. It is all there. Whatever app it’s all there.

And ‘Phases II’ is phenomenal you should all check it out. Because it is awesome.

And it is only like fifteen minutes.

I know! I listened to it like four times on the first go.

See that’s what I need.

Yea it was lovely. Thank you for joining me.

Thank you.

This week I sat down with singer Ama Lou. Where I found out what she is all about, where her name came from and her new EP entitled ‘Ama Who?’. We also had an interesting chat about:

• What it was like growing up in Hackney
• New EP ‘Ama Who?’
• Going from song writing to singing
• Having a studio in her house and her creative process
• Loving to run and her special running technique
• Her shopping tips and tricks
• The power of manifestation and believing in yourself
• Music and much much more.

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about Ama Lou.

 Full Ama Lou Interview

Hello everybody! What’s going on? It is your girl Chyna Johnson right here, on Westside Radio and I am joined with an incredible artist. She is so cool. Her name is Ama Lou. Hello!

Hi

How are you?

I am great!

Is that your real name?

Erm, partly. Yea.

Is it Ama Louise?

And then something else.

Ok

Yea.

We will just keep it as Ama Lou. It sounds… Hella cool.

Yea. We don’t need stay too serious.

Now listen you are effortlessly talented.

Thank you!

You see how much effort I put into staying effortlessly?

Love it!

The irony in that. It’s like in the nicest way possible. It’s like you don’t even try. You are just natural. Your whole vibe your music everything.

I am supposed to reply to that.

I don’t even know what you are going to say, but it’s just like…. When did you start getting into music?

Well…. I wanted to be a song writer first. I started writing songs when I was eleven actually. And ermmm… and I just fell into it. It’s just something that I really loved…. that I had a massive urge to do. And I think that anything that you do in your life, that anyone does in their life. It doesn’t matter what it is, doesn’t matter what the world thinks. Just if you have that real deep urge to do it every single day and that you are going to give it one million percent that’s what you should be doing. It could be accountancy, it could be doing eyebrows, it could be…. music it could be being on stage. It could be anything.

I definitely think that music was your calling…. and when I listen to your music and see your music videos. I am just like does she try. Like, Gosh! She is so awesome! Now I am from south London. No, now I know that face. Because after that song ‘Northside’ I am  now going to relocation.

*Laughs* What? 

It’s a vibe! I want to say that, “the Northside has got my back too”.

*Laughs* 

I am not joking. I was like this is siiiiiick! and there is nothing in south London that represents that. Awesome! How did your ends influence your music?

Erm.. Just…. I think. I don’t know about it influenced my music. But it definitely shaped me as a person to create that music….. if that makes any sense.. So, I went to like…. a school and I was on…. you know and man was likkle bit on roads from when she was young and ting.

Who you?

Just likkle bit

Really?

Like not real! You know like street… run around.

You were street wise?

Yea. Not really just on the road being a silly person. I don’t know what I was saying before that.

*Laughs*

And just like having friends from everywhere. Just experiencing especially cause I am from Hackney right!  Anyone …. Whatever I have just said. If you are from Hackney as well, you will understand I don’t even have to more explain.

I don’t get it. South London you see. It’s a different kind of … it’s a world.

You experience so much. In such a small area. And you know from like Stoke Fest you got cancelled because the railing came down on the park. There was to many people in there. To Hackney Carnival to just going to Riddle road to school and then all…. But then it is super middle class and all this. You just experience a whole plethora of different situations and also Hackney is the greenest borough! Mad parks.

*Laughs*

We were just rolling around on grass from day. I am basically going to the point that all of this influenced me as a human.

The thing is you seem. I don’t know like… how can I say it? You seem like high fashion, meets street-wear, meets everything, meets just everything mixed in one. Like we can put  you anywhere and you will just fit in.

That’s why Jay-Z likes me

Just anywhere. We can pick you up and put you there and it just works. Do you know what I mean?

Yea.

So I definitely feel like, your area, as you described it.

I feel like this interview….. You are just giving me loads of complements.

No, it’s because you are lit! Like the thing is I don’t give complements. I am that type of person Like I have family members that will be like” Chyna! do you think I’ve lost weight?”. Like, I would have told you, if you had lost weight. Ok! You still look round. Have a nice day.

Oh My Gosh! *Chuckles* Stand up! You should do stand up.

So the fact that I am saying that you are awesome. Do you know what right? Someone said to me, “Chyna, you are funny”. And I don’t try to be funny I just talk and people laugh.

But you don’t need to try, because you are funny.

Thanks.

If you are not funny, you try to be funny. But if you are already funny ,you don’t.

It’s because of my parents. I have  just been raised by two jokers. Oh Gosh. Now you are 21?

Umm Hmm.

You are so young. And you have achieved quite a lot.

You think?

Errm I’m sorry! Songs on the ‘Creed’ (Creed 2) soundtrack. Yes! Like it’s a big deal. You have achieved a lot. Drake loves you. Do you know what I mean? Who did you go on tour with recently?

Jorja.

What was that? Jorja Smith? Hello! That is a lot. Twenty One

Yea.

There is people still making music in their bedrooms, you know. What has been your greatest achievements so far?

You know, I actually got asked this the other day and I think the person that asked me was quite disappointed with my answers. But it is… that I… now have the whereabouts to have a studio in my house. 

That’s sick!

Cause that means I can just get up, have a shower, do exercise and then get to work in my house.

Why exercise? I mean why not just get up in your PJs and then go over there.

That as well at like whatever time in the morning. But I do like running so…

Do you?

Yea.

Hmmmm What about the knees?

You have to have a special technique.

Do you know what? I started running last year. Because I was training for a half Marathon. 

Wow!

Injured my ankle. Didn’t end up doing it. And I was like thank God. I was dreading it.

Nooo. Noooo.

Nearer the time, I was like I have only run 5k, I don’t know how I am going to do this.

3 miles. Yea.

And now my knee has been hurting me ever since and it’s been a year. So what is you special technique?

So people when they start running. Especially cause it’s  all mental. But people when they start running they have this thing. You know like at school right? You are told to pick up your knees and run.

I didn’t really like P.E. so…..

Right, but so that’s the technique that everybody is like… right I am going to run now so let me make my strides nice degrees and let me pick up my knees. But the thing is when you do that…. especially when you are running long distance (and I run long distance) is that you jolt your heel down on the floor and so you cause like a massive impact on your knees. So you will get like that knee ache and then injure the tendons around it. When really you are supposed to be kicking backwards, like small steps.

Like a gallop?

Like a …. like a weird … penguin [Demonstrated technique]

I wish this was videoed. *laughs*

I know, I know *laughs*. I wish this was videoed as well. You kind of have to kick backwards. Like lean forwards and push all your weight backwards. Like run Backwards. Does that make any sense?

Oh ok. I mean you just said run backwards. But I feel like I kind of get it.

Yea, so you should  have all you weight forward then you are pushing

So you are constantly kicking off something.

Yea, so you are constantly kicking off, rather than pulling. Cause when you  lift your knees you are pulling forward when you should be kicking back.

Right, to any of my listeners out there that is the tip.

I am really sorry.

No, it’s good. Because I was telling all my listener that I was training for a half marathon, then I  had to come on air and say that’s not happening. Because I injured myself.

Oh no.

But you know there we go. Now you see your latest EP. I heard it.

The whole thing?

Ahh. It’s a vibe!

Did you listen to it in order?

Yes, cause I don’t like listening to things out of order. It annoys me, because I feel like the artist might have done this on purpose.

Ok. Yea. Yea.

 And it really jars me when I do  listen to it in order and it’s like wow, they didn’t put any effort in. They just threw anything together. But is a viiibe!

You like it.

 It’s coming out soon. Winter time. We’re ready. Got my furs waiting …you know?

Yea. *Laughs*

Now from it, it’s like…. chilling with friends and someone has just gone, “hey, listen to this song” and you play it and there is a little bit of chatting through it as well like…. Hey. 

Yea.

I love it!

Thank you.

 It set the tone of what it is like  to be in the studio with you.

Ahhh yes! That’s what I wanted. That is exactly what I wanted.

But now that you are right in front of my face, what is it like being in the studio with you?

Well I don’t know if may people would know, because I am like just usually just there being engineer by ourselves.

Cause you do everything, a lot yourself. Don’t you?

Yea. I like my own company a lot.

I love mine. yea. I think it is good to like your own company. Can you sit in a restaurant by yourself? 

Yea 100 percent. I do that all the time.

It’s the best right? And shopping?

Never with anyone else.

Hate shopping with people. It’s jarring.

I cannot do it with other people. When people just look at every isle. I look … I can literally stand in the  middle of the shop or a market or whatever and I can just pick out what I need. I can see it its like laser eyes…. whereas people need to go through everything and I am like….

I do like to go through everything though.

But see that is why you do it by yourself though. So you don’t inconvenience other people.

*Laughs* It’s true. 

See. Considerate you are.

When you shop. Do you stop for food? I don’t stop for food and it jars me when someone goes I am hungry and it is like aggrhh…. We are on a mission.

You should have eaten before. 

There we go.

Or you save it until you stomach feels like it is imploding on itself.

Nah, fight through.

You eat after. Exactly you fight through it until that happens and you go home and you eat.

So back to being in the studio with you. So you are usually by yourself

Ummm Hmm

So what else do you do

I like to cook in the middle of it. 

Really!

Yea. So I will have like a break and then cook. I don’t necessarily eat it. I just like to cook.

I love cooking.

Is that weird?

No, I enjoy cooking. My friends are like you are weird you are cooking all the time.

I just love it.

But I eat. Hence why I need to lose the belly.

Stop! 

No, I do. It is getting out of hand. I need to…. Nothing fits.

No, honestly stop.

No, all I do is wear these trousers and another pair and that is it. It is getting out of hand.

Stop, you are gorgeous!

No, I put on jeans the other day and it looks like I am crying. But my eyes are getting watery. *Laughs*

*Laughs*I know, I was about to say she is tapping her eye… mad! Like….

I am tapping my eye right now. It is just getting watery. I tried to put on jeans the other day and the button popped and I was like I can’t. And I was on face-time to this guy and I was like trying to put on these tracksuit bottoms, and he was like, “Let it go” and I was like” please. shut up!!”. Erm sorry I  went off and spoke about myself for a second. My mum is going to hear this and say, “all you do is talk about yourself”. I am like “mum shut up, I felt the vibe. It was a conversation”.

Yea, we can have a conversation.

So you go in the studio.

Yea, go on.

And you go like yea I am making this… Opp, I am feeling hungry. Cook, don’t eat it. Go back in and that’s it.

Yea, that’s it. Or I’ll…. No, I do everything…. cause I like to work in the day. But I do know people like to work at night.

Oh, Are you a day person?

Yea, and I am like a morning day person. The engineer goes home by maximum ten or eight thirty and starts the next day.

Do you know who you need to get in the studio with?

Who?

Kano…. 100%. This is brewing…. Is this brewing already?

No…

You love Kano?

I mean he is a lege (legend) innit.

Listen, I interviewed him and I was like, “what’s it like being in the studio with you?” And he was like, “well, I have a cuppa tea”. Like he is a herbal tea type of guy, daytime.

Yea, that’s me.

So if feel like you two can get together in the day and make magic.

Yea, do you know why the studio is a real good place to work. Like, I take it really seriously.

I mean other artist have a like more of a party vibe.

Yea and that is how some people are most efficient, so no hate on that side. But I am really just like a….treat it like a job.

Speaking of Kano I would really like you to collaborate with him. Who else would you like to collaborate with? I mean you didn’t actually say you wanted to work with Kano.

You put that on me.

I did

Yea

And I want to see it happen.

Ok!

 Go?

I think, I also want to work with your mum, cause she sounds pretty fun.

Oh my Gosh! My.. mum. Her voice is like…Hi. If I called her right now. She would be like, ” what are you calling me for?….”

Oh My… We should call your mum!

No.

We should call your mum. No let’s do it.

But she is really rude. She will be like, ” You know I’m working”. Oh no. I can’t call her. There is no reception up here. Look.

Oh no.

No reception.

Well. Hey, we had the intention of calling you mum so….

I have called parents on the air, on radio before. 

I love that.

Yea. My dad was like, “Hi, darling …..etc etc” and then I remember one time I was trying to call my dad constantly on air and I was like he is not picking up everyone…. soon… and then my mum texted in an said “your dad is a waste man”. And I was like brilliant. 

*Laughs*

Yea…..She is just so…. You know what it is my dad is funny like Jim Carey. Slip on a banana peel. like haha.

Ok. Slap stick.

My mum is very Rick Gervais.

Like slap stick. and then erm dry.

Yes, my mum is so dry….like a Jacobs cream cracker.

Wow.

With no water.

Wow!

Or butter. Just that. And you have to eat like three of them in a row within  a minute. That is how dry she is.

And you are also dehydrated. So you know. Coz no one drinks.

Right you are like I said already you are lit, hella cool. I like  your vibe. I started talking about myself this is not professional. But I feel like I am in a conversation with a friend.

I am not judging you so…

I feel like you secretly are. No I am joking. You don’t seem judgey at all.

No. I won’t judge.

You seem really cool to hang out with. Would you like to do for fun?

Thanks. Erm… I like to go to erm… like … Home-wear places.

Have you just moved into your own place or something?

Yea. I have.

Same. Home-wear brings you enjoy right?

But I like to organise. The other day I was really stressed out and I couldn’t…. There was no creative outlet to get the stress out. So I just go upstairs and like start organising my mum’s closet.

Organisation, is amazing. Do you watch YouTube videos of like people organising stuff.

I did use to and now I like do it myself.

Ok.

I live out the dream of organisation.

Because you are there now and you have got it.

I love it! I love putting everything in like matching jars. I love …..erm…cleaning.

Are you like you don’t like the packaging in the rice? You pour it into like ….

Recycle….Always …… Or like I go to one of those free. …No… Zero waste shops.

Yes. Well done. I need to go to one of them shops.

With like the bags so you are not actually using plastic……Or I like  to go to farmers market.

Oh My Gosh you are like really cool.

I just love all of that.

You are like grown cool.

I just like doing homie things. I like doing reclusive things. I like making a nest. I am a nester.

Yea. The thing is you music is a vibe!

It’s a Vibe

Do you know what I mean it is something you would want to hear? You know there is some music that you want to hear cursing around  in your car. Your music is, I am just going to go inside and shut the door……and if you smoke you smoke. That is your thing. If you drink, have a drink. Do you know what I mean? The Northside!

*Laughs*

I am going to have to relocate. It’s not even a joke.

*Laughs*

No, I have to. It’s lit and do you know what? I played it to my friend and she was like, “I was expecting her to rap”. The video, cause you kind of come up to the camera like Ha  ha. Ready to spit something…. a hot sixteen.

Yea, it is….but you know everyone that heard that song, the first time they heard it they  were like it is like……you kind of disguise rapping, in your own way cause you are actually spitting bars. And I thought ….Ohhh…. Maybe I am.

You are.

I did intend….. It’s just ….you know. How it came out really.

And you look so cool in the video. Like you just rocked up to set and you was like HA! Press record. Bam! Do you know what I mean? It’s mad.

Quick little outfit change.

*Laughs* Right 2020 is just round the corner.

Aahhh Yea.

2020 looks good.

It looks good.

And if you are like into energy and like positive energy.

But does it feel  good?

It does. It looks and feels good. 2020.

I was seeing if you was…… really in tune with the vibes.

Yea, a hundred percent. Do you know what I mean? I am one of those I saw eleven eleven!!!…… Kind of gassed people. So 2020 a feel like it’s the year of manifestation.

Yea, I mean…. every second, every day is manifestation.

Of course. Of course.

Attach that tattoo on your chest. Tattoo it cause you can have anything that you want.

You can. Thank you. I know, that’s how I believe.

You guys can have anything that you want, so…..

Yes, listeners. I tell people this all the time.

Yea

It’s just anything you want, anything you say…. you can. You know. Anyway 2020 is round the corner. What’s in store for you?

Tour! 

Nice

Big, likkle tour.

Sick!

Big bill boy! No, I am doing a big tour at the top of the year that I will announce soon.

Ok, What is your tour going to be like?

You know what? I am just like now…. really getting into it. I needed to get this project out and then really going to dig my claws into everything about it.

I feel like you are going to give me Jhené Aiko vibes on stage.

No. I am like… it’s like…. can I give you a little different scenario.

Go

My one is really on the stage like a rapper. I run… a lot!

Ok.

That’s why I have to run long distance. Cause I’m full up and down. I am vibe…energy like.

Damn!

Full. Not dance routines, cause I am not really good at following those. 

You just like run up and down. Like mad.

But, I am really like in it with you. Like. I am not like…

When I went to Jhené Aiko. When I went to see her she had like plants on stage and like a harp. and I was like whoa. Oh wow!

No, I am not really like a…. I am more like….

Nitty Gritty

Skate

Wow

Skates. I am more like skate vibes.

Ok. She was a skater girl, she said she you later

*Sings* She was a skater boy, she said see you later boy.

I like it. You going bring anyone out (On tour)?

You are asking me questions I don’t have answers to right now.

Sugar! Damn. I was trying to pick your brain and trying to get an exclusive. You never know.

I am an open book so I really would tell you but I don’t….

I think you should get me to open up for you….

Can you do like…. 

 I can sing

Oh you can sing..

Nah, I can’t sing at all.

Ok

I am just begging it. *Laughs* I do that to every single person that I interview. Do you need a….

What if you do like… an introducer person. Introducing.

A host?

Yea, a host.

No, your show you wouldn’t need a host. It’ll be a sick DJ to get the crowd going and ready and doing like skank faces. Like they  smelt something awful.

Yea…Awwful!

Then you walk on stage smelling fresh, cause fresh is the key.

Yes, fresh is the key

Then it will be like  awww we are cool. Do you know what I really love your vibe. I feel like I could talk to you all day.

You probably could.

I actually could it’s not even normal. Well it is cause I can chat for England. .. Well anyway this has been so AWESOME! before …because in the interview we spoke about positivity manifestation and all that malarkey. Just before you go give that……Remember I said there are still people in their bedroom writing and creating music. Sprinkle some positive words of wisdom to that person who wants to get to where you are right now.

You need to work. One- give everything you have. And that is not in comparison to how other people work. You just need to give how much you have and it will take you to the place you need to go. Need to… not necessarily what you… What you want… is not always what you need.

I like that. I am going to quote you Fantastic!… Thank you.

You know guys are amazing and you will find whatever you need to do in life.

Thanks. You’re amazing.

Thanks.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of talking to London artist Samm Henshaw.

Samm Henshaw and I had a interesting talk about:

• His new single and video ‘The World is Mine’.
• What he would change in the world if he had a chance.
• Touring and warm up routines.
• Acting and starring in a new American series.
• Writing his own graphic novel.
• Music and much much more.

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about Samm Henshaw.

 Full Samm Henshaw Interview

What is going on? It’s your girl Chyna Johnson and I am joined by the incredible, soulful, Samm Henshaw. Hello!

Hello! These Mics are annoying

They are. The thing is they are not in the way for the cameras…….

True

 But they are in the way for…..

Us

But energy! Your energy is on point we have been talking off camera. You are a cool guy.

Awww thank you. 

Thank you. Why am I saying thank you like you said ” I am a cool girl”?

Oh Sorry. But-You are cool as well.

Thank you, Good. Right let’s get into it. Your latest single the world is mine

Yea

You sample the ‘Incredible Bongo Band’, also sampled by Nas for his tune ‘Made You Look’.

Yea.

What is it about that sample?

I feel like whenever people  hear it they can identify it to something. So it’s either the Apache or The Bongo band Apache thing or Nas…. And I am sure there is load of other things. That it is connected to. 

Yea, there is loads.

But everyon’s got something that they can relate it to when they hear it. So I just kinda like, yea!

Do you know what it has been sampled in a lot of dope tunes, and when you start hearing it it’s like ok. What fire  is coming?

Yea! it’s like what one.

It’s sick!

I feel like it’s a very well know song and sound and just for different reasons depending on the person.

And you have just dropped the music video. It’s a vibe.

It’s a bit mad innit.

It’s like a film. I like the way it ends but I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

Yea

I like it. Have you ever thought about acting?

*Laughs* No. … But I have done a bit of acting. It’s weird people are moving like this is like…. I am proper acting in this video. I don’t do anything. I just kind of I am….. barely in it.

Yea, cause the couple do their thing. But you are like in the back, the boot of the car and……

I have been asked by so many people if I am like on some acting thing now. I am like I definitely wanna do stuff within. ….. Ok. I’ve acted. I have played a role in a big show that is coming out.

What Show?

I won’t say nothing.

I think I know what show you are talking about.

Do you know what it is?

It has to be. It’s got to be. Can I say?

Yea. I don’t know if we are allowed to say.

Is it Top Boy 3?

No

Oh, what is it then?

It’s like……. It’s not even in the country. It’s like an American thing.

Oh well, drop it then! They are not going to know. We are in the UK. We’re only going to put this on YouTube. *Laughs*

I can’t. Because I have not been able to say anything to anyone.

A top show in America?

Yea, it’s a new one coming out.

It’s a new one? No seasons? It’s brand new?

It’s brand new. First season coming out.

And you have a small role in it?

I got a small role in it.

Are you a singer in it or you just….

I am, but I am like. Argh do you know what.

So you do do acting then?

No, it’s the first time I have ever done it. But the idea of acting makes me cringe. That’s why

Is it the whole playing a role?

Yea, it’s  like why am I not being me? Like I am pretending to be someone else. So that’s weird to me, but I’ve always wanted to do writing, so I want to like….. maybe write a script for a show or a film one day. Just create my own thing.

How involved were you with the music video, so is that part of your like writing?

With this one not as much, I mean I definitely gave  my idea of what I wanted to do and I presented it. I said I wanted to have a sort of Bonnie and Clyde type of feel. Where they are sort of on the run…..and I gave my vision and then I guess the details and all the  weirder parts were figured out by our director who is incredible.

No it was really good. And it is sort of like old school vibes and then at the end….let me not ruin the end. I like it, I like it.

The whole sort of like….. was put together by her. But she is insane.

No- it was sick. Now if you were to rule the world? If the world was actually yours, what would be the first thing you would do?

That’s a good question. 

Well thank You. *Laughs*

That is a really good question considering what we was talking about….. erm…..

Have you ever played Sims 4?

Yea, Sims is a….

So you kinda…

That’s a great way to think about it. I know it is cliché, but end poverty in the areas were people are  struggling and starving and stuff.

That’s a good one.

Erm… My parents just came back from doing a mission in Uganda

Awww that’s beautiful

And my dad was just showing me all the pictures and  everything that people are going through. Stuff like that and we are actually helping. There were like people that were struggling to get into university. Let me not get the information wrong… But it cost like this one girl like a £170 just to get into  university- which to us isn’t a lot. So for us now it’s like, let’s just start doing that so we can help these people. But to them that’s a huge amount of money that they can’t afford to do. So when they came back (my parents) and was giving me all this information and stuff I was just like this is so enlightening. So for me it would be that.

To end Poverty.

Yea, just to help people that you know who are struggling and stuff.

See that is nice. I am going to start answering like that if anyone asks me that, cause my answer would have been different. A bit selfish. Well first of all I would get free clothes and shoes and unlimited food.

*Laughs* It makes us realise how privileged that we are. So……

Very Very privileged.

So I am a little bit of a stalker. I am sorry

That’s ok. We all are.

Have you seen that programme on Netflix ‘YOU’

Yeaaaaah! My little sister got me into that.

Well, I am not that. I am not that crazy

That show is mad!

It’s wild!

The ending was crazy. I didn’t think it would end like that.

Do you know what? We are going off topic here, but it is one of those ones where you kind of saw everything you needed to see in season one, so what can you see in season two.

Yea, what more could you do. True. They could have just ended it, it could have been a one season show.

But when they are going to drain us at season 3 watching it, and I am going to stay loyal. But anyway, I am not as bad a Joe. But I have been doing a little bit of stalking. Stalked your Instagram, saw you have got a picture with H.E.R?

I did

Grace Carter

Yea

Any soulful collaborations on the way?

Grace and I, we had a chat about getting something sorted. And we need to. We are both busy at the moment so it is kind of hard. But eventually that will get done. H.E.R I am not going to lie it was like a brief chat. A very brief chat before the show

Oh. Damn. 

Sorry to burst people’s bubbles.

That would have been incredible.

Yea, it would have been. It was like, “Hey! You’re  H.E.R. I am Samm. You are great. Let’s take a picture”. Let’s keep it moving. But you know what I mean, it would be cool.

*Laughs* Have you got any collaborations on the way that we should keep our eyes out for?

Erm…

What have you been cooking in the studio Samm?

A lot of stuff, but not many collaborations in the sense of people actually singing on the songs with me. I have written for….. someone.

Who?

Can’t say.

Is it Beyonce?

No.

Oh, Ok. Cause you were chuckling there. I was like is it my queen?

Its….. I will tell you afterwards.

And then I won’t say anything. Keep the cameras rolling.

If I say and it gets out.

Nah, I won’t say anything. I’ve done this too many times. Do you know how many interviews I have done and been like is it so and so?

So you are a professional.

Yea, if things are off camera. I will keep it off camera. Sorry Guys if it’s off camera it is off camera. Cause I have guessed so many things it is unreal. That’s sick though. Why am I gassed for you and I don’t even know who it is?

Yea, you will be. I am like. I am really gassed.

But once it is out.. out, out. We can know.

If it gets picked. Yea.

Soulful voice. It’s incredible. You are so young

Thanks. Appreciate that

You are so young but you have the soul of a granddad. I picture you in your time with a granddad hat, pipe.

I don’t know if I would have a granddad hat. 

They are cool.

I would have a pipe. Don’t know about the Granddad hat.

Granddad hat, with the diamond vest.

I am aiming to be bald and have more of a beard.

Nah, don’t be bald.

But if I got a beard. Then it doesn’t matter what goes on – on top.

No, No, No

What?

I love a guy in his 80’s, 90’s with a full head of hair. If you have maintained that all these years you aren’t a stressful guy. Stress doesn’t come to you.

True. I mean more like it would be a choice to get rid of the hair. Not like I am gonna lose it. Do you know what I mean?  I got a good head of hair.

Can I see your head shape?

I can’t do it on camera. it’s a bit mad.

Oh…I see. No shape up. where’s your barber?

He is about.

But he wasn’t about today

He wasn’t about today *laughs*

*Laughs*

I’m low-key…Like this is the first bit of press I have done in ages, so like I wasn’t ready. I didn’t know it was going to be filmed either.

It’s alright. It’s alright. To be fair you are a busy guy and you have been touring a lot.

I mean. Yea

How do you prepare to tour? I mean how do you warm up? Doing in the back scene that we don’t see?

Erm I got this vocal inhaler and that clears all the…. helps to clear my throat out. I do warm ups. Vocal stuff, pray, jump around. Do like a lot of movement to get  the energy flowing and get my breathing right. That’s about it. I mean when I am actually on a  proper tour,  I attempt to go gym.

Do You?

Yea.

It’s long.

It is.

Why you doing that? Crikey !

I don’t know how people maintain that like style.

I don’t know how people wake up 5am in the morning,  and say I am just going to go to the gym before the office.

I don’t know where my manager is, but he does that stuff. It’s weird.

How are you waking up to go to work for 9am and then you are going gym before that?

It’s weird and then you’re still like all able to function throughout the day. It’s long

Then you are happy by the end of the day. Like what?

My manager is a grumpy guy.

Can he hear us right now?

I don’t even know if he is here? Is he here?

He is not here.

*Laughs* He is probably at the gym.

*laughs* Yea he is probably at the gym. He will see this and be like….Oh, I am not grumpy. He is grumpy man.

 Ok, so gym you try to do it on tour. But what do you like to do in your spare time? Earlier you mentioned that you have played Sims.  I mean that is my game. I still play…. I love Sims.

I found out about Sims, but another one. It is like really old.

What another one from Sims?

It is a Sims like game,  but it’s like if you are into like movies.

I am not really a movie person.

It’s Like… it’s wicked! It’s like how a movie studio is created and stuff…and  you get to make your own films and you get to….

That’s not Sims though

It’s great, but it is though, because you get to like actors and, directors and stuff like that…. and they get old, they…. I dont know can get into…. become like drug addicts and like……

Really? Ok that sounds a bit fun.

They can have plastic surgery, liposuction ….

What game is this?

It is called ‘The Movies’. It’s so good and the characters look like Sims characters.

So it’s just like Sims but for the movies?

Yea, just like Sims but for films. It’s great!

What else do you like to do in your spare time?

When you are not writing music. When you are not socialising. You just switch off from everyone. What do you do?

I been working on a graphic novel for the past couple of years, which has been cool.

Really?

Eventually I want to put it out, so that has been fun. I have a girlfriend, so I hang out with her. She’s great!

Awww, how long has that been?

3 years the other day. She forgot.

Wow! She forgot? That’s wild *Laughs*

Listen, I am telling everyone this. I sent her a box of roses…… at work …. and she forgot. Yea, she forgot and she was like…wait…. what’s going on? Yea, it’s been like 3 years.

So if the next single is ‘I sent you roses, you forgot’.

Everyone knows why, but….

So that means you must be romantic then?

Who me? Nah, I just like try

You are remembering anniversaries, sending roses….

Yea, because I have forgotten a bunch. So I am like good now at it. So that has given me at least a year of like yea…..

Yea….like you forgot.

Yea.

Is it hard to juggle a relationship and your music career?

Nah, it’s been alright. I feel like it’s been cool

Well 3 years strong. Does it get a bit peak when you bring up certain things in your music?

Nah, we talk about it before.

Nice

We have a chat before.

You don’t do a Taylor?

Swift?

Yea. *Sings* ‘We are never never…..

She is a bit mad -yea.

She put everything out there?

She does. She like…. hasn’t she like broken up with people in a song?

Nah. Really? Nah.

I feel like I have heard that somewhere. No? Like maybe?

Nah that would be mad. 

Alright cool.

“Hey Taylor! Erm…. I am going to pick you up at six”. 

“Don’t even bother, Spotify my new single….. I hate you don’t pick me up at six”. “Like what?”

Really random question, I don’t know -it just popped into my head right now. Like dude what is your favourite cartoon?

These are the things you need to be asking me. I got a lots.

Go on cause I love cartoons. Ok wait, wait, wait. Lets break this down, because there is levels to this. New school cartoons and then old school cartoons. New school what are you watching right now?

New school…. I was an Adventure Time fan, mainly because it didn’t seem like it was for kids.

Your going for kid, kid type cartoons in new school.

I just. I am a comic book fan and obviously I like cartoons. I just started watching King Titans Go…

You are so going for the kid cartoons new school. OK.

It’s just really weird and I love it. Adult stuff Rick and Morty.

100%

Family guy, American Dad.

Yea. Family Guy or American Dad? Pick

American Dad

100%. Yea. Why is everyone saying Family Guy?

Do you know what Family Guy is like the obvious one, but American Dad is low-key a gem.

Ok listen to this yea, this is my logic to it. Family Guy, Peter will go, “This reminds me of the time when I was so and so……”. Then it flicks to the eye. But then American Dad will be like ” this reminds me of blah blah blah” and then you have to use your imagination.

Cleveland Show is low-key a vibe as well you know. 

Ummm

Nothere are some episodes on Cleveland. Don’t get me mad. Cleveland show have a vibe.

No, wait, wait. I feel like in the beginning of Cleveland show it was like ….. errr…But it’s got better. Because the other day I watched a show where he went partially deaf and was agreeing to everything Donna said. 

Yea, Yea, Yea.

and he was like “I’ve just worked out women, they just like when you say ummm hmmm. I agree with you”. Then all of a sudden his hearing comes back and they (the kids) are like, “where’s mum?”….and he was like “she went to Italy and quit her job”.

I am gonna watch this one.

It is so funny. She is like “Cleveland, can we?”….. and he is like “uh huh I agree with anything you just said. I love you baby”.

Yea *Laughs*

Yea, Cleveland’s show is lit.

Have you seen big mouth?

Yes. 

Isn’t it sick?

Big Mouth is like the weirdest…

It’s so weird.

…but like kind of accurate show to being like young. Like if there were….

You have seen all the episodes yea?

Yea, like I am on….

Have you seen the one where the tampon is walking down the bus singing everybody bleeds?

*Laughs*

Yea. No listen I am telling you there are some weird. It’s a weird show. There is some stuff that I am just like this is a bit …

Mad

Mad and wild. But it is a funny show. I’ll give you that. Have you seen Archer?

My mum is watching Archer. She’s like watch it. She’s trying to get me into it.

Watch it. It is genius. It is incredible.

Disenchantment. I tried to watch that, it was hard.

I started watching that but I was like it’s the people that do Simpsons.

Yea. It’s just like stick to Simpsons.

Futurama is good.

Futurama is elite. This is not cartoons but I feel like you would like this. It’s an undercover gem.

I love what we are doing talking about cartoons in an interview.

I just love TV and cartoons right. We are getting to know you more.

Yea, exactly.

I will listen to your music and say Ha! I know you have seen that episode of Big Mouth. *Laughs*

*Laughs*

New season I will be like I know my guy watched this.

Nah, Nah. Now cause we are doing this, I am going to put way more stuff in there.

In your music?

Yea

Do it, I will listen to it.

That’s why my mum loves Giggs cause he always puts TV…

I need to have a day with Giggs where we are just chatting about Star Wars, all of it, everything.

He put everything he is watching in his music. My mum loves him. She thinks she knows him. It’s mad!

Yea,.

Ok. Hidden gem it’s not a cartoon….Brooklyn 99.

Do you know what I have seen ….. at least 3 or 4 episodes and it is incredible.

It’s one of those ones you don’t plan to watch but it is sick.

I need to like proper get into it, but I have seen 3 or 4 episodes and it is hilarious.

You need to see the episode where they do the backstreet boys. 

I think I saw that …. wait… where they are singing each. Oh my gosh…. and he is like “Now Number 5”.

And he is like *sings* tell me why.

Yea.

Right ok, new school we have got it Big Mouth, Rick and Morty, American Dad, Family Guy all of that

Old school. Go…

Did you ever see a show called Daria?

I loved Daria. Yea… *Hums Daria theme tune*. Daria a lot of people didn’t watch it and Doug.

Doug oh my

Do you know what is sick about Doug? Well most people don’t know

Go on….

You like music? Go back and watch Doug. All the episodes the music in it was done with the mouth. So in the beginning it was like *Hums theme song*

Yea

And then when the sister use to walk it would be like *Hums theme song for sister*

That is so funny. Do you know what- I never clocked that. I need to watch that again.

And then Skeeter was like *Hmmm theme song*

That is crazy

Ok, what else? You like Daria, you like Doug.

Erm I was a huge Looney Tunes fan, because it was stupid. and I love stupid stuff.  erm what else was there Courage the Cowardly Dog that was a really weird…….

ermmm. 

What? What?

See my old school cartoons are more like Cow and Chicken,  Dexter’s Laboratory.

Oh yea Cow and Chicken. But Courage the Cowardly Dog was a part of that era.

Was that the one with the granddad?

Yea

Oh yea yea yea.

Yea. It was

And he was always scared of stuff. And the stuff that he was scared of was like I get that, bro.This looks like a demon from like….the pits of hell. But why is this on a show for kid? Its mad. Erm Cow and Chicken was wavey. Dexter’s Laboratory. erm Kids Next Door -K & D. Did you ever see that?

No

Dude come on. They were like secret agents in like a tree house.

Really?

It was amazing.

You had them elite channels- back in the day.

*Laughs* erm what else. I just had one…..Ed Edd and Eddy.

That’s quality. I feel like I can talk to you about cartoons all day.

I feel like we can talk about anything because you have unlocked this……

I unlocked it from earlier on. 

You have unlocked Pandora’s Box.

We can talk about anything cause now I really wanna be like, did you watch  Sister Sister and Smart Guy, but I need to like calm down.

Of course. Taina all of that.

*sings Tiana theme song* Ok most people don’t know about Taina. It gets on my nerves.

Some people need to get hurt, cause they don’t know about Taina. It’s mad.

Do you know what I mean? and then she is bi-lingual and the going with the Espanol.

Yea. What do you think of Lizzie McGuire coming back?

Nah, not here for it

What?

No. I am not here for a comeback of that but they brought back That’s So Raven.

But it’s not like they are doing what they did….

With That’s So Raven- Actually she has grown up and got kids. Yea, we can do it.

Yea.

I kinda like to see where they are now.  I kinda need to see a Friends Movie.

I don’t want to see Friends. 

Ok, Samm it’s time to wrap up this interview now. *laughs*

No, do you know why? I am not one of these new age people that hate Friends. Friends is elite. It is wicked, but it’s like the same way I don’t want to see a Fresh Prince.

No, I don’t want to see that movie.

That’s what I am saying I don’t want to see a reunion-none of that. Just that…..we got what we got and that is great. Keep it going.

Alright. Ok…Anyway thank you for joining me 

Thank you. This has been…..

Where can we keep up with all the stuff that you have got going on?

Everything is Samm Henshaw. Samm with two Ms. Henshaw H-E-N-S-H-A-W

No one knows how to spell. Erm for some reason….. maybe because I am Nigerian that it should be like have bare letters. But erm thank you this has been great. This has been a great start to the day.

I hope you have good energy and positive vibes all day.

Yes, thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you

Amazing. Thank you.

 Full Samm Henshaw Interview

What is going on? It’s your girl Chyna Johnson and I am joined by the incredible, soulful, Samm Henshaw. Hello!

Hello! These Mics are annoying

They are. The thing is they are not in the way for the cameras…….

True

 But they are in the way for…..

Us

But energy! Your energy is on point we have been talking off camera. You are a cool guy.

Awww thank you. 

Thank you. Why am I saying thank you like you said ” I am a cool girl”?

Oh Sorry. But-You are cool as well.

Thank you, Good. Right let’s get into it. Your latest single the world is mine

Yea

You sample the ‘Incredible Bongo Band’, also sampled by Nas for his tune ‘Made You Look’.

Yea.

What is it about that sample?

I feel like whenever people  hear it they can identify it to something. So it’s either the Apache or The Bongo band Apache thing or Nas…. And I am sure there is load of other things. That it is connected to. 

Yea, there is loads.

But everyon’s got something that they can relate it to when they hear it. So I just kinda like, yea!

Do you know what it has been sampled in a lot of dope tunes, and when you start hearing it it’s like ok. What fire  is coming?

Yea! it’s like what one.

It’s sick!

I feel like it’s a very well know song and sound and just for different reasons depending on the person.

And you have just dropped the music video. It’s a vibe.

It’s a bit mad innit.

It’s like a film. I like the way it ends but I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

Yea

I like it. Have you ever thought about acting?

*Laughs* No. … But I have done a bit of acting. It’s weird people are moving like this is like…. I am proper acting in this video. I don’t do anything. I just kind of I am….. barely in it.

Yea, cause the couple do their thing. But you are like in the back, the boot of the car and……

I have been asked by so many people if I am like on some acting thing now. I am like I definitely wanna do stuff within. ….. Ok. I’ve acted. I have played a role in a big show that is coming out.

What Show?

I won’t say nothing.

I think I know what show you are talking about.

Do you know what it is?

It has to be. It’s got to be. Can I say?

Yea. I don’t know if we are allowed to say.

Is it Top Boy 3?

No

Oh, what is it then?

It’s like……. It’s not even in the country. It’s like an American thing.

Oh well, drop it then! They are not going to know. We are in the UK. We’re only going to put this on YouTube. *Laughs*

I can’t. Because I have not been able to say anything to anyone.

A top show in America?

Yea, it’s a new one coming out.

It’s a new one? No seasons? It’s brand new?

It’s brand new. First season coming out.

And you have a small role in it?

I got a small role in it.

Are you a singer in it or you just….

I am, but I am like. Argh do you know what.

So you do do acting then?

No, it’s the first time I have ever done it. But the idea of acting makes me cringe. That’s why

Is it the whole playing a role?

Yea, it’s  like why am I not being me? Like I am pretending to be someone else. So that’s weird to me, but I’ve always wanted to do writing, so I want to like….. maybe write a script for a show or a film one day. Just create my own thing.

How involved were you with the music video, so is that part of your like writing?

With this one not as much, I mean I definitely gave  my idea of what I wanted to do and I presented it. I said I wanted to have a sort of Bonnie and Clyde type of feel. Where they are sort of on the run…..and I gave my vision and then I guess the details and all the  weirder parts were figured out by our director who is incredible.

No it was really good. And it is sort of like old school vibes and then at the end….let me not ruin the end. I like it, I like it.

The whole sort of like….. was put together by her. But she is insane.

No- it was sick. Now if you were to rule the world? If the world was actually yours, what would be the first thing you would do?

That’s a good question. 

Well thank You. *Laughs*

That is a really good question considering what we was talking about….. erm…..

Have you ever played Sims 4?

Yea, Sims is a….

So you kinda…

That’s a great way to think about it. I know it is cliché, but end poverty in the areas were people are  struggling and starving and stuff.

That’s a good one.

Erm… My parents just came back from doing a mission in Uganda

Awww that’s beautiful

And my dad was just showing me all the pictures and  everything that people are going through. Stuff like that and we are actually helping. There were like people that were struggling to get into university. Let me not get the information wrong… But it cost like this one girl like a £170 just to get into  university- which to us isn’t a lot. So for us now it’s like, let’s just start doing that so we can help these people. But to them that’s a huge amount of money that they can’t afford to do. So when they came back (my parents) and was giving me all this information and stuff I was just like this is so enlightening. So for me it would be that.

To end Poverty.

Yea, just to help people that you know who are struggling and stuff.

See that is nice. I am going to start answering like that if anyone asks me that, cause my answer would have been different. A bit selfish. Well first of all I would get free clothes and shoes and unlimited food.

*Laughs* It makes us realise how privileged that we are. So……

Very Very privileged.

So I am a little bit of a stalker. I am sorry

That’s ok. We all are.

Have you seen that programme on Netflix ‘YOU’

Yeaaaaah! My little sister got me into that.

Well, I am not that. I am not that crazy

That show is mad!

It’s wild!

The ending was crazy. I didn’t think it would end like that.

Do you know what? We are going off topic here, but it is one of those ones where you kind of saw everything you needed to see in season one, so what can you see in season two.

Yea, what more could you do. True. They could have just ended it, it could have been a one season show.

But when they are going to drain us at season 3 watching it, and I am going to stay loyal. But anyway, I am not as bad a Joe. But I have been doing a little bit of stalking. Stalked your Instagram, saw you have got a picture with H.E.R?

I did

Grace Carter

Yea

Any soulful collaborations on the way?

Grace and I, we had a chat about getting something sorted. And we need to. We are both busy at the moment so it is kind of hard. But eventually that will get done. H.E.R I am not going to lie it was like a brief chat. A very brief chat before the show

Oh. Damn. 

Sorry to burst people’s bubbles.

That would have been incredible.

Yea, it would have been. It was like, “Hey! You’re  H.E.R. I am Samm. You are great. Let’s take a picture”. Let’s keep it moving. But you know what I mean, it would be cool.

*Laughs* Have you got any collaborations on the way that we should keep our eyes out for?

Erm…

What have you been cooking in the studio Samm?

A lot of stuff, but not many collaborations in the sense of people actually singing on the songs with me. I have written for….. someone.

Who?

Can’t say.

Is it Beyonce?

No.

Oh, Ok. Cause you were chuckling there. I was like is it my queen?

Its….. I will tell you afterwards.

And then I won’t say anything. Keep the cameras rolling.

If I say and it gets out.

Nah, I won’t say anything. I’ve done this too many times. Do you know how many interviews I have done and been like is it so and so?

So you are a professional.

Yea, if things are off camera. I will keep it off camera. Sorry Guys if it’s off camera it is off camera. Cause I have guessed so many things it is unreal. That’s sick though. Why am I gassed for you and I don’t even know who it is?

Yea, you will be. I am like. I am really gassed.

But once it is out.. out, out. We can know.

If it gets picked. Yea.

Soulful voice. It’s incredible. You are so young

Thanks. Appreciate that

You are so young but you have the soul of a granddad. I picture you in your time with a granddad hat, pipe.

I don’t know if I would have a granddad hat. 

They are cool.

I would have a pipe. Don’t know about the Granddad hat.

Granddad hat, with the diamond vest.

I am aiming to be bald and have more of a beard.

Nah, don’t be bald.

But if I got a beard. Then it doesn’t matter what goes on – on top.

No, No, No

What?

I love a guy in his 80’s, 90’s with a full head of hair. If you have maintained that all these years you aren’t a stressful guy. Stress doesn’t come to you.

True. I mean more like it would be a choice to get rid of the hair. Not like I am gonna lose it. Do you know what I mean?  I got a good head of hair.

Can I see your head shape?

I can’t do it on camera. it’s a bit mad.

Oh…I see. No shape up. where’s your barber?

He is about.

But he wasn’t about today

He wasn’t about today *laughs*

*Laughs*

I’m low-key…Like this is the first bit of press I have done in ages, so like I wasn’t ready. I didn’t know it was going to be filmed either.

It’s alright. It’s alright. To be fair you are a busy guy and you have been touring a lot.

I mean. Yea

How do you prepare to tour? I mean how do you warm up? Doing in the back scene that we don’t see?

Erm I got this vocal inhaler and that clears all the…. helps to clear my throat out. I do warm ups. Vocal stuff, pray, jump around. Do like a lot of movement to get  the energy flowing and get my breathing right. That’s about it. I mean when I am actually on a  proper tour,  I attempt to go gym.

Do You?

Yea.

It’s long.

It is.

Why you doing that? Crikey !

I don’t know how people maintain that like style.

I don’t know how people wake up 5am in the morning,  and say I am just going to go to the gym before the office.

I don’t know where my manager is, but he does that stuff. It’s weird.

How are you waking up to go to work for 9am and then you are going gym before that?

It’s weird and then you’re still like all able to function throughout the day. It’s long

Then you are happy by the end of the day. Like what?

My manager is a grumpy guy.

Can he hear us right now?

I don’t even know if he is here? Is he here?

He is not here.

*Laughs* He is probably at the gym.

*laughs* Yea he is probably at the gym. He will see this and be like….Oh, I am not grumpy. He is grumpy man.

 Ok, so gym you try to do it on tour. But what do you like to do in your spare time? Earlier you mentioned that you have played Sims.  I mean that is my game. I still play…. I love Sims.

I found out about Sims, but another one. It is like really old.

What another one from Sims?

It is a Sims like game,  but it’s like if you are into like movies.

I am not really a movie person.

It’s Like… it’s wicked! It’s like how a movie studio is created and stuff…and  you get to make your own films and you get to….

That’s not Sims though

It’s great, but it is though, because you get to like actors and, directors and stuff like that…. and they get old, they…. I dont know can get into…. become like drug addicts and like……

Really? Ok that sounds a bit fun.

They can have plastic surgery, liposuction ….

What game is this?

It is called ‘The Movies’. It’s so good and the characters look like Sims characters.

So it’s just like Sims but for the movies?

Yea, just like Sims but for films. It’s great!

What else do you like to do in your spare time?

When you are not writing music. When you are not socialising. You just switch off from everyone. What do you do?

I been working on a graphic novel for the past couple of years, which has been cool.

Really?

Eventually I want to put it out, so that has been fun. I have a girlfriend, so I hang out with her. She’s great!

Awww, how long has that been?

3 years the other day. She forgot.

Wow! She forgot? That’s wild *Laughs*

Listen, I am telling everyone this. I sent her a box of roses…… at work …. and she forgot. Yea, she forgot and she was like…wait…. what’s going on? Yea, it’s been like 3 years.

So if the next single is ‘I sent you roses, you forgot’.

Everyone knows why, but….

So that means you must be romantic then?

Who me? Nah, I just like try

You are remembering anniversaries, sending roses….

Yea, because I have forgotten a bunch. So I am like good now at it. So that has given me at least a year of like yea…..

Yea….like you forgot.

Yea.

Is it hard to juggle a relationship and your music career?

Nah, it’s been alright. I feel like it’s been cool

Well 3 years strong. Does it get a bit peak when you bring up certain things in your music?

Nah, we talk about it before.

Nice

We have a chat before.

You don’t do a Taylor?

Swift?

Yea. *Sings* ‘We are never never…..

She is a bit mad -yea.

She put everything out there?

She does. She like…. hasn’t she like broken up with people in a song?

Nah. Really? Nah.

I feel like I have heard that somewhere. No? Like maybe?

Nah that would be mad. 

Alright cool.

“Hey Taylor! Erm…. I am going to pick you up at six”. 

“Don’t even bother, Spotify my new single….. I hate you don’t pick me up at six”. “Like what?”

Really random question, I don’t know -it just popped into my head right now. Like dude what is your favourite cartoon?

These are the things you need to be asking me. I got a lots.

Go on cause I love cartoons. Ok wait, wait, wait. Lets break this down, because there is levels to this. New school cartoons and then old school cartoons. New school what are you watching right now?

New school…. I was an Adventure Time fan, mainly because it didn’t seem like it was for kids.

Your going for kid, kid type cartoons in new school.

I just. I am a comic book fan and obviously I like cartoons. I just started watching King Titans Go…

You are so going for the kid cartoons new school. OK.

It’s just really weird and I love it. Adult stuff Rick and Morty.

100%

Family guy, American Dad.

Yea. Family Guy or American Dad? Pick

American Dad

100%. Yea. Why is everyone saying Family Guy?

Do you know what Family Guy is like the obvious one, but American Dad is low-key a gem.

Ok listen to this yea, this is my logic to it. Family Guy, Peter will go, “This reminds me of the time when I was so and so……”. Then it flicks to the eye. But then American Dad will be like ” this reminds me of blah blah blah” and then you have to use your imagination.

Cleveland Show is low-key a vibe as well you know. 

Ummm

Nothere are some episodes on Cleveland. Don’t get me mad. Cleveland show have a vibe.

No, wait, wait. I feel like in the beginning of Cleveland show it was like ….. errr…But it’s got better. Because the other day I watched a show where he went partially deaf and was agreeing to everything Donna said. 

Yea, Yea, Yea.

and he was like “I’ve just worked out women, they just like when you say ummm hmmm. I agree with you”. Then all of a sudden his hearing comes back and they (the kids) are like, “where’s mum?”….and he was like “she went to Italy and quit her job”.

I am gonna watch this one.

It is so funny. She is like “Cleveland, can we?”….. and he is like “uh huh I agree with anything you just said. I love you baby”.

Yea *Laughs*

Yea, Cleveland’s show is lit.

Have you seen big mouth?

Yes. 

Isn’t it sick?

Big Mouth is like the weirdest…

It’s so weird.

…but like kind of accurate show to being like young. Like if there were….

You have seen all the episodes yea?

Yea, like I am on….

Have you seen the one where the tampon is walking down the bus singing everybody bleeds?

*Laughs*

Yea. No listen I am telling you there are some weird. It’s a weird show. There is some stuff that I am just like this is a bit …

Mad

Mad and wild. But it is a funny show. I’ll give you that. Have you seen Archer?

My mum is watching Archer. She’s like watch it. She’s trying to get me into it.

Watch it. It is genius. It is incredible.

Disenchantment. I tried to watch that, it was hard.

I started watching that but I was like it’s the people that do Simpsons.

Yea. It’s just like stick to Simpsons.

Futurama is good.

Futurama is elite. This is not cartoons but I feel like you would like this. It’s an undercover gem.

I love what we are doing talking about cartoons in an interview.

I just love TV and cartoons right. We are getting to know you more.

Yea, exactly.

I will listen to your music and say Ha! I know you have seen that episode of Big Mouth. *Laughs*

*Laughs*

New season I will be like I know my guy watched this.

Nah, Nah. Now cause we are doing this, I am going to put way more stuff in there.

In your music?

Yea

Do it, I will listen to it.

That’s why my mum loves Giggs cause he always puts TV…

I need to have a day with Giggs where we are just chatting about Star Wars, all of it, everything.

He put everything he is watching in his music. My mum loves him. She thinks she knows him. It’s mad!

Yea,.

Ok. Hidden gem it’s not a cartoon….Brooklyn 99.

Do you know what I have seen ….. at least 3 or 4 episodes and it is incredible.

It’s one of those ones you don’t plan to watch but it is sick.

I need to like proper get into it, but I have seen 3 or 4 episodes and it is hilarious.

You need to see the episode where they do the backstreet boys. 

I think I saw that …. wait… where they are singing each. Oh my gosh…. and he is like “Now Number 5”.

And he is like *sings* tell me why.

Yea.

Right ok, new school we have got it Big Mouth, Rick and Morty, American Dad, Family Guy all of that

Old school. Go…

Did you ever see a show called Daria?

I loved Daria. Yea… *Hums Daria theme tune*. Daria a lot of people didn’t watch it and Doug.

Doug oh my

Do you know what is sick about Doug? Well most people don’t know

Go on….

You like music? Go back and watch Doug. All the episodes the music in it was done with the mouth. So in the beginning it was like *Hums theme song*

Yea

And then when the sister use to walk it would be like *Hums theme song for sister*

That is so funny. Do you know what- I never clocked that. I need to watch that again.

And then Skeeter was like *Hmmm theme song*

That is crazy

Ok, what else? You like Daria, you like Doug.

Erm I was a huge Looney Tunes fan, because it was stupid. and I love stupid stuff.  erm what else was there Courage the Cowardly Dog that was a really weird…….

ermmm. 

What? What?

See my old school cartoons are more like Cow and Chicken,  Dexter’s Laboratory.

Oh yea Cow and Chicken. But Courage the Cowardly Dog was a part of that era.

Was that the one with the granddad?

Yea

Oh yea yea yea.

Yea. It was

And he was always scared of stuff. And the stuff that he was scared of was like I get that, bro.This looks like a demon from like….the pits of hell. But why is this on a show for kid? Its mad. Erm Cow and Chicken was wavey. Dexter’s Laboratory. erm Kids Next Door -K & D. Did you ever see that?

No

Dude come on. They were like secret agents in like a tree house.

Really?

It was amazing.

You had them elite channels- back in the day.

*Laughs* erm what else. I just had one…..Ed Edd and Eddy.

That’s quality. I feel like I can talk to you about cartoons all day.

I feel like we can talk about anything because you have unlocked this……

I unlocked it from earlier on. 

You have unlocked Pandora’s Box.

We can talk about anything cause now I really wanna be like, did you watch  Sister Sister and Smart Guy, but I need to like calm down.

Of course. Taina all of that.

*sings Tiana theme song* Ok most people don’t know about Taina. It gets on my nerves.

Some people need to get hurt, cause they don’t know about Taina. It’s mad.

Do you know what I mean? and then she is bi-lingual and the going with the Espanol.

Yea. What do you think of Lizzie McGuire coming back?

Nah, not here for it

What?

No. I am not here for a comeback of that but they brought back That’s So Raven.

But it’s not like they are doing what they did….

With That’s So Raven- Actually she has grown up and got kids. Yea, we can do it.

Yea.

I kinda like to see where they are now.  I kinda need to see a Friends Movie.

I don’t want to see Friends. 

Ok, Samm it’s time to wrap up this interview now. *laughs*

No, do you know why? I am not one of these new age people that hate Friends. Friends is elite. It is wicked, but it’s like the same way I don’t want to see a Fresh Prince.

No, I don’t want to see that movie.

That’s what I am saying I don’t want to see a reunion-none of that. Just that…..we got what we got and that is great. Keep it going.

Alright. Ok…Anyway thank you for joining me 

Thank you. This has been…..

Where can we keep up with all the stuff that you have got going on?

Everything is Samm Henshaw. Samm with two Ms. Henshaw H-E-N-S-H-A-W

No one knows how to spell. Erm for some reason….. maybe because I am Nigerian that it should be like have bare letters. But erm thank you this has been great. This has been a great start to the day.

I hope you have good energy and positive vibes all day.

Yes, thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you

Amazing. Thank you.