LOICK ESSIEN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
20-year-old Londoner Loick Essien is Loud’s top tip to be big in 2012. With a voice to rival “Usher, Justin Timberlake and John Legend”, you’ll soon see why!
He has done guest appearances with acts such as N-Dubz, Tanya Lacey and grime rappers Chipmunk and Bashy. Essien aims to build on the transatlantic success of Taio Cruz, Jay Sean, Talay Riley and Tinie Tempah.
Your new album (Identity) is out in March. What can we expect? Most of the work is done I just have to back in the studio and finish off a few things. There are a few surprise collaborations on it.
How did your tour go? It went really well. It was fantastic supporting Wretch 32. I really enjoyed playing at Koko in London as it was my first time and it’s my hometown.
You were an actor and a model as a child. What made you decide on a career in music?
I got into acting at the age of 8 or 9. I had small parts in a few sitcoms such as Doctors. I went to Sylvia Young Theatre School. I then met Bashy who really helped me to start my career in music.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on stage? I was on stage and the mic wasn’t on. So I must have been talking for about 5 minutes. At one point I told everyone to put their
hands in the air and of course no one did. At the point I realized!
Who are your main influences? Sundays in our house were music days. We used to listen to things like gospel singers, Alexander O’Neil, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston.
What was life like for you at school? I went to Sylvia Young from the age of 12 but I really loved primary school as well. I’m still in touch with a few of my primary school friends now.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I want to have a few successful albums by then and I would love to do a world tour. Really I just want to touch more people with my music.
What advice would you give to a teenager who wants to make it in music?
Follow your dreams and they can come true. Put 100% in at all times and don’t let anyone tell you No!
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