16 INTERVIEW Hot ones to watch The Redland
Originally hailing from Lousiana and Oklahoma and now ATL residents, Earv and Kose aka The Redland are a Hip Hop group that defy mainstream convention. Often heard over indie-flavoured production, The Redland have a refreshing sound that’s won over HM. We grabbed a Hotminute with them between recording sessions here in the UK to find out more.
HM: Hey guys, great to meet you. Would you like to introduce yourself to the masses? What’s up!?! We are The Redland, live from London.
HM: What’s behind the name, ‘The Redland’? Earv: It’s a word that symbolizes where we’re from and what got us to this point as a group.
HM: So what brings you to London town? Kose:Well we’ve gotten a lot of support from this area. We’re always looking for new sources of inspiration. It seemed like the perfect time to come out here and feel the energy of London. We’ve been working with some really talented artists who have added a really interesting touch to our music.
HM: I noticed you did a freestyle over Coldplay’s ‘Paradise’. I take it you’re Coldplay fans, any other UK bands/ artists you like? Earv:There are, artists like Calvin Harris, Adele and Tinie Tempah,
to name a few. I’ve always been a fan of the scene since I first heard Dizzie Rascal, I’ve always kept an eye on the UK music scene.
HM: So Earvin and Kose, how would you describe each other as characters and as lyricists? Earv: Kose is definitely the driving force behind what we do. His talent in multiple areas of music whether it’s producing, songwriting, or rapping allows us to be versatile with our craft and unique in how we sound.
Kose: Earv is a skillful storyteller and is keen to take grand concepts and put them in a format that hits home to the listener. I think he is a student of people and his writing elevates the songs to a place where you can really grasp and hold on to them.
HM: What about influences, name your greatest rappers of all time from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Earv: from the 80’s; KRS One, Rakim, and Kool Moe Dee. The 90’s; 2 Pac, DMX, Nas, Biggie and Jay-Z. The
00s; Eminem, Outkast, T.I. and Lupe Fiasco.
HM: I love that you experiment with your music, that it has an intelligent message and an indie edge. But with mainstream Hip Hop becoming less creative and more Pop, do the US audience (i.e. the majority) get The Redland? Kose: I think they do. However, the mainstream has been so restricted to such a few artists and musical styles that it is sometimes difficult to reach the majority of people. We feel we can compete with the best when given an honest listen.
HM: How do you think more conscious Hip Hop can regain the attention of the majority? Earv: I think it all starts with making good songs. Now more than ever through the internet artists have more of an ability to take their music directly to the people. I guess the best way to go is to find your audience, your niche, and grow from there.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28