At 21, Lewis a Kenyan artist, producer, and songwriter is making waves with his music, making some great songs and attracting a fanbase who enjoys his music. He is also about to release his second EP called ‘Just A Beautiful Mess’ on the 9th of April. We caught up with him and he opens up about his life and how his music journey has been.
Tell us more about Lewis?
Lewis is a 21 year old Kenyan artist, a producer, and a songwriter.
What first got you into music?
I started showing interest in music while I was in primary school. My cousin was the one who got me into rapping. I loved the way he was good at rapping and I wanted to try it out and be like him!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Well, my music is a little bit different. I do more of emo music. I let my emotions inspire my writing and production. It is more of letting people see the inner me. Music makes it easy for me to show that part of me.
What have been some influential moments that spurred you to pursue a career as a musician?
There was a time while I was in high school and our literature teacher asked us to perform any piece of art. I was surprised when my name was called out by my classmates! I did my rap and they liked it! It inspired me to want to know more about rapping.
What is your creative process like?
When I am the one working on the song, I mean the whole production, I might come up with a melody and then write to it. Or, I can write say a hook and then start making a beat with reference to the hook.
Tell us more about your latest EP ‘Just a Beautiful Mess’. What inspired the project?
That is a nice question! I am super excited to release this project. It means a lot to me. It is one of my best projects so far. What inspired me was my past life situations. I aimed at reaching out to that scarred boy/girl and tell them that they are still valuable.
What is the album about?
The album is about some of the dark moments in my life. The many times that I have been made to feel less important but I keep on moving forward and convincing myself I am the best in my own definition.
What inspired your song ICY LOVE?
Icy love is about a girl who left me because she thought that there was no future in what we had, despite the fact that I gave my all.
Icy love is my term to describe love that is so fragile and can easily break. Most of the times, it ends in tears.
Will it be featured on your new EP?
No, icy love will not be featured on my EP.
What/who have been your major musical influence?
I have many artists who inspire me. I will mention a few of them. There is Iann Dior, Travis Scott, Roddy Rich, and 24Kgoldn.
Which artist/musician do you think has made the biggest impact despite the pandemic slowing us all down?
On top of my list is Russ. The guy has made millions of dollars from just his music royalties. That is why owning your masters is key.
What is the most challenging aspect of music-making in your opinion?
I would say it is the songwriting part. At times I find myself overthinking. Every artist out there wants to make a hit song and this is what will make your headache. However, I found out that hit songs are made when the mind is free and you are not focussing on making a hit record. At that time you just let your creative mind to take control.
What’s the best song or project, a personal favorite of yours that you’ve worked on in 2020?
Icy love is my favorite song.
Which artist would you love to collaborate with and why?
Collaborations are based on the vibe. If we vibe well, then we can make good music together. That answers the question, I guess.
Who are you currently listening to?
I am listening to 24kGoldn.
What message do you want listeners to take from your music?
I aim at making music that inspires people. I want all those people who have ever been hurt before or had their hearts broken…I want them to feel like they still belong and they matter.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would push music from all these great underground artists. Radio stations and TV stations do not play our music. If you want good music that is not influenced by trends and that is entirely pure, go to the underground artists.
Which famous musician do you admire?
I admire Drake for his accomplishments and Kendrick Lamar for his personalities.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
To all my fans, keep on supporting me and I believe in a great ending. I will keep on making more music for you guys.
2021 in one word?
2021 is MY YEAR!
What’s next for Lewis?
Expect more music and collaborations this year!
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