Assignment 2 - Interview

Music Interview - Legend in the Making

One of the biggest upper comers of the modern music industry, with 2 platinum records and ambition to make many more, at the young age of 22. 

Meet your latest superstar. 

Signed to Suden Records with a multi-billion deal and a new album being released in the near future, Anjabaneya is living large and taking the music world by storm. At the end of finishing his 6 month US tour, he has met up with us to give us exclusive details on the new album he is releasing and what’s to come from music’s latest kid prodigy. 

What current artists do you like?

Dr Dre especially inspires me. I listen to all of his music and really respect him and his story. I would love to meet him some time. I’m also into Jon Bellion, Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper. They seem like really cool people I would love to make music with.

What are your musical influences?

More recently, the works of Mumford & Sons has interested me. While I was growing up I was more of a David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix guy, and I guess their work has inspired my music preferences and lyrics. As I mentioned I’m a big fan of Dr.Dre and his music, and I do often use instrumentals that come from his work.

So, how does it feel to be the only musical one in the family?

Well, most of the time they are supportive, but other times I’m conflicted. I’ve always been interested in all aspect of music. It was hard to tell such an academic driven family that you want to drop out of college to become a musician, especially when your other siblings were the ‘top of the class’ type. I think that conflict is relatable to many people in different situations, and its something I touch on in my new album, Dark Haven.

Lets talk about this new album. What makes your new album, different to your others and those of other artists?

Well as well as that conflict in my childhood, the album is like a journal of my experiences touring the US with my team.There is a lot for people who are struggling with deep secrets, for people looking for their identity as well as a light mood of getting thrown out of Disneyland and a pre-concert freak-out and a lot more crazy stuff. There’s something for everyone and that’s what I think sets it apart from my other mixtapes.

The album is to be released this summer, which is quite far away for your fans. Is it worth the wait?

It’s definitely worth the wait. It’s one of the best albums of mine yet because it’s one of the longest and hardest I’ve worked on. My team and me have loved it and I think so will the fans.

You are known to be a activist of Climate Change and Human Rights. What motivated this care towards these issues for you?

I’m motivated to take action in terms of these issues, because I recognize their importance and urgency. Climate Change is already such a daunting prospect that when you add that it’s cause is mainly due to us people, it’s something we must help to fix. While Human Rights is horrifying when you look into its cases. It’s an issue I hold dear to my heart, and reason why I take part in Human Rights movement concerts.

You have had your past two albums go platinum and have gained  fame around the world as an upcoming superstar. How does it feel to have this new success?

Man, Its pretty ego boosting. When I first started making music, I never aimed to be a star with a spotlight but it’s nice to know that a lot of people are listening to my music and even more are taking notice of my work. It’s great to have the spotlight, because I’ve gotta lot more in store.

What upcoming concerts do you have, so people can watch you play your music live?

Well now that I have finished my tour of US, I’m moving east in the winter, having a tour around Europe. I’ll be playing at cities like Madrid, Munich, Athens and loads more. I’ll be playing with some great artists, so be sure to come. But before that, I’m going to be staying at my hometown and I plan to play at a few soup kitchens and clubs near my street.

Anjabaneya has taken the interest of the world, and it’s clear he aims for much more. Stay tuned, because I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from the music’s newest golden rookie.

-Amin Arabo