
What went down at Patta x Havaianas launch
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What Went Down
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What Went Down

As we turn the page, we’re looking back at a warm summer night at Patta Milano, where the bold energy of Patta met the colourful spirit of Havaianas. From the sound of all-Brazilian DJ sets to the aroma of finger foods, the store transformed into a slice of Rio for just a few hours.
It was a tribute to the community, creativity and cultural connection that we found in this partnership. Drinks were flowing, the vibes were ripe and the rhythm carried us from the heart of Milan to the soul of Brazil.
Big love to everyone who pulled up and made the night what it was. If you were there, you already know. And if you weren’t… well, keep your ears to the ground - the next Patta gathering might be closer than you think.
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Interview by Joe Leonard-Walters | Edited by Passion DzengaLaunching in 2021, Echobox has been steadily building a reputation as one of the most exciting voices in community radio, spotlighting the characters, crate diggers, selectors, and sonic explorers that make up its unique broadcast universe. Since its inception in late 2020, Polychrome Audio has quietly carved out a space of its own in Amsterdam’s electronic music landscape. More than just a record label, Polychrome is a collective of five close friends driven by a shared commitment to open-minded curation, deep collaboration, and community-rooted creativity. With projects spanning event production, a growing label catalogue, and a freshly launched podcast series on Echobox Radio, Polychrome functions as both a launchpad for emerging talent and a gathering point for kindred spirits across disciplines. In this conversation, the team shares the story behind their collective vision, the importance of community in shaping their path, and what’s on the horizon - from upcoming releases to cross-cultural club nights pushing sonic boundaries.Tell us a little about Polychrome: What do you do? What is your mission? Who are the main characters?Polychrome Audio is primarily a record label. Founded as a collective project at the end of 2020, our mission is to provide a supportive platform for electronic music. Our vision is guided by an open approach to curation, rooted in our diverse musical backgrounds and inspired by artists, music, and the stories that connect them. Anchored in Amsterdam's nightlife, Polychrome has been organizing events from the beginning, with its Polychrome Nacht concept and collaborations with other collectives. Through Polychrome Radio—our podcast series that joined the Echobox program in January 2024—we showcase the incredible talent of artists within our community across a broad spectrum of sounds. We are a team of five friends—Jonathan, Tom, Jeremy, Bea, and Hervé—and part of a growing ecosystem that includes many artists and music creatives.You host many guests, and community seems to be a central part of everything you do. Why is this so important?We could never have developed our vision without the support of our friends and the great energy of the collectives and communities around us. It's through experiencing life and embracing new initiatives and ideas that we discover talent and get creative. Our story is a collection of lives interconnected by a shared passion for music and its related cultures. We draw a lot of energy and support from the people around us, and we do our best to give back by providing talented artists with a platform to express their art through our label.Are there any people, projects, or places in your community you'd like to shout out?So many! First, we would like to thank Echobox for the genuine space and care offered by the whole team. We want to thank all the artists who trust us with their music—it's never taken for granted. A big shoutout to Gerard "Geri" Musquera, who has been skillfully crafting our visual identity for many years. Photography is very important to us, and we'd like to highlight the lenses capturing Polychrome: Marius Renard, Stefan Daniels, Leopoldo Chumaceiro, and Camilla Colognori. Special thanks to the RPU and Etape communities, with whom we've created truly memorable moments, as well as our Noord Space crew and family, where magic happens, and to Alex and Sol Systems, who tirelessly work to deliver the best sound on our dance floors. Lastly, we would like to showcase appreciation to our distribution partner One Eye Witness, who early on trusted us in their rich catalogue and help our records reach audiences worldwide.What do you have planned for the next few months?We have lots coming up! First, Rotterdam producer Mata Disk returns to Polychrome with the LFH-Proxy EP, set to be released on Friday, June 27th. The EP features two original club tracks and interpretations by producers Eversines and Jopie, showcasing a wide spectrum—from bassy breaks to IDM and tech house. On the events side, we're launching a new cross-cultural club concept called Interfering Grounds in collaboration with RPU and Etape. The debut night is scheduled for Saturday, June 28th, and will feature Australian record label Pure Space for a sonic exchange in both a club and listening room at our favorite venue, Club Raum. We're excited to present not only DJ performances but also spoken word, dance performances, and custom sound by Sol Systems, complemented by innovative designs from our creative team.For Loma Doom, radio isn’t just a medium - it’s a vessel for memory, activism, and sonic experimentation. Her Echobox show Left of the Dial explores the poetic tension between sound and archive, weaving together recordings, field material, and hidden audio gems into hour-long broadcasts that feel both intimate and expansive. Informed by the work of artists, archivists and activist networks past and present, Loma uses the show as a space to question what it means to preserve, reframe and listen. Drawing inspiration from experimental practices and pirate radio culture, Left of the Dial becomes an ever-evolving soundscape - where history echoes into the now, and radio transforms into an archive of its own. In this interview, Loma reflects on her deep love for archives, her fascination with forgotten frequencies and the thrill of stumbling across the unexpected.How does your Echobox show relate to your practice outside of the station?I’ve always had a strong interest in archives and how archives hold the tools for present day activism. Inspired and informed by the practices of friends like Experimental Jetset, Mariana Lanari & Remco van Bladel, De Appel Arts centre and Jacob Dwyer, I have tried to bring my sonic practice into archives and archives into my sonic practice. My show Left of The Dial tries to build an hour long sonic landscape of archives I have stumbled upon or that were brought to my attention. So Echobox has given me a platform to experiment with how an archive can sound outside of their own container.Where did your love of radios and the archive come from?As said the interest and love for archives is based on how we can look at movements from the past that can be re-used to create new tools or tell a story that has not been told before through the archival material. It also allows me to go on a treasure hunt, filing through boxes or digital realms and discovering what I think are gems that need to be shared. Radio is the perfect medium for that, as its a container of its own that creates an intimate moment between me and my silent listeners. Radio also has this amazing quality to act as a platform for experimentation through sound and sound alone. Again when looking back into the past; there were these (and there are still a few of those around) amazing radio stations that allowed artists to use the radio as a medium for performance - Wave Farm for instance has an entire archive of artist run shows that were made in the 80’s an 90’s on New American Radio (NAR) - and I would like to think I’m following in their footsteps. And of course radio will always have this activist element for me where radio pirates would broadcast illegally to get their message across (like for instance Radio De Vrije Keyser - a station run by squatters in the ‘80s). And of course the radio broadcast then become an archive in themselves as well again.Do you have any favourite field or archive recording that you've worked with in your show? What was so special about it?Oof… That’s a hard one as they are all very special. Whether it was remixing the archive of student led radio Mushroom radio or sampling the great wok of radio and Fluxus artist Willem de Ridder, they all have their own qualities that then inform my show. My last show was really great to do as I was using this shortwave receiver build by the amateur radio club ETGD of the Math Faculty at the University of Twente to create this crazy noisy landscape. That was so much fun! At one point my dear friend and Echobox cofounder Chalice ran into to see where all the weird noises were coming from!Do you have any memorable snippets from within our own archive?Actually for someone who works with archives I have a really bad memory and I always find it hard to come up with memorable snippets or funny anecdotes. Let’s just say I like to live in the moment of the broadcast.Tune in to Echobox - broadcasting from below sea level every week, Wednesday until Saturday.
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What went down at Patta x Havaianas launch
What went down at Patta x Havaianas l...
As we turn the page, we’re looking back at a warm summer night at Patta Milano, where the bold energy of Patta met the colourful spirit of Havaianas. From the sound of all-Brazilian DJ sets to the aroma of finger foods, the store transformed into a slice of Rio for just a few hours.It was a tribute to the community, creativity and cultural connection that we found in this partnership. Drinks were flowing, the vibes were ripe and the rhythm carried us from the heart of Milan to the soul of Brazil.Big love to everyone who pulled up and made the night what it was. If you were there, you already know. And if you weren’t… well, keep your ears to the ground - the next Patta gathering might be closer than you think.-
What Went Down
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What went down at the Patta x Rapha launch
What went down at the Patta x Rapha l...
Photography by Dennis EluyefaTo celebrate the launch of their second collaboration, Patta and Rapha brought the streets of London to life with a party that united cycling culture, community, and style. Held in the heart of the city, we brought together intersection of sport and street. Cyclists, creatives, and culture-shifters came together, reflecting the spirit of the new collection - where performance meets purpose, and heritage meets hustle. The second Patta x Rapha collection builds on the first, blending functional design with bold storytelling, rooted in community and connection.-
Get Familiar
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Get Familiar: Léa Sen
Get Familiar: Léa Sen
Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Claryn ChongTo get familiar with Léa Sen is to step into a world where sound, memory, and emotion blur like light in a hotel hallway. Her debut project, LEVELS, unfolds like a quiet odyssey — each track a floor in a surreal, liminal hotel, each space a reflection of growth, grief, and the slow return to self. Born from solitude, sharpened by collaboration, and grounded in deep introspection, the album is a reformation in real time. In this conversation, Léa opens up about confronting perfectionism, reconnecting with girlhood, and learning to trust her voice — not just in music, but in life. From wormhole elevators to unresolved endings, we journey through the LEVELS that shaped her.You frame LEVELS as a journey through a liminal hotel, with each floor representing a different stage of emotional growth. When did that visual metaphor first come to you?I was listening to an astrophysics podcast and the guy said elevators are like the poor man’s wormhole. You step in and suddenly you're in a different place without realizing how you got there. It reminded me of how memory works — how you can be fine one second, then in a feeling or a past version of yourself the next. That visual stuck with me. It reminded me of Interstellar as well.The idea of moving through life like levels in a video game is so relatable — especially the feeling that there's always another level. What level do you feel like you're currently on in your life?Falling in love with girlhood again after rejecting it for so many years. Slowing down, listening, becoming someone I feel safe being. I still want it all, but I want to get there with love and patience.The concept of an “empty hotel” evokes a feeling of isolation and introspection. Was that influenced more by your physical environment during lockdown or your internal emotional state at the time?Definitely physical. I actually met so many people in London, made friends, fell in love, even during lockdown I connected with people online. But I just felt a load of ignored baggage I needed to sit with. I isolated myself very intentionally. I'm a pretty sociable person, I love people so much — but I just needed solitude even though it felt uncomfortable.You’ve said the album explores spaces that shape us — cities, relationships, seasons. Which of those spaces did you find the most difficult to revisit in the writing process?Ghostwriter was difficult. I really struggle to communicate with people I love more than anyone else and admitting it sucked.You moved to London on impulse, without contacts or a plan. Looking back, do you feel like that risk was essential to your growth as an artist?As a woman it was everything and my art is just a reflection of what I go through. I couldn’t even imagine a version of myself without leaving it all behind.How did working with your brother Florian change the dynamic of creating this album? Did having that familial trust make you more vulnerable in the studio?It forced me to look at my perfectionism and control freak tendencies and eventually just let go. To trust that I’d be okay if I opened up in my lyrics — and okay if I asked for help. It helped me ease into opening up.You’ve collaborated with artists like Sampha and Joy Orbison. How has working on other people’s music helped you unlock new aspects of your own?With Sampha I tapped into a fire I didn’t even know I had. With Joy Orbison it was the first time I just had pure fun making a song.You’ve described the album as a reformation. What were you reforming from? And what did you feel you were reforming into?I was making music to survive — now I want to build the world I’ve always dreamed of. The album was my first step into doing that.“Ghostwriter” deals with the difficulty of expressing yourself, especially in a new language and a new city. How did you find your voice during that time?I kept second guessing my pronunciation over and over — so one day I just decided to speak how I speak and not care how people feel about it.There’s a beautiful mix of the familiar and the surreal across the album. Was that tension between reality and dream intentional from the start, or did it evolve naturally through the process?It was intentional. I always knew the first song would be Home Alone. I wanted to explore my struggles with daydreaming and how memory works — how we all remember things differently, how emotions warp what we hold onto.“Video Games” is both nostalgic and existential. How did memories of childhood become a way for you to reflect on who you are now?I think it was inevitable that the more I had to face patterns, the more I would ask the question: where does it all come from? It’s not that the memories helped me reflect — it’s the reflection that helped me revisit the memories.The final track, “Lobby Boy,” leaves us with more questions than answers. Why was it important for you not to end the album with resolution?In my heart, I wanted resolution. I’m an idealist. I love the idea of beautiful endings. But real life didn’t give me that — not when we finished the album, not when we shot the visuals, not now. There’s no answer. Just growth. Lobby Boy was my way of embracing that.You’ve talked about wanting to give people a sense that they’ll find their way, even if they feel lost. Which artists gave you that feeling when you needed it most?Mitski gave me a lot of peace in my own struggles and questions. Also Joni was one of those women that felt so strong and independent yet such a devoted lover and I felt really seen by her.Now that LEVELS is out in the world, how has your relationship with the songs changed? Do you still feel like you’re living in the hotel — or have you started checking out?I’ve definitely left the hotel of memories now. It was just a visit. A necessary one but temporary.What do you hope listeners take away from walking through these “levels” with you?That making peace with your past often starts in solitude. And that the support you need isn’t always the one you imagined.-
Get Familiar
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What went down at the Patta x New Balance Grey Days Party
What went down at the Patta x New Bal...
As we step into the next chapter, we’re taking a moment to look back at the iconic Patta x New Balance Grey Days celebration. From timeless tunes to standout moments, the night was one for the books. Relive the highlights, soak in the atmosphere and get familiar with Grey Days - because the next Patta gathering is already on the horizon, someone at the party said that Team Patta will be in the city of lights very soon...-
What Went Down
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Road Fever: New Generation Carnival Riddims from St. Lucia and Dominica
Road Fever: New Generation Carnival R...
There’s a storm coming and it sounds like Road Fever. Compiled by Amsterdam-based, Curaçao-raised sonic explorer Rozaly and mixed by DJ Intl Prostyle in Saint Lucia, Road Fever is a blistering, 55-and-a-half-minute ride through the raw, rhythm-forward heart of contemporary Caribbean music. Released by Soundway Records, the compilation is a powerful testament to the evolving sounds of the region, built on riddims designed for movement, sweat, and release.At the core of Road Fever is a bold idea: to strip back the Caribbean party track and let the riddim speak for itself. These instrumentals, born from the streets and carnivals of St. Lucia, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, are usually foundations for vocalists. Here, they’re presented raw and unfiltered - standalone expressions of rhythm that punch, pull, and pulse with life.Rozaly, a DJ, curator, and researcher known for his previous work with Patta on our recent Marshall collaboration is committed to challenging the limits of Caribbean musical memory, describes the experience best: “Once you hear it, you can’t unhear or unfeel it.”And what you hear on Road Fever is nothing short of a sonic collision. Built from FL Studio percussion packs, chopped DJ samples, distorted vox clips, and synth riffs that could cut steel, these tracks sit at the intersection of trap, drill, dancehall, sped-up Haitian konpa, and Angolan kuduro. The BPM rarely dips below 150 so the energy never lets up.With contributions from both established and underground production crews - including Krome Productions, Viral Riddims, Ransum Records, Veaygel Productions, Shazdown Mmw, DJ Demafidem, ScarnX, Slaughter Arts Media, and a poignant appearance by the late trailblazer G6 Productions (RIP) - Road Fever is as much a celebration as it is a time capsule of a regional sound on the rise.The compilation zeroes in on two of the most electric genres coming out of the Eastern Caribbean: Dennery Segment from Saint Lucia, and Bouyon from Dominica and Guadeloupe. Both styles are defined by their fierce minimalism, DIY ethos, and relentless drive - music best heard through walls of speakers on carnival trucks or blasting from a cracked phone speaker with the volume maxed out.“This is a musical movement with an entire history,” Rozaly says. “And so many relevant reasons why it still exists, and why it exists the way it exists right now.”Road Fever is out now on vinyl, digital, and a limited cassette edition mixed live by DJ Intl Prostyle. It drops alongside a short IG reel-formatted film created by Rozaly and filmmaker Selwyn De Wind offering a visual companion to this urgent, body-moving release.Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean music or just looking to feel something different-louder, faster, rawer - Road Fever is essential for all collectors.-
Music
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Echobox Zine Launch at Bonne Suits
Echobox Zine Launch at Bonne Suits
On 16th May we’ll celebrate the first edition of Unbox, our new Echobox Zine, at Bonne Suits on Warmoesstraat.We’ll be there all evening with drinks, DJs and copies of Unbox ready to celebrate with you. The zine is free for Echobox family members and available to everyone else for a small fee to cover our costs.Unbox features stories, recipes, music recommendations and investigative features put together by Echobox makers and family members. It’s a celebration of the station so far and the people who make it special and (we think) its a great read!We’d love to see you there to find out for yourself.-
Tales From The Echobox
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What went down at the Patta x Nike Kingsday party
What went down at the Patta x Nike Ki...
The energy was unmatched, the vibes unforgettable. As we gear up for the next chapter, take a look back at the magic from our Patta x Nike "One For All And All For One" event powered by SNKRS. From beats to moments that made the night, it was one for the books. Relive every highlight from the Kingsday event—and stay ready. The next Patta gathering is coming, and trust us, you’ll want to be there. RSVP when the time drops. You won’t want to miss what we’ve got lined up.-
What Went Down
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Tales from the Echobox 021
Tales from the Echobox 021
Interview by Joe Leonard-Walters | Edited by Passion DzengaLaunching in 2021, Echobox has been steadily building a reputation as one of the most exciting voices in community radio, spotlighting the characters, crate diggers, selectors, and sonic explorers that make up its unique broadcast universe. In this feature, we dive into the world of Rambo Boy$, a duo that’s been with the station since day one, pushing an infectious blend of deep cuts, deadpan humour, and unfiltered conversation.More than just a radio show, the Rambo Boy$ bring their own philosophy—what they call Rambo Science—to the airwaves: a love for offbeat records, an aversion to musical pretension, and a belief that good radio should be as much about jokes, football, and family life as it is about dusty B-sides.From Philadelphia novelty electro to psychedelic disco garage cuts, they serve up sonic oddities with a side of banter that’s as real as it gets. So get locked in and don’t touch that dial—we’re going deep with the Rambo Boy$.What's up Rambo Boy$, I've always wondered where you got your name?There is a rap record called, Rap-N-Scratch goes rambo by M.C. Nikke & DJ Rap-N-Scratch. It's not the best record made but it's Rambo, to explain what Rambo means we suggest to listen 2 it.. It's has been the unofficial anthem for us since wayback, and when Bart and I started doing radio together it was a no brainer what the name should be, Rambo Boys.What are the main principles of Rambo Boy$ science?I believe the best way to describe Rambo science is this. We come from a "diggers" background I guess. We've been looking for fly records for a long time, and we always took great pride in not playing the most obvious shit in the range of hip hop, soul rock and what not.. Some call it rare, or slept on stuff or whatever, we call it Rambo, for us not stating the obvious when it comes to music is common behaviour, we are students and fans of anything Rambo.. But I guess our number one principle is that we don't get pretentious about the music. On the radio show we prefer talking about soccer, make a few shitty jokes here and there, discuss a bit of family life, instead of talking matrix numbers, first pressings and other obvious stuff that comes with record collecting. Rambo Boys is for the people! Are there any standout records that sum up the Rambo Boy$ attitude?Offcourse, we can even give you two! Rodney Jerome Keitt - West Oak Lane, a killer novelty electro ish record from Philadelphia with stupid fly lazerbeam sounds and Rodney playing a kazoo flute, the Rambo Boys would give their left nutt to be around when this was recorded.Gregory Andre and two plus three - I want to be with you. A psychedelic disco record that sounds like it has been recorded in somebody's garage. Which is probably the case. It's from San Diego, but to us it sounds like the Bronx looked in the eighties, probably because the beginning reminds us of Grandmixer DST playing keys live in the Bronx River Centre in 1982.You've been with Echobox since the very beginning, do you have a show that stands out as your favourite?if you don't mind we have to give you a top 4.The Heavy Heavy Radioshow by Taco FettStrictly Tapes by Anan StrikerHarvest Time by Ketama ManVersion Galore by Kraze Money aka General KA small disclaimer, this is Eelco 5000, but i'm pretty sure Lovebug Bart approves; Shabba!Echobox Radio has long been a space for sonic exploration and boundary-pushing broadcasts—and few shows capture that spirit quite like 333. Formed organically through a series of shared lineups and long conversations outside the club, 333 is more than a DJ trio; it’s a project rooted in friendship, experimentation, and a deep belief in the power of collaboration.Their styles may differ, but behind the decks, 333 operates with a kind of telepathic synergy that belies their short history. What started as a spontaneous B3B has grown into a platform that thrives on unpredictability—from themed mixes and unconventional back-to-backs to digging through playlists curated by non-DJs. Their Echobox residency has become a space to challenge norms, explore sound in playful ways, and champion community voices.With their first event on the horizon and a shared vision inspired by Brian Eno’s concept of scenius, 333 is less interested in solo stardom and more focused on building a creative scene where everyone can shine. From DIY ethos to silver pearl jokes, this trio is here to stir things up—in the booth and beyond.You all have your fledgling solo careers, but how did the story of 333 begin?We were booked together on several lineups and quickly became excited about each other's sound. Outside the club, we connected further - spending hours talking about what draws us to DJing, community, and sound. Despite our slightly different styles and approaches to DJ sets, we discovered a shared perspective and deep common ground. That connection became even more apparent when the three of us were programmed to play together for the first time. None of us had ever done a B3B set before, but it felt like we had been playing together forever.Through our residency at Echobox radio, we’re exploring the craft of DJing in playful and challenging ways - curating unexpected back-to-backs, creating themed mixes, or building sets from the playlists of non-DJ diggers. This spirit of experimentation is essential to us; it pushes us to discover new genres, connect with different voices in the scene, and keep learning.We’re currently planning our first event, where we aim to book artists who inspire our sound and aren’t afraid to take creative risks in their sets. With both our events and radio show, our goal is to foster a community where diverse sounds, ideas, and people can express themselves freely - and, most importantly, have a great time.Why is collaboration so important to you?Collaboration means a lot to us, and it makes things more fun, more surprising. We love seeing what happens when different people bring their own energy, taste, and perspective. Inspired by Brian Eno’s idea of scenius, we believe creativity thrives in shared spaces, where curious and passionate people come together. With 333, we want to create those kinds of moments: where people step into each other’s worlds, spark unexpected connections, and build something together that would not exist otherwise!“Brian Eno’s scenius idea says that big creative ideas don’t just come from one genius, but from a whole group of people working together. When artists, thinkers, and friends share ideas and support each other, amazing things can happen. It's not just about one person—it’s about the creative energy of the whole scene.”The supergroup is nothing new, do you have any that you look up to? McBusted? Boygenius?We found a funny comparison with Skrillex (silver pearl), Fred Again (Helmond Lang) and Four Tet (Dirtydms).Between the 3 of you you have 6 sleeves, you must have something up them?! What's coming up for 333?Our first event of many!!! We will elaborate more about this in our next episode on Echobox Radio.Tune in to Echobox - broadcasting from below sea level every week, Wednesday until Saturday.-
Tales From The Echobox
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Get Familiar: Bex
Get Familiar: Bex
Interview by Passion DzengaFrom East London to Botswana, Brunei, and now Belgium, Bex has been quietly building a global sound rooted in raw honesty and musical versatility. With a journey shaped by continents and cultures, he’s not just another artist—you’re looking at someone who's lived the rhythm, not just studied it. His new acoustic EP marks a bold departure from trap and wave, diving deep into themes of vulnerability, mental health, and modern romance, wrapped in stripped-back production that keeps it painfully real.Now headlining his own shows and gaining recognition from platforms like Colors and Dazed, it’s time to get familiar with a voice that’s resonating far beyond his growing fan base. Bex is proof that delusion can sometimes be a superpower, especially when it’s backed by undeniable talent and tireless work. And whether it’s looping guitar riffs at home, engaging with fans on Discord, or preparing for a fully acoustic tour, one thing’s clear—this is an artist we got love for.You've been on quite a journey, from East London to Botswana to Belgium. How have these different places shaped your sound and your identity as an artist?Yeah, definitely. So, being born in London, my first memories of music and influence came through my big brother and UK hip hop. Then I moved to Botswana where I was involved in all sorts of musical activities—playing in a Mima band, singing in a choir, playing flute in an orchestra. My mom really encouraged all that, and I appreciate it now. Later, I moved to Brunei and joined a band, though I wasn’t too immersed in the local scene there. But I was still picking up different rhythmic and melodic ideas. That’s also where I started guitar lessons properly. Then I came to Belgium, continued guitar, and by the age of 16, I decided to focus on being a vocalist. I was already making beats using GarageBand on my laptop as I traveled. It was a bit messy, but it was the start.You were trained on guitar and flute, and played in a Mima band. How have those diverse musical experiences shaped the sound of your acoustic EP?At the time I was focused on certain instruments, I was developing musical ability without realizing it. Playing the Mima, a percussive instrument, trained my rhythmic sense. Being in the orchestra and learning flute helped me understand harmony—how each part contributes to a bigger whole. All of that informs my creative process now. The guitar, in particular, gave me a new vocabulary and allowed me to explore sounds beyond what I’d done before, especially once I dropped the ego of being "just a rapper."Your debut EP marks a big shift from wave and trap into a more acoustic, pop-R&B sound. What inspired that transition?It was my mindset and life experience. School wasn’t going well, and I was at a point in my career where it felt like “now or never.” That urgency stripped away the ego, and I felt free to sing about my feelings and be vulnerable. It was the only option that made sense at the time.Why focus on vulnerability, mental health, and modern romance in this project?It’s too relevant not to. Especially for my generation and those younger, there’s a lot of silent suffering and emotional weight people carry. I didn’t want to just talk about it—I wanted to embody it and hopefully set a standard through the music.Was it an aesthetic choice to keep the production minimal with just guitar and vocals?Exactly. It was intentional. I wanted something that was honest and vulnerable. Keeping it simple was a foundation for future projects. I didn’t want to jump straight into a polished, full production sound. This way, it’s more true to the moment and easier to replicate live.Does the simplicity also help with live performances?Definitely. I’m currently rehearsing and it’s nice to be able to recreate the whole song live, with just myself, the guitar, and the mic. It brings people into that vulnerable space with me.Can you take us through the creative process of making this EP? Who were you working with?Most of the songs I wrote at home, looping a guitar riff until I found a chorus or hook I liked. I’d post some of those on social media. When I had three or four solid ideas, I took them to my producer Alexis, who I’ve worked with for two years. We built out the songs from there—he helped with production, and I wrote verses on the spot. Two of the tracks were actually written years ago, but they stuck with me, and I knew they needed to be on this project.So it was mainly you working solo until you were ready to bring Alexis in?Exactly. I’d build the demos, and then we’d work together in the studio to polish them.Was Alexis also involved in your earlier tracks?Yeah, he worked on “Miss Me” and “Uptown,” the two acoustic tracks leading up to this EP. He did some production and also mixed and mastered them.Did you expect “Miss Me” and “Uptown” to take off the way they did? Why do you think they resonated so well with listeners?I kind of expected them to do better because there was real buzz online and anticipation. It wasn’t necessarily about adding to my audience—it was about finding the audience. These songs reached the right people and helped build the fanbase.You've received recognition from big platforms like Colors and Dazed. How does it feel to be recognized on that level?It means a lot. In the music industry, success is measured in so many subjective ways, but having people show love to your work—that’s the most rewarding part. I’m grateful for those features.I heard that a trip to Tenerife sparked something in you. Can you talk about what happened there?Honestly, that one’s a bit tough. I went with a friend, but neither of us were really in the position to go. I came back feeling like I should’ve been focused on the work. It wasn’t regret exactly, but it felt like misplaced energy. Can we skip that one?No problem at all. Let’s move on. You’ve grown a loyal fan base and you’re really savvy at sharing your creative process in real time. How do you stay connected with listeners and make sure your message is getting across?I pay attention to how people respond and take that into account. I post previews, and the ones that get good feedback often become releases. I also make vlogs, run a Discord channel, use Instagram broadcast channels—stuff like that. I even take beats from supporters and give feedback or record on them. I’m always trying to improve that connection.I’ve heard you’re rehearsing for shows in London, Paris, and Brussels. What can fans expect from the live show?It’s going to be fully acoustic—just me and the guitar. This is my way of introducing Bex to the world as a performer. It’s intimate and minimalist, focused purely on the music and the experience.Where will you be performing in the coming weeks? Will you be playing in London and Paris as well?I still need to confirm dates for London and Paris. I can’t share anything official yet, but I’ll post details on my socials. As for Brussels, I’ll be performing on Thursday, the 27th of March at V-Gas for a Black History Month event.Back to your music—you’ve gone from performing alongside big names to headlining your own shows. Has your approach changed? Do you feel like this is a coming-of-age moment or more a sign of maturing as an artist?It’s a mix of both. I was the definition of a delusional dreamer—I never took "no" for an answer and was fully convinced music would be my path. Now, I feel ready to learn and grow. I’ve always felt secure in my musical ability, but stepping into live performance has been a whole new challenge. It showed me that being good in the studio doesn’t guarantee you’ll give people a powerful live experience. There’s a big difference between recording a good song and truly moving people on stage.How old are you now, if you don’t mind me asking?I just turned 22 two weeks ago.Congrats! Sounds like you're right on track to realizing your dreams. And honestly, a little delusion can be healthy—sanity doesn’t always breed creativity.Facts. I appreciate that.Now that the acoustic EP is out, do you see yourself sticking with this sound, or are you planning to explore new directions? What’s next for Bex?Definitely expect some Afro sounds. My goal is to drop an Afro project for the summer. I’ll keep the acoustic vibe alive, especially for these upcoming performances, but by the end of the year, Beex won’t just be defined by the acoustic style. I’ll have branched out into other sounds too.-
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