We grill Brighton’s Rag’N’Bone Man – a pioneer crossover artist who will be making colossal waves in 2015.
Traditionally the Rag N Bone Man was an individual who made a living from collecting the discarded debris of urban life to sell to scrape by a sort of living. Fast forward to 2014 and the moniker has a completely different meaning.
We fell completely in love with Brighton’s Rag’N’Bone Man as soon as we heard his ‘Bluestown EP‘ a couple of years ago and were thrilled when he announced the release of the free download of ‘Wolves’ over on his soundcloud this Summer. Still deeply rooted within his love for the hip-hop genre, the original sound remains true to his love of blues while nodding a head to the hip-hop culture that embraced him. We sat down with the man himself to find out a little bit more.
Tell us your journey? When did you first fall in love with the idea of being full-time musician?
Honestly, the first time I saw people mouthing the words to my songs I was like “right this is it”. As soon as it dawned on me that I could have that affect I new.
Brighton is an incredible creative hub for emerging talent – how has the city shaped your work and influenced you as an artist?
I love Brighton. It gave me the platform I needed. I’m friends with so many talented people that have in one way or another had a part in my musical journey so far so I have a lot of people to thank.
Are there any cool places you’d go to in Brighton for the best undiscovered talent?
It depends on what your into I guess. If you like hip hop then definitely Slip Jam B at the Prince Albert. Also you should go to a gig at the concorde2, I’ve been lucky enough to perform there a few times and It’s by far my favourite venue.
Who inspires you to create the kind of music that we’re starting to hear from you?
The prospect of creating something that people haven’t herd before. Being an artist that can have influence on others. That’s very appealing to me
If you could collaborate with any other musician – dead or alive, on any of your tracks – who would be your first choice?
This is a question I’ve answered on numerous occasions and it’s always different. Today I’m going say WU Tang Clan (with ODB).
…and what do you think the outcome would sound like?
Like rainbows & unicorns
Are there any emerging taken / bands that you’re really championing at the moment?
There’s a collective of mcs and producer called (Problem Child) made up of Dabble , Sumgi, Illaman & Doubledge. They are amazing live
Tell us more about the new EP ‘Wolves’?
It’s a body of work that started with Rubens train about a year ago and escalated into a full on project, produced solely by my mates Mark Crew & Dan Priddy. We are all very proud of it.
Are there any tracks on the EP that you’re most proud of?
“Life In Her Yet”. It’s about my nan and it seems to make people cry
What can we expect from your live shows?
Me giving 500% every time. I love playing live – It’s why we do it isn’t it?
What else does the remainder of the year hold for you? Is there anything you’re looking forward too?
Some solo dates, maybe some support slots. Another release, but mostly I’ll be in a room with no windows writing words.
What do you want to have achieved by this time next year?
World domination. No seriously.
Words: Shane Hawkins @piccadilly_boy