Eskimoe (AKA Oscar Ralf) is the Soundcloud hero shrouded in mystery whose track “The Ceiling” piqued our interest a while back with its dark, RnB vibes and intelligent production. With a start like that, we were expecting big things from his first EP release and, sure enough, “If You Can” is a selection of tracks to remember – plus, we’ve got it premiering exclusively on Wonderland first. On standout songs like “Say You Will” and “Upside”, Ralf establishes himself as a bedroom-beatmaker force to be reckoned with and one that’ll be staying firmly on our watch list with his innovative vocal work and downbeat lyricism.

We managed to grab a few minutes with Eskimoe to chat influences, being self-taught, and his next move. So, have a read and submerge yourself in “If You Can”‘s intoxicating and addictive world.

Talk to us about the EP: what was the process like behind it…how did it come about etc.?

Solely produced in my bedroom, a collection of songs from the past six months. I’ve been working with ThisisDA for a while now, so he’s helped with putting this collection together as well as featuring on ‘Setter’. I tried to present a mixture of songs, so you get an idea of the different things I’m into making.

Who are your big musical influences?

The Soulection Crew were a big influence at the beginning, the whole roster produce mad beats, I like a lot of music, but anything from King Rule, to Atlas, to Gravez to Krs. to whereisalex, new artists like cole corduroy and that sort of stuff makes me wanna make a beat, and king J Dilla, obviously.

How would you describe your sound?

Marijuana induced, depressing R&B. I enjoy and appreciate the beat making and producing as much (if not more) than the vocal aspect, so I try to sit my vocals more within the instrumentation, as opposed distinguishing them as an entirely different part to the beat.

What’s next for you after the EP?

Sorting and performing some live shows is the next logical step, would like to start some form of collective and see where that goes, working on another release for the summer, and I have to graduate…

Are you trained musician or a true soundcloud-era, self-made bedroom-producer?

I’d say a bit of both, I’ve played drums all my life so thats a strength musically I guess, but I can’t read notes and I’ve never learnt piano, so other than the beats I make, the melodic and instrument side to my music is self taught, and all my music is made in my bedroom.