In the past 18 months, we’ve had everything from soulful fundraising tributes in dedication to key workers to ear-worming TikTok-influenced productions circling our airways. The sounds that have been birthed during lockdown have been phenomenal, considering it has taken boundless amounts of effort from artists to avoid seeping into creative slumps. For Luton-hailed artist BXKS, while this past year has been overwhelming, nothing slowed her kaleidoscopic creativity.

Between her bold and futuristic beats to her gamer-ready samples and sounds, the artist impressively and intricately creates her own sound while touching on the pressures of social media and surviving in ever-evolving society. Dropping her 8-track EP earlier this year, the artist intimately offers an interesting take on her life, wistfully delivering hard-hitting stories across sumptuous soundscapes. The project diverts from BXKS’ earlier drill sounding productions, as she weaves in subtle synth-like glitches with simmering jazzy notes.

But of course, BXKS doesn’t let her experimentation stop there. Dropping her new single “Mean Amount” earlier this month, the artist takes on a different texture and mood for her new release, cooly riding a trap-tinged uptempo bassline. If there is any element that still resonates, it’s BXKS’ unwavering and unrestricted expression. From the groove dominating melodies to the slick fast-coming bars, the rapper effortlessly coasts along the heady and crisp track, comfortably honing in on her own elusive lyricism.

“I made the song with Finn Wigan an amazing producer… he played me some beats that were originally for a bigger artist but I was able to get the instrumental,” the artist revealed. “Creating the song was good vibes as Finn has a great ear for music!”

Already introducing us to her charismatic and boundary-pushing sound, the artist is gearing up to release her latest fusion later this year, as she is set to navigate us through another assortment of upbeat tracks. Catching up with us virtually, the BXKS breaks down her creative process, taking a step away from the scene and how her new project will take us on a new sonic journey.

Check out the interview below

Hey BXKS! How has this year been for you? With everything that happened last year, how was your creativity affected?
This year has been overwhelming but fun I don’t think it’s affected my creativity. I’ve just learnt to work around all the madness!

How did you first venture into music, what sparked the interest?
I’ve always been interested in music.. what sparked my interest into becoming an artist was probably my friends advising me to go to the studio when they heard me rap haha.

Where are you from, and do you think your area impacted your music?
I grew up in Luton Town. My area has impacted my music but I would say my personal experiences have made the biggest impact…

You first made your way onto the scene with your Mixtape Madness Next Up Freestyle, what was this experience like?
Well, that came about through my bl@ckbox, Nial from Mixtape Madness happened to hear me rapping at the bl@ckbox studio and asked for my details and 3 months later I did the next up.. it was a cool experience!

You’ve been praised by the likes of Skepta for your sound, receiving this type of recognition, how does it make you feel?
At the time I was super gassed.. it was a bit surreal!

But you took a step back from the scene, why is this?
I didn’t like being called a drill artist.. at the time I was just finding my sound and experimenting and at that time drill was very popular. I stepped away to just enjoy life then made “Packed In” a year late.

How would you describe your sound?
I’m not sure if I’m honest.. all the songs I make sound different to the previous ones.

You dropped your debut mixtape “Full Time Daydreamer” which is very different from your sound when you first started music, how would you describe your growth as an artist?
I just like to experiment I grew up hearing all kinds of different music so it’s hard for me to just stick to one sound… and doing the same stuff can get boring.

Looking back on that tape, what song means the most to you?
“Packed in! ”

And now you’ve just dropped your new single “Mean Amount”, talk us through your creative process when creating this song?
I made the song with Finn Wigan an amazing producer… he played me some beats that were originally for a bigger artist but I was able to get the instrumental. Creating the song was good vibes as Finn has a great ear for music!

It’s due to be a part of your next mixtape, how do you think this project differs from your first and what can we expect? Are there any features?
This project is very different sonically, and sounds nothing like the first mixtape. Yes, there is a feature on the tape.

Who would you cite as your main inspirations?
My main inspiration is myself…

You’re a part of an underground scene that is emerging at a fast rate, who else do you think we should be excited about?
Willow Kayne. She’s super different and has her own style, I respect that.

What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
More music, more shows and more features.