Ragz Originale is, simply, the smoothest of crooners. He boasts a sound that is wholly unique, light yet dense, nocturnal yet ethereal, full of production idiosyncrasies and off-kilter melodic work that drifts in and out of the soundscapes. The Ugandan-born polymath counts Venna, John Glacier and Skepta amongst his past collaborators, and has built up an esteemed reputation as a producer and as an artist in his own right.
In his most comprehensive and noteworthy release to date, Ragz has shared a sprawling new record. BARE SUGAR: SWEET NOTHINGS is an extension of last year’s BARE SUGAR, an impressive collection of cuts that sharpened the artist’s sonic ethos and featured Sampha and Knucks amongst others. This extended version, a deluxe if you will, nearly doubles the tracklist, with Ragz flaunting a reshaping of his core sonic values, exploring electronic and avant garde sub-sounds in an unfounded fashion. Working with progressive creatives such as BAMBII and Miso Extra, the new 25-pronged release is a statement of intent on Ragz’s part; a step-up in vision, ambition and execution.
We caught up with the man himself, talking about his love for production, his performance at this year’s Glastonbury, and the thought behind his daring and dazzling new release.
Listen to BARE SUGAR: SWEET NOTHINGS…
Read the full interview…
Hey Ragz! How’s your summer?
You know what, I haven’t had enough time to take it in properly, I’ve been grinding so hard. Apart from the rain all July, I guess it’s okay.
Take us back to your early days. How did you first find yourself writing and working in music, and from there how do you conceptualise your unique sound?
I was influenced by my older cousins who had FL STUDIO. As a child I would sit and watch them all day, figuring out techniques as we went along. For them it was just fun, but I saw light to another life. I’ve been trying to find one word to describe my music. The word is ‘Luxury.’ Yep. Luxury sound for people with taste.
What came first – production or songwriting? How did you move into the other discipline?
Production is like breathing air to me. Growing up I was always obsessed with sound creation. Lyrics came after I realised how empty the music sounds without them.
You’re Ugandan born, does your heritage impact your musical approach?
For sure, growing up you are forced to listen to what your parents play in the house.
They, in some way, used music to relive a simpler time in their lives, back home. And I use music to connect closer to them, and see what they witnessed, but through my own lens and voice. Ugandans love a bassline. I provide lots of that!
Who and what inspire you in your creation?
Very bland answer but music, makes me want to make music. Hearing different ideas from all over the globe. That’s what inspires me, everything else is secondary.
You made your debut performance at Glasto earlier this year, how was that?
Glasto was an experience, our line check ran over some didn’t get to do the whole 45 mins, which I’m gutted by. I killed all 25 minutes though haha. I can’t wait to return, it was a dream and more.
