Credit: Raheem BakareUp and coming artist Raheem Bakare is making waves with his new song 'Portrait Of Love', and Female First got the chance to put some questions to the aspiring artist.
As the song's about love, we thought we'd throw in some apt questions, and the responses Raheem gave had us grinning from ear to ear, and blushing a little, too.
Find out what he had to say about his debut track, dating and his hopes for the future below.
Has music always been a passion of yours?
Absolutely. It's one of many. Yes.
What is it about music that you love?
I love neo-chord progressions and the ethic that you always get better as long as you keep making music. That's something unique and incredible about it!
Your debut track is 'Portrait of Love', tell us about the creative process behind this piece?
I worked on the 'Portrait Of Love' record with a dope producer named Matti Roots and co-wrote lyrics with a talented artist Bento. We all bounced ideas in studio and this is what we came up with. Wanted to explore different vocal arrangements for the individual sections of the song. As much as the song is about love, we wanted to explore a darker side and the reversed and chopped vocal added a nice touch to the overall song.
What sentiment is behind this song?
The song explores the idea that happy moments visually captured within a broken relationship, can evoke nostalgic feelings. The idea that pictures can hide the imperfections of a relationship is also a darker sub-concept of the song.
How do you treat the people you date?
Ha! Its a bit early for that don't you think? Let's get to know each other a little better first!
What are your best and worst dating experiences?
To be fair I don't think I've ever been on a real date. Does that make me boring? Haha!
Is love something you want to continue to express through music?
I see love as a way of appreciation, so depending on the subject matter It could be adapted and integrated within lyrical concepts.
How important is it for you to have creative control in what you do?
I feel its very important to have creative control because my mind is always forward-thinking about fusing nuances of sound to rhythmic visual ideas.
Who would you love to collaborate with given the opportunity of choosing anyone, and why?
James Blake. I think his chord selection and soundscapes are really creative! Also the synergy of tones he explores.
Where do you hope to be this time in 12 months?
I hope to have progressed with my current plans. I also hope to have released even more music for people to hear.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline you can share some details about?
I am working on visual and musical concepts all the time. I'm excited to share more of my vision.
Raheem's EP 'AWOL' is out May 11.