Hackney’s finest Frenzy speaks to The Pit on his 2019 debut, ‘Murder Mile’; his all-encompassing creative process; and how he’s making moves in order to contribute to his area’s creative community through his Fast Forward music program.

Emily: What was the main inspiration for the overall theme of your latest project, ‘Murder Mile’?
Frenzy: ‘Murder Mile’ is a heritage piece dedicated to the area I have grown up in. It was what the media called Clapton after a series of murders in 2001.

What was your creative process like for the project?
I was heavy on primary research, so I spent time speaking to shop keepers on my high road and also people older than myself that experienced it first hand. One of my interviews is actually showcased on my album on, ‘Safe/Wise words from Tricky’. On this track Tricky is giving me his account of some difficult events in his personal life that occurred on ‘Murder Mile’. He also explains what gangsta meant back then vs what it means now.

How do you feel your sound has grown from your previous releases?
I think evolving and adapting is a better description. As artists, we are constantly seeking new challenges. I must be authentic, tell my true story, whilst making fresh sounds that can appeal to everyone.

What were the inspirations for your visuals and what was the process of creating them?
My visuals are mostly inspired by London, I try to depict what street culture in London looks like. This is integral to my brand and I would hope that if someone from a different country is watching my video they can get a snapshot of the average Black Boy inner-London and what they experience.

What was the inspiration for ‘Bro Code’ and why did you choose to sample Ama Lou’s, ‘Tried Up’ for the instrumental?
Firstly big up Hurricane on production because he smashed it. Funny, because I had the instrumental for about a year and was unsure how to approach it. One day it all clicked and the rest is history. I already loved the original Ama Lou song so when I realized it was her after, my appreciation for the track increased and now I’ll be shelling down some stages with this banger for the rest of my years out here.

How was working alongside some of London’s best upcoming artists such as Knucks, Jamilah Barry and Sam Wise?
These are world-class acts. I think people know this already but it’s a matter of timing as well as opportunities taken. In fact, there are several world-class acts upcoming in the UK and in the world it’s just about being exposed and then these acts can fascinate the world. 

But to answer your question working with these artists including Kadiata, Careless & my producers, Izco, Ruben Joy, AyChibs, Londo, Eyes & Hurricane made me step my game up, kept me on my toes and provoked the real artist in the pit of my stomach.

What was the inspiration for your project, ‘Personality’ and how has your process changed from then to ‘Murder Mile’?
‘Personality’ was innate, it was about myself, the doubt and how I felt about the pressure of people wanting me to conform. Essentially, it was a middle finger and a promise to myself, to always be myself.

What was your entry point into music and who/what has influenced your sound up until this point?
My entry point was Grime, UK Rap & Hip-Hop. These genres have essentially defined who I am as an artist. Grime gave me the attitude and swagger of being able to deliver bars with intensity. UK Rap made me tap into telling stories of my upbringing whilst painting vivid pictures. Hip-Hop made me understand the culture of beats and bars, where it all stems from and the importance of expression and individual stories.  

Can you talk a little bit about your community scheme to get young artists studio time and why working in the community is important to you?
‘Fast Forward’, is one of the best things I’ve invested my time into. We offer free recording, engineering & production along with electronic press building session. We then offer mentoring for the foreseeable future to allow artists to feel supported and part of a network which will allow them to grow organically and reduce some of the pressures upcoming acts sometimes have with a view of helping manage their mental health also.

How has growing up in Hackney influenced your sound and who from the area should we be listening to?
Hackney is a lifestyle, we all have great pride in how we carry ourselves and not flopping in whatever we are specialized at doing. Hackney is a mentality, a ‘never quit mentality’, a “you’re not better than me no matter what material you may have”. We just believe in ourselves and have thick skin. 

There are so many artists in Hackney of various ages that are FIRE. I wouldn’t like to miss anyone but what I would say is on my Spotify profile I made a playlist called, ‘Hackney’s Hottest’ which has a lot of dope Hackney artists and I tend to update every time I find the hardest teenager coming for the throne. 

This mentality is about togetherness as people before me have created unnecessary rivalry that doesn’t amount to anything. We must follow the South London model and ignore our ego’s. However, sometimes our Hackney pride can get the better of us and friendly competition can quickly become very real.

What do you want your listeners to take away from your music?
What inner-city living looks like for the average boy and the pressures we find ourselves under. I want people to enjoy my consciousness, spirituality and truth but at the same time, we must have a good time whilst i’m telling my stories because I’m a vibrant human being.

What can we expect from 2020?
2020, I hope to collab with more artists & brands as a means of flirting with new markets. I hope my collaborations are interesting and able to shift the minds of people who listen to me. I’ll be touring ‘Murder Mile’ in a few UK cities with my team and also as a support act. Lastly, we may have some new music in the fourth quarter but for now, we will be in the studio making the portfolio heavyweight like Anthony Joshua.