Artist Spotlight: L30 Robinson
There are many intricate rabbit holes to UK alternative music. Scenes that once existed solely in their own respective geographical and socio-cultural space have, thanks to the unavoidable nature of social media, ventured beyond their doorstep, in search of brighter lights and fatter pockets. One area that is making an increasing amount of noise right now is Northampton. Famed by the byronic anti-hero slowthai, there is a gusto of talented artists following in the footsteps of their working class hero. One of the names pushing the scene is L30 Robinson.
Prolific with his releases since his 2018 emergence, Robinson’s sound is a chameleonic strand of UK underground rap, influenced by the artists around him as well as star names from both sides of the Atlantic. Robinson recently returned with genre-merger like us, showcasing a consistently evolving craft and style. Dreamy guitar and urgent drums texture the palette that the rapper draws upon; his lively delivery building a narrative of braggadocious subtly, of casually confidence; a mood that is enhanced by an energetic feature from debutant Riice.
I connected with L30 to discuss his influences, the Northampton scene, and the slick new single.
What and who influences you?
I like artists who you can’t box in, I guess the biggest examples of that would be Tyler the Creator, Childish Gambino & Kanye West.
What are your musical origins?
I played the guitar and piano at a young age in Primary School, I’ve always been around music. My parents were ravers back in the day and would never let me go too long without listening to music.
How did you find your style in music?
Normal is boring to me, in literally every aspect of life. If you’re all running away from something I’ll run towards it to show you it ain’t actually that scary. I’m like this in music too, OK let’s not make a song at +36db but can we atleast do something that hasn’t been done before.
How do you think you stand out amongst the masses?
Similar to the previous question, I’m true to myself and happy to say things that others won’t say.
What’s the Northampton scene like?
It’s embedded with talent, I feel like many of its genres including rap seem to be disconnected from the industry. There’s no easy route you have to really get up go and get it, which limits some people but I feel like this is changing and I want to help change that.
How has growing up there affected your personal and musical growth?
It’s made me so numb to criticism, when I started performing at shows alot of the time I’d be the only rapper. So you’re already having to sacrifice some of the set just to get people on board. It can become frustrating but I saw covid as a massive re set for me, I looked at myself what have I got to do to break into this industry.
You’ve worked with a lot of other local artists, is there a real community in the scene?
My doors always open, I’m an explorer and the moment I develop a talent (mixing) or discover some information I have to share it. Which naturally keeps me working with lots of people, it’s also a great way to stay motivated and be inspired. I think as a whole the people here want the right things, Layitdown is a organisation that regularly puts on shows for artists the founder Leon Denton is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met and he helps keep a lot of artists together.
What was the creative process of your new single ‘like us’?
As soon as I heard the instrumental it took me back to those end of summer late nights as a teen. I just kept freestyling and used voice notes on my photo to save the lyrics, within about an hour or so I had my verse. I wanted a feature but I needed someone who knew me back in those younger days so I contacted Riice.
What are you trying to convey with the new single?
We really just wanted to explore the different social problems 2 young people on separate ends of the social ladder can deal with. To expand, I play a character that’s usually popular but really can’t be bothered for this occasion. My thoughts make me question the integrity of a girl trying to talk to me, what does she see in me? My friends are trying to get me to rap but I just want to take a backseat.
Whereas on the other hand Riice is really coming out of his shell, at times obnoxious and rude but really his just a good kid trying to break out of his shell, his opening line captures this well ‘baby come chill wid an awkward one, and I’ll show you round town on a foolish one.’
What do you want listeners to take away from it?
Everyone is going through their own mini battles, it’s something to remember and though someone may seem to have it all they might be struggling too.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them?
This track, I’m forever evolving. I have love for all my old music but it doesn’t represent who I am anymore, I’ll probably be saying the same thing about this song in 2 years.
What’s to come from you?
I have a mixtape on the way and I definitely want to make a project involving loads of artists from Northampton.