An Interview With Lewisland
The latest single release from Lewisland hits you with a hook right from the get go and boom...you're reeled right in.
"Run For Your Life" is an incredibly catchy, swelling, breathing R&B /pop / hip hop track that brings a variety of these styles together for one catchy song you can kick back and groove to, or pump in the car and sing along within minutes.
The single has some great synths and beat work while vocals have attitude and sleek, smooth style.
A great follow up to his previous release "Mo Juice" which also combines a contemporary pop vibe with R&B vocals.
This is how Lewisland rolls. Combining genres seamlessly is part of his whole thing and it really works.
We had a chat with Lewisland to find out where these songs came from and what's next.
TSWS: Okay Lewis let's start with Run For Your Life". This is a very catchy track with a cross between old school and new school hip hop styles and R&B. Where did this track come from?
Lewisland: Thanks a lot for listening to the new single and having me on your platform. "Run For Your Life" is a song inspired by the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, US while jogging. As a black athlete, frequent jogger and human being this was very painful to watch. So I put pen to paper.
TSWS: How did this all start for you?
Lewisland: Music has always been my form of expression. I taught myself to play 3 instruments at the age of 7 in Nigeria and played in the church. I moved to Italy at age 14 and started writing, singing and performing. I was pretty successful having played sold out shows, winning awards and frequently having songs and interviews on national radio. i decided to move to London this year for a new fresh start.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Lewisland: mmm..So I try to keep my mind always active and I try to have as much fun as possible. In Pre Covid it was usually practicing sport. I played soccer on a pro level. I did a lot of visiting new places and hanging out with my favorite people. Now with the whole covid situation, it's mostly watching movies or tv series with my girlfriend and jogging.
TSWS: What's next for you? Anything in the works even now?
Lewisland: Sure! I just wrapped up my upcoming album due on the 5th of December (My birthday), so I'm really pumped for that!!
TSWS: I'm hearing all kinds of influences in this track. Who are your biggest musical influences?
Lewisland: So this was a very experimental track with a bit of Afro fusion, hip hop and RnB. My biggest influences are Marvin Gaye, Common, Anderson Paak., Black Thought, Kenny Lattimore, Jidenna and The Internet.
TSWS: Will you be performing live when the time comes?
Lewisland: Absolutely!! Can't wait for this whole pandemic to be over!! Also does instagram live shows count? lol So far that's what we can settle for as musicians.
TSWS: You've been doing really well musically. Any advice you'd give to up and coming artists trying to get heard? Lewisland: That's a great question. First of all, I really think you should believe in yourself and what you want to accomplish. You should also be versatile with social media tools and learn to grow a thick skin. Finally, treat your music as a brand.That means you would have to make investments (time, creativeness, money) to get heard.
TSWS: What would you say to your fans?
Lewisland: I have nothing but THANKS!! You can't buy many years of support from people you haven't even met. My mission is to create more inspiring music for them.