Interview: AWE
UK based rapper AWE has just released his first official album, 'The Spark That Lit The Flame', composed of 10 eclectic tracks that range from old-school infused hip-hop, to British rap inspired beats. Louder Than The Music caught up with this newcomer to find out how he started making music, the inspiration behind his album, and his plans for the future.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My Names AWE which is actually the initials of my full name and I like the meaning of a feeling of deep respect, reverence & wonder. I am from Birmingham UK and have performed around the city at open mics and honed my production and writing ability in my bedroom since my later teenage years. I am a huge fan of all music especially rap music and want to bring light and a breathe of fresh air to the genre by talking about God, Faith, Life and my journey.
Tell us about your new album 'The Spark That Lit The Flame' and what the inspiration behind it was?
This is a carefully crafted project which I actually wrote while my father was passing away. It features production from Smiththemister and vocals from Keisha Diamond both Birmingham based. It is a spiritual body of work that has to be felt as much as listened to with a positive message to help enlighten the listener of the changes I have gone through and we as a world need to go through to reach our full potential for God. The name is a metaphor for spirituality, consciousness and the light that grows in you when you realise your power to ignite your self and then the world around you. Sometimes all it takes is a spark, the faith of a mustard seed to create change.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
Plant The Seed sums up the whole concept of the project and the message I wanted to get across the whole project in one song. A must listen.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
We are powerful creators of our own reality not just subject to it and we are all connected deeper in oneness than we actually realise so we need unity. God is real and knows our hearts so be the best version of yourself, a conscious creator of the change you want to see in the world
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music is conscious rap with a positive message here to uplift, inspire and change the frequency you are vibrating in. My influences are Common, Kanye West, Big Sean, Nas, Jay Z, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, House Music.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I write all my own music but I would love to work with Kanye West as he is a big inspiration and a master of production that could take my sound to another level.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Being in a position to give back in life to my supporters, non supporters, the world and give everyone that feel good energy that lifts you up, beyond what you thought was possible and change the world for the better forever in doing so.
What is your favourite album of all time?
I would say my own project but as not to be cliche I would Probably say Nas - Gods Son album as that is the album that started me writing my first lyrics as I was truly inspired and led to me making the music I do now.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
If I could pick one song to listen to I would pick Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds as I remember my late father singing me that song and it has that stuck on an island vibe with the Faith that you will be just fine.
What does the next year hold for you?
This next year I am looking forward to releasing more new music, new videos and looking to booking performances internationally and doing music as my full time career, working with some of my favourite artists and producers and charting with my releases. I will also be saying things that know one has ever said or heard before on records that are ahead of the curve to shift the mainstream music culture in a more conscious, spiritual, God worshipping, positive direction.
