Interview: Melo-X
By Team ITNO
Located in London
ITNO’s Charlie and James K caught up with the Brooklyn based rapper-come-producer-come-synth-hero Melo-X. Here’s what he had to say on UK Grime, Collaborations and them lovely headbands and mega-chunky necklaces he rocks:
[ITNO] For those are unfamiliar with Melo-X’s sound, can you sum it up in a tweet? (140 characters)
[Melo-X] My music can be classified as experimental Free music. I’m free of the bonds of genre. This allows me to experiment with all types of music
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How did you come accross the Wiley and MJ Cole track you sampled on Xtra Drop? Have you always been into UK Grime?
I was introduced to UK Grime music through my first internship at a record label called K7. Since then I have dug deeper into the layers of grime and its sub genres and new styles. Wiley is definitely one of my favorites because of his unique flow and delivery. The way he ripped the MJ Cole Angel riddim made me want to step my rap game up and I had to do my own version of the track.
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Are you signed at the moment?
No I am not signed. I am a fully independent artist
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Do you have any exciting collaborations coming up?
I have an amazing collaboration project with Jesse Boykins III called Zulu Guru. This project is our fist offiial LP together. It is filled with stories and ideas about love, relationships, and the culture of today. It is a representation of our Schwaza Life.
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You seem to rock a lot of chunky necklaces and headbands, just how many necklaces and headbands do you own?
I would have to say hundereds. I have toured around the world and have been able to collect some amazing pieces along the way. I also design my own headbands, bandanas and jewelry plus I have tons of friends who are designers as well. So I get pieces from them made specifically for me.
You were featured by DJ Semtex on BBC 1XTRA‘s top 10 artists to watch out for in 2010, what was it like as an artist having this recognition abroad?
I was inspired by DMX, Eminem, Big Pun, Cash Money and Nirvana respectively.
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Do you have any rising star tips for the future we should know about?
The main tip is to stay focused and consistent. Even the artist you may think are the worst but have success are successful because of the consistency in what they do. So take your career in your own hands and go full force. Be the God of your destiny.
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You tap into multiple genres, what is your next project going to consist of?
My next solo album will be a mixture of everything I have been through and everything I have been inspired by for my whole life as a musician. I have no boundaries set for where I can and will go with my next album. Be prepared to dance, rave, laugh, cry and hit the replay button numerously while listening. It will be a sonically spiritual experimental exploration into the creative mind of an artist living free within his craft.
Melo-X’s latest album Fewture is available to download on itunes – 
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