Ep!K is a rising artist, sound engineer and producer, who creates uncanny alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronica music that’s meticulous, persistent, and introspective. Inspired by Michael Jackson, The Weeknd, Jacob Collier, and Prince, Ep!K works diligently on quality pieces and solid albums, one of which is The Message That Never Got Sent with singles including his popular “Blame Me” and “Hateful Love”. Kicking off the new year with a downtempo techno-inspired single “Dancing By Myself”, which reflects the artist’s own experiences and the feeling of being alone even though surrounded by people, the multi-talented vocalist invites his listeners on a one-of-a-kind journey to discover their own selves. We’ve had the chance to chat with him about his new single, early beginnings, creative approach and more.
Congratulations on the release of your new track “Dancing By Myself”!
Thank you!
Tell us more about it, what inspired you to record this new single?
I wanted to create a song that people could dance and cry to. I find myself struggling to fit into the club and party environment. This song is a representation of still trying to be present within the scope of escapism but also suffering the consequences of not being fully engaged in that mindset.
What drove you to envision a music career? How did it all start?
Music is a way of expression, and throughout my whole life, I’ve always wanted to be able to effectively communicate how I feel and effectively create a level of understanding between me and whoever I’m trying to talk to. Music was the obvious choice; not only to communicate effectively but bring someone into my world and present myself in a way that I only know how.
What is your most memorable moment as an artist?
My most memorable moment as an artist would be listening back to my older music and realizing that not only am I serious about this, but I sound just like the artist on the radio in terms of quality and content. Those moments make me realize that I should take music seriously.
You are a versatile artist who multitasks between being a vocalist, sound engineer, and producer. If you had to choose one specialty over the others, which would it be and why?
I couldn’t choose one, honestly, because each one of those roles is a piece of who I am, and that brings together the world that I want to bring my listener into, so I couldn’t choose just one.
However, I tend to write my songs first before producing my music most of the time, so in the parameters of the question being asked, I’d say that I’d lean more into songwriting, but all in all, I couldn’t choose just one.
We’ve noticed that you enjoy mixing up several moods and styles in your music, how would you define your own fusion of genres?
I’m not sure. I tend to make music based on my mood, and it can’t necessarily be categorized into one specific genre, just like the complexities of emotions themselves. Maybe Bleak R&B? I don’t know; I’ll let my fans decide what genre of music I create. I’m just going to continue to create.
What is your favorite song of the moment?
My favorite song at the moment is Unholy Matrimony by Giveon. The way the story is told to the song, the plot twist, the complexity of what he is trying to represent in the song and musically it’s just…amazing.
Which artists have influenced you the most and why?
Songwriters like Stevie Wonder, The Weeknd, Prince, and Bobby Caldwell! All of them have impeccable songwriting ability and production, and the way that they represent themselves and their art is just admirable, so those are probably some of my biggest influences.
What’s next for Ep!K?
I have just started up a Patreon page, and as an independent artist, it is a challenge to do these big projects on my own. Of course, I will continue making content and music; however, it would be greatly appreciated if you could support me there on my Patreon. You can sign up and just support me, or you can have access to behind-the-scenes and exclusive songs that you can only find on that page. I appreciate all of you and will continue to make good music.
Thank You!
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