Conversing with: Theophilus London

I recently was able to get in touch with a new upcoming artist that i am truly excited about. Based out of Brooklyn, New york,  Theophilus London has brought a interesting new sound to the music scene, combining lots of soul with rap. With the success of his mixtape, Jam, that featured him rapping over prince and Micheal Jackson, to using some uniquely sounding beats from Machine drum, he is definately a force to be reckoned with. I discovered him after watching the Rocksmith video that he model for and also used his own song, Sand castles, that was remixed by him and machine drum. I knew i had to follow the guy after hearing my speakers start to burst with his sound, nearly destroying them. Here are a few words we were able to exchange over email. Keep your eyes out for Theophilus, because though he has not been on many agendas, I’m sure he will be in the coming months.

What inspires your music?

My Environment, My friends, My lovers, My experiences, Darkness, and Water— the pretty much sums it up

What would you call your sound of music; i.e. what genre would you say you fit into?

My sound is SOUL. Soul is Everything- its like the color black– infinite, a million and 1 possibilities, thousands of feelings, hundreds of moods, and plenty of desires. Its also POP because pop is accessible and is the most money making music. Michael Jackson was the King of POP and he will be forever admired by my SOUL.
Your jam mixtape was huge success, are there plans for other mixtapes?

I have a new mixtape in the works now that should be out next month!!!! Its titiled This Charming Mixtape and its the prequel to THIS CHARMING MAN EP which will be the first Debut release with normRex. Its gonna be a fun mixtape- But unlike JAM! this mixtape is more edgey and dark and mysterious. Its still innocent and charming but its a more grown up sound.

Where are you From?

Im From Brooklyn NY. Its very welcoming and suitable for me. Brooklyn understands who i am and what i do. It is the mysterious clouds, it is the train coming at 3am, and its the homeless man looking for food. Its Brooklyn NY— and i welcome anyone to come visit me and hang– we party hard!!

Who are your five favorite musicians right now?

Little Dragon
Michael Jackson
Andre 3000
Passion Pit
Jesse Boykins iii

How did you get your start in music?

I got inspired X did my research X found the right musical team X been true to myself

In your Jam mixtape you used alot of 80’s style songs to rap over, are the artist you used to rap over influence your music?

Definitely.
more than anything. If you really know me than you know that Michael Jackson is my fav-all time Artist. Music sounded really well in the 80s. Man music sounded really well in the Egytian times. Music always sounds good some where. But yep JAM! was all my fav. artist collabing with me.

You seem to work alot with Machine Drum, what can you tell me about him and how did you two start collaborating?

He is a sweet guy- hahahah ladys dont take advantage. Man Machinedrum has turned into my brother. we lived together this whole year- and spended 75 percent of the time creating music. He is dope. He understands my creativity  and my inspirations. He is a foward thinker and innovator. He will supply the next generation with his music— MARK THOSE WORDS.

What artist would you most like to work with?

Little Dragon

What kind of lifestyle do you live?

the best part of my lifestyle is ——- i met all of my greatest friends through making the music i make. So i really around Friends alot. We celebrate life , work our crafts, fight, love, cry and we never go to MANHATTAN—– no need to
Brooklyn is the Shit
if anyone wants to hang– hit my myspace— just putting it out there

How did you come to work with rocksmith; the video, modeling, etc?
Rocksmith discoverd my Music in the Growing Scene in NY. And they loved it. They also are my great friends. I will make music forever because of that. You connect with so many great people.

Does fashion Influence your music?

Yes and no. The fashion i see in my head hasnt been created in this world as of yet. But no current fashion dosent influence my music i could say. Desires, and moods do. Peoples crys and angers do, the call for loves does it as well.

Are there any other projects that you are working on?

Yep but i cant talk of em yet at the moment

When will your album be released?

Early March

Whats your favorite brand?

Alien

What is your opinion on the current state of music in a digital age?

I think its great. The consumers in general have become smarter because of this digital age. Their opnions on blogs or youtube affects many. And of course it plays a big roll in music. I love it.

What is your opinion on the current state of Hip-hop?

Corny, Lazy, Uncreative, Lame etc. it could go on forever
hip hop evolved in to something else if you ask me

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Living in Africa

What are you most passionate about?

Apples

exitus.

note: this is the first interview under victus zine, until i get that site up and running my blog will be serving as the victus home until then.

Tags: Conversing with, fresh, Interview, Music interview, Theophilus London, Victus zine