With the release of MNEK’s upcoming album ‘Language,’ we wanted to find out about the inspiration and artistry behind the amazing young man’s work. Being a debut album while working in the industry for 10 years, there is no doubt that this is a very important body of work for MNEK. Getting to know him as an artist and also as a person who is behind major hit records of some of our favourite artists.
_**Starting off with the very first track on the album ‘Background’ it seems to me to be a reflection on the perception of what other people have on you as an artist? Having had a background in music since you were 12 years old, what was the message or inspiration behind the track?**_
Well I think, with background, I wrote it as a kind of vibe thing and it was definitely a track that I wanted to start the album off with being that it reflected on my way of coming in to the forth front being my first body of work that is out there that focuses on me and not on other people, with their names next to it. It is about what I do, explaining who I am while giving a chance for people to hear me out and for people to understand me.
There is a little skit in the middle, that goes into correct that has the two girls trying to pronounce my name which was a comedic moment. And the thing is, is that I don’t want it to be ever misunderstood that I am taking myself too seriously. I want to have fun; I want to be able to laugh at myself and laugh at the surroundings that have occurred thought out my career.
_**Where did your spark for singing and writing begin? Who or what inspired you to peruse a music career?**_
I think it was just watching loads of MTV and being such a massive fan of music. My parents were always playing music in the house with their CD’s and the radio. I became this sponge to everything related to music, it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I started making beats and writing songs. I kind of always sang and would mimic my favourite artists like Whitney, Mariah etc. And that was the beginning as far of my making music and wanting to make it my job essentially.
_**Did you teach yourself or did you go to a music school?**_
No, I went to a normal school and then I got accepted into BRIT School but I never ended up going because I was already in the industry at that point. Everything has basically been self-taught with YouTube tutorials on how to make beats and stuff like that and then adding my own twist to it. I can say that I am definitely a result of the internet and technology, just like generation X becoming sponges to everything on YouTube, twitter all sorts.
_**Having already said that this album was about your journey as not only an artist but a young man, it’s clear to say that in the album you reflect on a lot of emotions in relationships and the different places you were at emotionally during that time. How have these things shaped you as an artist?**_
Well, it is really only about one relationship and to be honest also about me shaping as a person. My artistry is a result of me growing as a person, everything I have ever done whether it’s the production or being a record it’s been about growing and then trying to fit it in with something that I am making at that time.
_**Has it also gave you some answers to what you were looking for? Finding yourself in this industry. Can you say you have learnt about yourself during this process and while writing about it?**_
I definitely think that for me as an artist, it’s not just about writing songs. This album could have been me making random songs that I know that people would like. But I wanted to make it into something that reflected on everything that I have learnt. Not only in my music but also the imagery of it.
I am now aware that there aren’t a lot of people in this industry like myself as far as being a queer, black artist making pop music and being represented. It’s not necessarily that I want to be a matter of being a black gay pop star but there is so much to be said about these very topics. I’ve received so many messages over the years from people saying how I have re-inspired them by what I am doing so it has given me a different perspective on what my music can do.
**_The song Crazy World shares a big message and understanding of what it is like to be a young gay man and the struggles and truths that come with that, especially when you are so young and understanding not only who you are but to try and be accepted with your sexuality by other people. How would you say the music industry embraces that?_**
I can only be myself in doing what I do and what I do best at, and this industry has always had ideas of what everyone should be. It’s like black men should be roadmen, make hip hop music and be hyper-masculine. We only get an image of what gay pops stars are, as a white artist unfortunately and I want to change that but I can only do so by attempting to broaden people’s horizons and thought processes in order to let them think outside the box.
I mean for crazy world it was just more me thinking and having a kind of freestyle in my head of just various things that were and are happening in the world and how those little things can change someone so drastically. My message was, if you need someone to turn to, I will be there for you cause in this crazy world, you're not alone. Everyone goes through stuff in life, whatever country you live in, whatever ethnicity you are, you can always find someone that can relate to you. And I guess that this track if anything was more about inclusivity.
_**Throughout the album, we get to hear all different types of sounds, there is a bit of Pop, futuristic rock jam, underground etc where these kinds of sounds something you grew up listing to as a child?**_
This album is definitely something that is a result of all of my influences growing up and also my influences as a young man. With songs like 'crazy world' I was defintly more inspired by house and afro beats and then there are a lot of other songs in the album that are more inspired by the 90s etc. Its more like a tribute and a throwback while bringing it into the era of 2018. Genre-wise I can only make what I feel during that moment and then mash it with what I have grown up with.
_**Who would you say are your influences as an artist or inspired you for this album?**_
I was really inspired by The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson as far as the mood of the whole album and the continuous vibe of it. It was like a real sonic journey, there were sad songs like ‘I get so lonely’ , ‘empty’ , ‘my need’ and then there where songs that were so bright and full of texture like ‘go deep’, and ‘together again’ which makes you fall into her world so I was definitely inspired by the musicality and the boldness of her album and wanted to have the same energy and intent to bring everyone my own sonic journey.
_**From past interviews and speeches, you definitely go out of your way to stand up for your beliefs and are not afraid to speak your mind to help others, when was the moment in your career where you realize as an artist you could use your platforms to help others? And did that give any effect on how you constructed your album?**_
A couple of years ago I won an award with ‘Attitude’ and after receiving that award I was getting hundreds of messages from people being thankful for just being who I am. And it’s so wired to me because you grow up being so ashamed of who you are and then you go from that to then having people say that they aren’t afraid to be who they are because of me not being afraid to be who I am. I am a representation of what you’re going to grow up to be and unfortunately, I didn’t have that as a kid so I take great pride in at least being an example of that representation while still being young, free and successful. And I don’t want to be the last person to do that so it has definitely driven me when it comes to the imagery and purpose of Language.
_**What advice do you have for people within the LGBTQ community who want to pursue music?**_
The first advice I would give to anyone would be to learn how to use tools that produce your voice or/and beats as its really important to have control over your records. But having said that know your limit, like if you’re not that bitch on the computer then its fine. Find your people to collaborate with. Though I don’t think that I would have been where I am today if I wasn't so proactive making my own beats, writing my own songs because I think if I was just a singer it wouldn’t have worked out and also with this it has definitely given me a know how on what type of album I wanted to make. And don’t forget that this took time, being patients is key. I've been making music for 10 years and this is my debut album.
_**Since you are at the beginning of your journey as a singer, songwriter, where do you see yourself in 10 years? What are the goals that you would like to accomplish?**_
Oh gosh, I'm gonna be very real with you, I don’t even know what I'm doing tomorrow …. Honestly, I want to release more music, be a template for the next MNEK as I don’t want to be the last of the person doing what I'm doing. I want to make an impact on people while making them happy via music while also finding new waves to create things. My accidents and my service to the world is music and I think whatever shape or form that is, it will be always what I am going to do.
Language is available to pre-order [HERE](https://mnek.lnk.to/LanguagePR). where you will instantly receive the singles “Crazy World” “Tongue,” “Paradise” and “Colour” featuring singer/actress Hailee Steinfeld.
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Interview by Lily Burdis
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