GET TO KNOW: PRISCILLIA
Where are you from, and where are you based?
I’m Nigerian and I’m from London tannnn!
How would you describe the music scene in London? What do you love about it and what would you change?
I would describe it as diverse, disruptive and unique. I love the originality of artists in London - there’s so many different gems and stories that are being told. Everyone is a star in their own right. If I could change something, it’d be more acceptance and celebration of women in music. There’d be less pressure to fit in a box, allowing the freedom to tell our stories truthfully and be respected for it regardless of our appearance or the societal pressure to be a way.
How would you describe the kind of music that you like to make?
It’s more a feeling but I would say. Comforting yet thought provoking, poetic, raw and relatable - it’s like melodic poetry.
We can’t stop listening to your submission song ‘Tangerine’, it’s SO GOOD. Can you tell us a little more about the creative and recording processes for that song?
Thankyewww! I appreciate you guys, honestly it was genuinely so effortless in terms of creating it - the difficulty came when I actually had to be practical and record it. I had a sore throat, so I decided to practice rapping more (as I couldn’t sing) and I came across this sick type beat named ‘Play’ by LamarDHBEATZ. When I heard the first 10 seconds, I knew I had to talk some sh*t! For myself, more inner child - I didn’t care if it sounded good or not. Luckily for me, it was a banger. I freestyled the majority of the song that same day and I just added fillers as the day progressed. I even recorded it in my friend’s bedroom.
What motivates you to create?
I don’t know if I ever feel motivated - more so obligated … to release, express and honor my feelings and creativity. Even if it doesn’t make sense, it truly is a gift. Sometimes, I used to get so frustrated that I would create so effortlessly. But there would never be a clear context - just a bunch of feelings and thoughts. I just write to write, not because I’m motivated to create anything specific (kinda like Tangerine). I came to realize I was limiting my creativity by expecting it to be this specific process. To have the gift to conceptualize through creativity is all the motivation I need.
And getting a house for my Mum in Primrose Hill x
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Being affirmed by musical teachers and inspirations. Feeling so vulnerable yet strong. Feeling like I’m embodying something bigger than me. I am motivated to be able to challenge minds through melodies and develop monumental bodies of work that will change, see and hear people.
If you could open for any artist in the world at any venue in the world, who and where would it be?
Lauryn Hill/The Fugees, Erykah Badu, Lil Simz, Solange, Greentea Peng - honestly nearly everyone on the Dreamville roster. I’d also love a Afropunk concert hosted in South Africa or Nigeria.
What’s one album or song that you feel changed your life?
My top three favorite albums are Appletree - Erykah Badu, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Dreamville: Revenge Of The Dreamers 3.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as an independent artist in the music industry?
Literally navigating this industry is the main challenge. I’m very laid back (waiting for the part where we just have campfires and roast marshmallows).
I’ve been blessed to create art in my own original way as each human is. All these laws, the way independent artists don’t get the pay they truly truly deserve, the social media politics, feeling like you have to fight to be seen/heard, doing marketing and promotion as an one man band. It’s difficult and can totally impact your mental health - making you question what you’re doing. But, I guess I’m doing something right
What’s something non-musical that you’re really excited about right now?
Love Island and actually sticking to a diet for more than one week - big up me!!!
What’s next in the world of Priscillia?
Greatness - I’m focusing on releasing a few more singles, collaborations and hopefully releasing an EP.