Here at GRM Daily, we’re always looking for new ways to push talented individuals to the masses. We believe in nurturing right from grassroots level, shining attention on sick artists when they’re smashing it in the charts like Stormzy, or just beginning to make noise like our recent Get Rated award winner Jevon.
With that being said, we’re pleased to introduce a brand new feature; New Wave Wednesdays. Every week, we will be placing 11 need-to-know questions to some of the brightest young prospects in the worlds of Rap, Grime, R&B and beyond. Get to know a new wave, every Wednesday.
First to come under our new spotlight on New Wave Wednesday’s is Tiggs Da Author, who last week performed on Jools Holland’s prestigious stage, singing his new genre-bending single “Georgia”. Without wanting to give too much else away, we’ll let Tiggs do the talking. Scroll below the clip and catch the conversation with Alex Griffin.
Where are you from?
I’m from Tanzania, but I grew up in South London, New Cross. I left Tanzania when I was 8 years old. It was a crazy experience, coming from a hot country to a super cold country. Literally, I came in like December and it was the first time I’d ever worn a winter jacket. It was pretty difficult and my English was pretty shit as well… I just kind of learnt (the language) playing football with my friends and stuff like that. You learn the swear words and the rest will come.
What or who is your biggest inspiration and why?
In terms of life in general, probably my mum. She’s pretty much done everything on her own. She took me and my sisters from Tanzania to come here and have a better life. In terms of music, it’s not really one person. In different genres I get inspired by different people. In Rap I get inspired by Andre 3000 and 2Pac… (With Andre it’s) just like his whole aura, how he doesn’t care what people think and isn’t scared to take any risks. From the way he dresses, to the music he makes… Then I listen to Jazz and I get inspired by Fela Kuti… Or in the Pop world I’m inspired by people like Michael Jackson or Beyonce. I’ve been inspired by the Motown era. Ray Charles, Bobby Bland. There’s not really one individual.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
Firstly, I’d want them to enjoy it. Second, I always make sure that there’s a message in every song. Even if I make a song and it sounds like a party song, there will always be a deeper message behind it. For example I’ve got a song called “Run” and it’s a fun, uptempo and feel-good song but it has a political undertone to it. When you hear it, it’s just gonna make you smile, it’s not gonna make you feel sad and it’s not like I’m preaching. I like to joke around in life in general, I don’t want to take anything too serious. I don’t want to sound like some politician, but if I have an opinion I want to put it out there and get my message across. Then I see if anyone feels the same way that I do.
What are your goals for the next 5 years?
I want to be in a position where I’ve sold out arena tours, won various different awards and preferably on my third or fourth album. A grammy. I’ve always wanted that.
Who would your dream collaborator be?
Probably Pharrell. I saw the picture of him and Skepta working together, it’ll be crazy to see what comes out of that. You know when you’re young and you remember watching him back in the day, with N.E.R.D. and that. I’ve always been inspired by him and his production. He’s just a genius! I would learn so much. You can be a great producer, but if you haven’t got any wisdom to give, then the legacy ain’t going to move on.
What did you buy with your first pay cheque?
A house.
What was the first CD that you bought?
I think it was Sean Paul “Gimme The Light”. Banger, I had to buy it. I was proper young.
Who are in your top 5 MC’s of all time?
With Hip-Hop: 2Pac, Jay-Z, Nas, Andre 3000 and Eminem. In Grime, it’ll be: Dizzee, Wiley, Kano, Skepta and… hm who can be the 5th one? I was a Crazy Titch fan, so him.
What was your favourite moment at last month’s Rated Awards?
The beef between Tim Westwood and Charlie Sloth. Epic moment. I think every award needs an epic moment to remember and that was definitely the moment. “Don’t get gassed!” He’s a legend.
Krept or Konan?
Bloody hell. They’re both just as sick as each other! It’s a tough one, but I’ll probably say Konan. I prefer his verse on “Don’t Waste My Time” and the chorus of course. “Don’t Waste My Time” is sick.
Finally, what’s next up for you?
I’ve literally just been working on my album at the moment. “Georgia” is the first song I’ve released from the album, which I want to release in 2016. This year I’m going to just release more music, do a few collabs and hopefully go and support someone on tour, just do a lot more live shows. That’s really my plan at the moment. (“Georgia”) is basically zooming on a situation that my friend was in. It’s all about the awkwardness of an unofficial relationship. You like this girl, she likes you back and you want to impress her to show her that you’re there for her. You end up buying her all these things, but she’s not sure if she wants to get in a relationship just yet. It’s not really saying “don’t buy girls things”, but it says “it can go either way”. It was a situation my friend was in and I just wanted to write about it. I’ve got tons of songs where I talk about my situation, but that one was definitely not. I haven’t got a “Georgia”.
Listen to ‘Georgia’ on Spotify http://smarturl.it/TiggsGeorgiaSp
Words & interview: Alex Griffin