Interviews THE SHORTLIST 23 April 2017
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Author: Alex Griffin

The Shortlist: Introducing A.STAXX

23 April 2017
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Introducing The Shortlist.

Featuring the hottest MC’s, rappers and artists that you’re going to be hearing a hell of a lot of over the next 12 months and beyond. From rap to grime, R&B to drill, there’s a flavour for everybody on our new album.

Handpicked by us at GRM Daily to create some original music, we’ve brought together the UK undergrounds freshest talent into one place, just for you.

This is the future of our scene and we’re over the moon to be able to provide this platform for them.

The album is out now across all streaming platforms: iTunes, Apple MusicSpotify. While you get familiar with the music, we thought it’s only right we start introducing the key players from the project.

Kicking things off, we’d like to introduce you to A.STAXX.


Where about’s are you from?


“Born and raised in South London. I started off in Kennington and spent my teenage years to early twenties growing up in a place called Tulse Hill, right in between Brixton, Norwood and Streatham.


Where does your name come from?


“It’s just a nickname I gave myself coming up. Back then it would have been my tag, now it’s my artist/stage name.”

What can people expect from an A.STAXX tune?


Entertainment, Truth, Creativity and Originality.”

Who’s your favourite artist of all time and how have they influenced you?


“Tupac. I guess he inspired me to be a rapper who shows the whole picture, the glory and the pain. He gave us some of the realest truths and motivation in some of the most creative ways. Don’s been gone over 20 years now and we’re still talking about him, that shows that he had a massive impact, so big it transcended rap culture.”

What drives you forward to succeed and why?


“My family. I’ve got people who depend on me bro. Telling people anything is possible is all good, but showing them that anything is possible, turning your dreams into reality, is more powerful.”

What can you tell me about your tune on The Shortlist? What’s it about, how did it come together?


“It’s called “Southside” and really it’s a narrative of some of me and my peers mentalities and experiences coming up around that area of London. Some of the catchiest hooks and the best songs come together very organically. That was definitely the case with this track. My bro Joey Stickz sent me the beat and the idea for the hook came to me almost straight away. Just before we sent the track over to GRM Daily, I changed the lyrics on the tune to suit the overall theme of the song more.”

What are your goals for the next five years? What would make them a success for you?

 

“By 2022 I aim to be an established artist in the game, bringing through other talented artists and creating music at the highest level with my team BTFD.”

Anything else you got going on soon that you want to let the people know about?


“I’m very excited to have a brand new mixtape dropping in the next few weeks called 545. It’s produced all in house by my guys Joey Stickz and Zubie Beats. I believe some of the biggest rap songs of the year are on this thing and I’m super proud of it.”


Photos by
Jeaniq Amihyia.