“It feels like people are forcing what they spit about sometimes, it doesn’t feel genuine anymore” – In Conversation With Rising Artist Romell

South London’s rising artist Romell, who’s distinct tone and refined pen game has turned the heads of many, has recently graced supporters with the release of his brand new single named, “Yesterday’s Problems”. Growing up in a Jamaican household, Romell was engulfed by music from a youthful age before later taking his talent seriously. Stepping into the game last year, the London native is showing no signs of slowing down as he rolls out his third single of 2021.

Teaming up with artist and producer Trey Qua, who’s now become Romell’s frequent collaborator sonically, the pair have created a laid-back, slick, and authentic sound that truly represents him. Weaving bars of meaning throughout a selection of soul-infused beats, Romell proves why he is a force to be reckoned with.

Mixtape Madness got the chance to catch up with the rising artist to talk about his journey thus far, his latest release, and more. Tap in below to see what he had to say!

I would love to take it back to the beginning with you. Tell me a bit more about your upbringing and your introduction to music? 

I was raised in a Jamaican household in Tooting, mainly with my Grandma and Uncle. A lot of my first memories with music are them running old Caribbean tunes, I think that is what first drew my passion towards music, but I only grew fonder with time. I remember writing old school albums out word for word, over and over again. I feel like I got addicted to music at a really young age, it helped me escape from the problems in my family life.

At what point did you realise that you wanted to take your talent to the next level? Was there a specific moment?

I don’t know if there was a specific moment but it feels like something has always told me I had to do this! Almost like it’s meant to be!

Would you say there are any artists now that have played a role in helping to shape or influence your sound? 

A lot of the artists that have influenced my sound are from the music I listened to when I was younger. The UK didn’t have as many prominent artists back then, so a lot of my early influences are American from artists like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Eminem, were all big parts of my life growing up, so I think they heavily influenced the way I spit.

How would you go about describing your sound?

Lit, mixed with pain, and sometimes outrageous.

I heard you own your own label named Cupid Entertainment. What made you want to start your own venture?

I’ve been working on building a solid team around me for a little while now, and in the process of that, a group of crazy talented people came together. So we sat down and agreed that we should turn the idea into something real. After countless meetings and lots of planning, we pooled all of our skills and resources and moved into a big yard together. Now we’re creating a machine for our artists to release wavey music through.

You have just released your brand new single named “Yesterdays Problems” – tell me a bit more about this single? How did it come about?

This song is a realisation for me. It’s an expression of all sorts of situations I’ve been in throughout my life, I guess it’s sort of commentary on how I deal with things that I go through… I write them down and spit them out. Yesterday’s problems means that I don’t have to worry about them anymore, I’ve left them in the past.

Is there anything in particular you wanted to convey with this release?

I wanted to convey the thought of progression and moving forward. So getting past things and making difficult experiences “Yesterday’s Problems”.

Creatively, what is your process like?

To be honest it’s just a reflection on things I’ve been through.

In regard to collaborations, are there any artists you would like to work with in the UK or overseas?

I come from South London originally, Giggs, and Young Teflon are legends so I would love a feature from either of them. Or, an American artist I would love to work with is J Cole.

What are your current thoughts on the UK scene as it stands?

It used to be better in my opinion! It feels like people are forcing what they spit about sometimes, it doesn’t feel genuine anymore.

What else can we expect to see from you this coming year?

My mixtape, the moves the label is going to make, and all things CUPID.

Keep up to date with all things Romell via his Instagram here.