INTERVIEW: Sincere
Stepping up his game with his latest video ‘Ain’t Nobody Like You’, Sincere took some time off his busy schedule and hooked up with Beatrice Alessio to talk about experimenting new sounds, what’s on his iPod, his ideal date and more…
How you doing Sincere?
I’m fine, thank you.
Your forthcoming single ‘Ain’t Nobody Like You’ carries a very firm message. How did the track come about? And why did you decide to drop it now?
That track came about from me just trying to do something different, futuristic, still hip-hop, but with different elements. I wanted to make an inspirational piece of music that people can be motivated by. That’s why it’s got high energy and such a positive message to it.
You’ve been around for a minute. How did you manage, and still do, to stay relevant and stand out in such an oversaturated industry?
Just being original and consistent. Also changing my sound: ‘Ain’t Nobody Like You’ doesn’t sound anything like my previous single ‘Pass It Over’. I just keep things moving forward.
As you just said, you experiment new sounds and flows. What have you been listening to recently?
I’ve been listening to the Jay-Z and Kanye’s album that just came out and Bon Iver. Also a lot of instrumental stuff like Hudson Mohawke… [sighs] I’ve been making so much music that it’s kind of embarrassing I haven’t been listening to much. The last thing I downloaded was by Daley. I’ve had the privilege of working with him recently. Erm, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller… Really so much different stuff: any given day I could be listening to something different.
What’s your favourite track on Kanye West and Jay-Z ‘Watch The Throne’ album?
‘New Day’ and [sings hook] ‘Why I Love You’.
Apart from your new single, what are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on my EP ‘Now Or Never’ which will be out on December 26th, digitally on iTunes, and my debut album ‘Yours Sincerely’ which will drop in 2012. I’m just keeping busy as I’m also running my own clothing line XYE.
Can you disclose any detail on collaborations/production on your EP?
Erm, I’ve got Wretch 32 and Daley as confirmed artists for the features and Kid Bass is producing the majority of it.
You have gained a big following throughout the years. When it comes to your fans, what do you prefer? The digital approach like connecting via Twitter or the “old-school” shaking hands approach?
I think I still prefer the shaking hands and taking pictures approach, ‘cos you can really feel that. I still appreciate the tweets ‘cos some people tweet me the most amazing stuff, when I think I’m not even 10% of where I wanna be. So for you to tweet me something that amazing, it’s incredible, but still to see my fans, shake hands and take pictures is the best for me.
When it comes to writing, what’s your ideal environment?
My ideal environment, up until six months ago, was my car, then I got a driving ban. I’ve done 90% of my writing in my car but, until I get my licence back [he has just applied for a new one], my ideal environment would be the studio now.
Any particular ritual when you write?
I just don’t write with a pen, everything stays in my head.
Ok, you’re part of the old-school. Moving on. I know you’re not a fan of greasy burgers. Are you a Nando’s’ or Wagamama’s “supporter”?
No, not really a fan of greasy burgers. They are both nice, but I prefer Wasabi over them. If I had to make a choice, it would probably be Nando’s over Wagamama, just about. Peri peri chicken, peri peri mayonnaise… I’m a peri peri person.
On this note, if you could pick any UK female artist to go on a date with, who would it be? And where would you take her?
Mmmmmh… It would be… It would be Leona Lewis. We would go to Nobu and have an all-vegetarian meal, because I know Leona is vegetarian. Yeah Leona because we would talk about music and I’d like to do a collaboration with her; actually, it would be a cross between Leona Lewis and Adele and we would just go for a meal, chill and talk about music.
“Ain’t Nobody Like You” is out on November 7th 2011.
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