NEWS
EVENTS
L Marshall Interview
RnB/Hip Hop | Tuesday 12th February 2013 | Osh
You’ll be forgiven in saying “who is L Marshall”, having been in the background of the UK urban scene for the last couple of years, featuring on Wretch 32’s 2011 hit “Traktor” and writing Loick Essien’s No.2 smash “How we roll” and more recently writing for Cheryl Cole. We spoke to one of today’s most talented urban artist to see what 2013 has got in store for him, his new debut single and what’s life is like suffering from “Sweet boy disorder”.
So you're quite a multitalented young man, a lot of things, but what do you consider yourself to be foremost. A singer, songwriter or rapper?
I'd prefer to say a lyricist. A lyricist can be all 3 at once.
Tell us a little about your life growing up as a teenager, you have been through quite a lot?
I suppose everybody body through a lot in their own way, 'how much' just depends on your mind's threshold for punishment, (Laughs). But looking back I'd say I really enjoyed adolescence to be honest sure there were hard times but I'd rather see them as 'character defining'.
So when did you really decide you wanted to do music?
Here in London when I was about 11. Although I didn't start actively pursuing it and recording original material until I was 15 and living in Lagos.
Were you pleased with the reaction you received from your mixtape, ‘The Wait’?
I was awestruck. I was a bit unsure how the UK would take my music, but I gave it my all and my listeners responded in kind. My fas are the best thing about my job. I may not have lots and lots and millions of them, but those I have are extremely dedicated and supportive. Shout out my fans!
You have worked with a few of the crème of the UK Urban scene, Obviously there all hot in there own way, but is there anyone that you have enjoyed working with the most, like have that special vibe with?
I'd say probably SneakBo. Bo's never really been someone I ever looked at like he's in the industry, not sure why, maybe because we're both Yoruba I dunno. But from day one we've just been good friends… guess it’s just a vibe thing.
The new single, “Castles”, what’s the inspiration behind the song?
Its about love and life I guess. I didn't put too much thought into a concept, I just wanted it to be a little less dressed up and a little more direct than other love songs. I'm saying two things in the song: 1 'I may not be perfect but I'm yours, and we're working…' and 2 'Dream's don't usually come true without the right people surrounding the dreamer, could be a girlfriend or a manager, the message is the same.'
You have the amazing vocal talents of “Little Nikki” featuring on the new single, how did you come across her?
Funny actually, I didn't… SHE came across ME, (Laughs) Her manager was at Sony/ATV and they were playing him some of my tracks, he heard 'Castles' and straight up asked if she could be on it! (Laughs). I mean I loved that, because that's how features SHOULD happen but most of the time its a long process. My manager played me 'Into, Intro' and that was that, the girl's got swag you know, I just had to have her on the record.
Where did you shoot the video for the single, and why that location?
We shot it in Barcelona we thought the change of scenery would suit the song and the story and it all just worked nicely.
Who would be the top 3 people you would like to work with, or feature on your debut album if given the choice?
Right now I'd say Ed Sheeran, Adele or A$AP Rocky.
I read that you spent some time in boarding school when you were a young teen with Ortise from JLS? You guys still keep in contact, do you share tips/experiences and stuff?
Of course we stay in touch and meet up from time to time, but we're both busy so those times are few and far between. But that's my boy so it doesn't really matter. Besides, I'm always having to see him grinning on the video charts, (Laughs) can't really get away from famous friends.
Is there anyone else that you will be working with in the future. Tanya Lacey recently tweeted a pic of you two guys putting in that work, what can we expect to hear?
The future is always a mystery to me, I plan as much as I can but it's always a surprise, so I think its best not to speculate. That said I can say that the songs Tanya and I did are pretty awesome, at least we think so. I think she has the potential to go the distance, even take over and be queen out here. Only time will tell though.
Do you find this happens more often than before as your popularity increases, or do you suffer from “sweet boy disorder”?
(Laughs loudly) To be honest I've been dealing with that for a long time, definitely the sweet boy disorder. I've really never liked that term or considered myself fit for it, but I've been called that my whole life. Can't complain though, nice to know I can get a date with or without a hit.
Do you have any exclusive news you can share with our readers that you are currently or planning to work on?
Absolutely! I've finished my album and I've never been more proud of anything in my life. And of course, Castles is out on the 25th of February (not that that's exclusive but I thought I'd throw it in).
Last Question, if you had the power to change any law of this land, or introduce one, legalise something or change a law, what would that be, and why?
Oh man… Stop them raising the price of public transport? Change the laws governing parental responsibility? Abolish council tax? Legalise weed? (Laughs) I find that the more things change, the more they stay the same. But laws don't govern people, people a ruled more by what they themselves consider to be right and wrong. So if England ever starts to feel 'wrong' I'll just move! But till then I don't think I'd change anything. I'll just keep doing my own thing.
L Marshall’s debut single “Castle’s” featuring little Nikki is out 25th February 2013
For more information check out www.lmarshallmusic.com
Words by Roshan Ram
