Testimony
What does this project mean to you?
At the time I was making the project I was on the verge of quitting music all together. The fact that the project still got done and released was a testament within itself. In hindsight ‘Testimony’ is the reason why I still make music today and acts as a reminder for me to keep going especially when adversity is at its peak.
How did lockdown influence the making of this project?
Lockdown forced me to lock in and create, block out the noise and actually focus on my sound. This was the time period I feel like I found my voice/sound and started becoming comfortable with portraying myself as a music artist.The walk to Omari’s house (where the project was made) became a therapeutic ritual during lockdown, juxtaposing the forced confinement of being locked in a house all day. I began to draw inspiration from the small things that I would usually overlook on a day to day basis, such as nature.
Would it sound different if you made it now?
Yes it would definitely sound different now! Even if I got on the same beats today, I wouldn’t be able to recreate what I recorded then.
Which track is your favorite and why?
‘Attention’ Made it after speaking to my brother for the first time during his sentence. Listening to it now evokes a feeling of freedom, knowing we ain’t ever going back!
Questions by Grisha Obolenskiy, answers by Caynes
An EP made in lockdown at Omari’s house in Streatham, at a point where its maker was close to quitting music altogether. Finishing it is the reason he still makes it — and the walk there, day after day, is where the sound was found.