Todays a good day, even better because we have afrobeat sensation Lasko Blark on todays session. The young artist has a unique sound, a combination of rap and afrobeat that’s racked him countless streams across platforms.
ALEX:
Hey Lasko Blark whats up? Barka de Sallah, how’re the celebrations?
Lasko Blark:
Thanks, everythings going great… I’m happy to be here.
ALEX
How would you describe your journey so far?
Lasko Blark
Explosive. I started music in secondary school freestyling in class and hostel, I could dance too and that’s actually how people got to know me, when I got into OAU I danced for different artists; Dremo, YC, Mayorkun, Tega. At some point I danced for Tega exclusively and once in a while I’d suggest lines, drop bars, eventually did rap tryouts with Tega and Habeeb, it was lit and I haven’t looked back since. I got with ZaddyGang management for a while, but they left OAU . After that I’ve been pushing my music independently with help from my friends, dropped ‘Kompetition’ too and it was great. I love music, every part of it comes to me naturally.
ALEX
So, you have an eye for an ideal music career after school?
Lasko Blark
Yeah Yeah, I will. After that Ill figure out the business side and put other people on.
ALEX
That’s actually amazing, I wish you goodluck. How would you describe your genre? Your sound?
Lasko Blark
I’m a rapper, but like I said the music comes to me easy so I make music across genres, I’ve made EDM tracks so really all genres. Currently I like to infuse rap and afropop.
ALEX
Wouldn’t you say having a distinct style is important? A unique sound?
Lasko Blark
Yeah, but it restricts your audience especially here in Nigeria. A specific group of people won’t listen to your music. Around here everyone’s looking for new sound, fresh sound that doesn’t all sound the same.
ALEX
Alright so far what’s the hardest thing about being a creative in Nigeria, juggling school, being an independent artiste?
Lasko Blark
Hardest thing is for your work to reach your audience, they’ll only pay attention if you’re really good and you apply pressure lol, force it down their necks.
ALEX
Wild lol, hold L2 till they recognize the vibe. Cool. What’s your creative process?
Lasko Blark
Ok sometimes I hear the beat and create a melody, record a sample, then I write lyrics myself. A lot of other times I have a beat in mind then build lyrics around that.
ALEX
What? You produce too?
Lasko Blark
No not produce, I catch a vibe and just run with it.
ALEX
Some Beethoven type inspiration lol
Lasko Blark
Yeah haha, for the most part. That’s how ‘Kompetition’ happened. Otherwise, I just listen to a beat, make a melody, record a sample and then lyrics come on last.
ALEX
That’s easier said than done I imagine. What’re your immediate goals as an artiste?
Lasko Blark
For now, its balancing school with music best as I can. Also want to tap into the OAU space, they’re my audience right now so I’ll keep doing my thing, making music until I get out. Gotta love the fanbase lol.
ALEX
Zero caps chief. Any advice for creatives like you on the come-up?
Lasko Blark
I’d say most importantly stay busy making music or writing or whatever else, there’s never enough content in this world. Also link up with as many creatives as possible, support each other and don’t neglect school or whatever other responsibilities you have to fulfill.
ALEX
Amen to that brother. We’re at the end of the interview right now and it’s been fun having you here, but with the buzz ‘Kompetition’ made –15k streams in a week– do you have anything in the works we should look forward to?
Lasko Blark
Kompetition was crazy I loved the energy it got. And I’ve got an EP coming real soon, dropping on the 30th actually. Anticipate, if its windy its blown!
ALEX
Definitely looking forward to it Lasko. Thanks for coming through chief.
Lasko Blark
Thanks for having me.
Follow Lasko @laskoblark across all platforms and enjoy streaming ‘Kompetition’ here
