I caught up with emerging rapper AFS, who’s recently released a double single called ‘Clarity’ and ‘Floating’. We chatted why music is the right path for him, writing processes and inspiration behind the new tracks!

To anyone new to your music, name 3 words that best describe your sound.

Lyrical, Wordplay, Authentic

What made you decide that music is the right path for you?

I’d always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to go down this path one day, but the decision to start pursuing it came about by chance! I’ve written lyrics/songs since I was around 11, and gradually built up a whole catalogue of songs in my notes. I went on holiday a few years ago with about 6/7 people and 2 of them were into producing beats, and I just started reciting some of the songs/lyrics I had on my phone, we all enjoyed it, and we just kind of decided from there that we were going to do it properly when we got home! I’ve always studied rap music in the UK and US and how exciting the scene is globally, and wanted to see if I can create my own part of that journey.

What’s your writing process like? Do you write the music or lyrics first?

It’s definitely evolved over time where I’ve got more access to the tools and resources to create my own music. When I first started writing, I would be writing the verses off the back of a random idea for an opening line, and look for/to create instrumentals that match the style and mood I had in mind, then chop and change the lyrics so that I’m ‘on beat’. Whereas now I’ve got a fairly varied selection of ‘beats’ to choose from, and I’ll usually listen to a beat, hum some melodies until I find the best flows and patterns for that beat, and gradually build the lyrics in! More recently I’ve been able to go to the studio with producers and other artists, and we just come up with lyrics on the spot as we’re recording!

Give our listeners some music recommendations that we should check out!

I’ve been able to meet/work with some talented and different artists in the last couple of years, and I think they’re definitely ones to watch over the rest of the year, delivering some really strong singles/projects and more to come from them.

Malik Issac
GeeGee
Jc Malan
Jim Legxacy

Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?

Like most people, I had a lot of time on my hands to think during the lockdowns. My 2 new singles, (Floating and Clarity) are reflective pieces on personal battles being won! From being in a negative place, full of uncertainty and not really believing in yourself, to turning that around and really getting back into your stride. I think the two songs are very different in their style and energy; Floating is very spacy and eerie, with Clarity being a lot more punchy and aggressive to respectively capture those scenarios and the thoughts and feelings around them. I think a lot of people can relate to both songs, whatever they’re doing or going through. I thought that would be an appropriate way to start building momentum in terms of my music, ahead of an active year for me, experimenting to craft my sound and build my own niche.