EQUATE Introducing 303
"[Lockdown] didn’t stall our creativity together - with a lot of back and forth zoom calls we made it work for us!"
Read the full interview below…
Words & Interview by Antonia Kuenzel
EQ: Hey ladies! First of all, how does it feel for you to be out of lockdown again? What was the first thing you’ve done after April 12th?
303: We almost felt a little anxious getting so used to “lockdown” life, we weren’t sure what to expect. But It was so lovely to see friends and family again, and obviously loved going out for dinner and to the pub again!
EQ: Did you struggle creatively within your group throughout the pandemic?
303: We all have our own ideas when coming into a writing session, so it was a lot harder not being face to face. Things slowed down a bit like for many artists that covid has affected, but it didn’t stall our creativity together - with a lot of back and forth zoom calls we made it work for us!
EQ: You’ve embarked on your musical journey a while ago already now - what’s been the most fun and memorable moments so far?
303: Releasing ‘Whisper’ was amazing as it was our debut and the whole experience was new - lots of nervous excitement to see what everyone thought of what we wanted to bring to the music scene. Filming the ‘Out Here’ video was also great with a noughts inspired dance routine, and such a big team working on set with us filled the day with a lot of banter and laughter.
EQ: And what were the biggest lessons you have learned?
303: Learning to collaborate both together and with other producers and writers. It’s a great lesson for us because of how important it is to make decisions as a trio. It’s so inspiring meeting talented people so often and bouncing ideas around in the studio.
EQ: You had a new single come out on the 7th - what can you tell us about that?
303: We love this one, it’s a little different to our usual down tempo R&B but we think it’s the perfect time to release an upbeat song as lockdown restrictions lift and the weather’s getting warmer. It’s a feel-good song about self-love and being emotionally healthy, hopefully this resonates with anyone’s who’s struggled over lockdown. It really gets us in a good mood (no pun intended) and hope it gets everyone else feeling great too.
EQ: Do you have a full project in the works as well, or anything else that you’re working on?
303: We’re working on an EP towards the end of summer, so keep an eye out. We have some featuring producers like MikesPro and Honeywoodsix (if we’re still releasing ‘Make Your Move’). Expect some classic 90’s influences and some more summer bangers.
“[About ‘Mood’] It’s a feel-good song about self-love and being emotionally healthy, hopefully this resonates with anyone’s who’s struggled over lockdown. It really gets us in a good mood (no pun intended) and hope it gets everyone else feeling great too.”
EQ: Obviously you have a huge passion for 90’s R&B, but I was wondering which UK R&B artists you are currently listening to?
303: We are all have similar favourites:
Chloe: Jorja Smith, Mahalia
Maddie: Etta Bond, Ama Lou
Io: Ama Lou, Ella Mai
EQ: And is there a particular artist you’d like to collaborate with in the future, and why that one?
303: Honestly any of the above! It be amazing to collaborate with your favourite artists. We love their tone of voice and writing style and this is where a lot of our current influences comes from.
EQ: What is each of your guilty pleasure song?
303: Chloe: Usher - Burn
Maddie: Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal
Io: It Wasn’t Me - Shaggy
EQ: Last but not least, if the pandemic allows it - will we be seeing you on stage at some point?
303: We absolutely hope so, we can’t wait to get back on stage and hopefully play at some festivals and our own shows!
Watch the visuals for ‘Mood’ below…
YouTube/303 Official
Stream ‘Mood’ HERE