'5 Questions With': 633
"We’re not really concerned about 'numbers' but rather in making a very dope project."
Making waves with their fresh musical take on UK Afro-Caribbean culture, East London production duo 633 drop their latest heater ‘Take Control’ Ft. Nizzy, Drowze, Kid Alpha and OB Flamez. Channeling influences from Afrobeats, Dancehall and RnB, the dynamic duo (made up of longterm pals Jevanni Letford and Eugene Diabor) have established themselves as one of the most exciting production teams UK music has to offer. Combining their individual talents and undeniable musical skill, the pair have found their power in creating unique and memorable records, landing them collaborations with the likes of KSI, AJ Tracey and JME. Originally mapping out successful solo careers, Jevanni made a name for himself in the DJ world, and has supported Skepta, Nile Rogers, Tinie Tempah and Kanye West. Meanwhile Eugene has gained credits with the likes of Cheryl, Kele le Roc and UK Hip Hop legend Sway. This marriage of talent in the formation of 633 is proving to be unstoppable, because after all - two is better than one. We caught up with 633 for a quick Q&A, discussing their undeniable chemistry, collaborations and plans for their future.
Read the feature below…
Words and interview by Elle Watson
EQ: Hey guys, tell us about yourselves? How did the two of you come together to form 633?
633: Separately we’ve both been involved with music for a long time. We actually met in church years ago and although we appreciated each other’s talent for music, only really explored working together in 2017. The name 633 comes from the bible verse Matthew 6:33 which says “seek first his Kingdom and all else will be added”. We wanted a name that represented how we met and what we’re about.
EQ: How do you feel you compliment each other? What are each others strengths and how do you keep each other motivated?
633: Whilst we both have incredible ideas, Eugene is the “finisher”. If Jevanni lays something down or comes up with an idea, Eugene has the ability to tie it all together and bring it to life. On the other hand, Jevanni is the engine behind bringing the artists together and creating the direction and vision of 633. From sourcing the right artists, to helping us stick to deadlines and maintaining our momentum. He is also a very very sick DJ and so we complement each other very well.
“For us, it’s all about the quality of the track before anything else.“
- 633
EQ: ‘Take Control’ is a certified jam. How does it compare to previous projects? Was there anything unexpected/unusual/challenging about the process of creating it?
633: ‘Take Control’ is definitely a banger and sees us further establish the sound and type of music we are trying to go for. It differs to our previous release ‘Run Around’ in that there is more energy and purpose both in the beat and in the concept of the track. In terms of the creative process, one of the challenges was having to get some of the artists to remotely lay their vocals down during “lockdown” whilst maintaining a consistent quality throughout; and trying to get the right sound to have it all just bang. There are a lot of artists on the track and it was rather challenging to get all the voices to gel in a way that only bangers do, there were quite a few artists who didn’t make the final cut. I suppose further challenges popped up in trying to get every artist available on the same date to shoot the video!
EQ: How do you choose which artists you want to collaborate with? Is there anyone outside of your genre who you’d love the challenge of working with?
633: For us, it’s all about the quality of the track before anything else. We’re not really concerned about “numbers” but rather making a very dope project. Jevanni is really connected to a lot of artists through his radio broadcasting and Eugene has his relations with artists who come through to record in the studio. Through both pools of artists we tend to arrange studio sessions and let the magic happen. Outside of our genre we’d love to work with Major Lazer, Mura Masa and Disclosure. These are producer/DJ outfits who, like us cannot be boxed and are able to create genre bending music.
EQ: What are your goals for 2021? What can we expect to see and hear from you?
633: The plan for 2021 is to go hard and not rest. Whilst 2020 was a year for us to establish ourselves in the midst of all that’s been going on, next year we plan to go all guns blazing. We’ve already got some really sick songs recorded and have worked with a global name on something special. Keeping our lips sealed on who for now though.
Stream ‘Take Control’ HERE