'5 Questions With': Blue Lab Beats

"We wanted an EP that was healing music for that very crazy time"

Photo Credit: Joseph Abbey-Mensah

You may or may not have heard of production duo Blue Lab Beats already - Consisting of producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM, they have found their very own space in the scene by effortlessly combining jazz with elements of Hip Hop, Electronica, Afrobeats and Neo Soul. The duo have plenty of collaborations under their belt already, including Sampa The Great, Tiana Major9 and Dua Lipa, with more and more artists wanting to jump on a track with them. Only recently they have dropped their brand new EP ‘We Will Rise‘, a powerful project which was created in response to the Black Lives Matter protests that happened in the past year. It boasts catchy, experimental vibes and is certainly a must-add to your playlist. We caught up with the duo and spoke about travelling to Ghana for their new music video, the new EP and more.

Read the full interview below.

Words & Interview by Antonia Kuenzel

EQ: Hi both! First of all, your sound is such a dope blend of hip hop, electronica, afrobeat and more. How did you find your signature sound?

BLB: We had a very musical upbringing with both of our parents playing loads of Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor, Roy Ayers & public enemy so with all of that musical knowledge and inspiration that’s our sound comes together.

EQ: You have just released your new EP We Will Rise which has been created throughout last year. It’s incredibly powerful and I loved listening to it. Can you tell us more about the creative process and idea behind it?

BLB: We started creating it in the time when Black Lives Matter protests were happening and we wanted an EP that was healing music for that very crazy time & for in general as well.

Photo Credit: Joseph Abbey-Mensah

EQ: Having collaborated with a huge amount of respected artists within the UK scene and beyond, who else in particular is on your dream collaboration list and why?

BLB: We would love to collaborate with Little Simz, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar. The list can go on for so soooo long haha.

EQ: You’ve just been to Ghana to shoot the music video for ‘Blow You Away’, which looks like so much fun. How was the whole experience of filming it and setting up everything over there?

BLB: Being in motherland was so so beautiful. it was a much-needed trip and just to do our music videos and sessions out there was a dream. Definitely going to be back there soon.

EQ: What else have you got in the cards for this year?

BLB: New music will be released this year! Can’t give a date yet so you all just wait hahaha.

Watch their most recent visuals below….

Youtube/ Blue Lab Beats

Stream ‘We Will Rise’ HERE

Follow Blue Lab Beats on socials:

Website: Bluelabbeats.com

Instagram: @bluelab_beats

Twitter: @bluelabbeats