'5 Questions With': Weirdz
"With music, I feel free and more expressive compared to every other thing I have been involved in."
The track we most definitely need to have on rotation today, Irish Afrobeats artist Weirdz gave us a taste of summer earlier this year with his sun-soaked single to get those summer feelings started early, and has us dreaming of late-night beach parties on his latest release and visuals to ‘Caro’. Oozing effortless cool, his slick vocals bounce alongside the flirty melody, the sprightly guitar riff and punchy brass making for a colourful and catchy rhythm. The Irish artist blends together elements of afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop to achieve his infectious sound, showcasing his impressive artistry and natural talent with ease. He describes the track as “coming from a place of fun and admiration”, an aspect that shines through each note of the instant banger.
Read the feature below…
Interview by Danielle Temeng
EQ: Weirdz, welcome to EQUATE. How did you get into the world of music, and was this always the path you were destined to go down?
W: Thanks for the opportunity. My music journey is similar to a lot of people, considering I grew up in a household where music was/is part of the norm. I started off singing in churches as well as being part of a children’s drama group when I was a lot younger. Although I studied film production in college, music has always given me the liberty of expression. With music, I feel free and more expressive compared to every other thing I have been involved in. So “Yes” music has been/is part of my being and even if I hadn’t gone professional with it, I would have done it for leisure.
EQ: What’s it been like for you emerging as an Afrobeats artist in Ireland? Have you ever found there to be barriers in progression within the industry there?
W: It is quite challenging because everything you are doing is like you are the first to try or get it done. There is no sense of someone to look up to so you are caught between making mistakes and learning from them or giving up because you are afraid of being the first to fail at it. The Afrobeats here are very reliant on the international stars, promoters, and DJs here would rather book and play Afrobeats stars from Africa or the United Kingdom instead of supporting the local artists. Unlike the UK, the major labels here haven’t started investing in Afrobeats artists here yet. This I totally understand because none have actually pushed their brand to that point of being taken seriously.
“…Caro narrates the story of a female who believes her looks are enough to get all she wants, and a male who believes for every good deed, there should be a reward.”
- WEIRDZ
EQ: Explain to us your creative process? How do you get into your zone - are you someone who likes to create privately or with your team?
W: It depends, I have recorded songs based on vibes. Other times, I have to sit and listen to the beat and write. However, my music expresses my moods, so how I feel when and during recording is what you get in my songs. I work both privately and with teams. It all up to when and where we are recording.
EQ: Your new single and visuals to ‘Caro’ is giving me total summer vibes! What’s the story behind a song and the meaning of ‘Caro’ because the visuals seem to show some indecision between some very beautiful ladies?
W: Caro came from a happy place and it was a complete vibe. I met the producer, Avik previously when I visited Africa and we kept in touch. Going back again we planned on working together. One of the nights, while we were working on a different song, he played the Caro beat when I was answering a call and the guys were having something to eat. We had to call off the break because I love the beat and my vibe was right. We stayed the night and finished Caro before moving to the previous song. My conversation on the phone birthed the first few lines and the concept of the song. Caro narrates the story of a female who believes her looks are enough to get all she wants, and a male who believes for every good deed, there should be a reward.
EQ: What can we expect to hear from you the remainder of 2021. Are there any EQUATE exclusives you can let us in on?
W: We are dropping new songs and videos, more collaborations and if the Pandemic permits, we are looking at a possible tour in the summer.
Watch the visuals for ‘Caro’ below…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCRLyQd1vNc
YouTube/WEIRDZ
Stream ‘Caro’ HERE
From his ‘Romantic Call’ EP
Keep up with Weirdz on socials
Instagram: @weirdz247
Twitter: @weirdz247