EQUATE Meets Piers James

"I could easily rap about drugs, girls and money on every song but it wouldn’t be true to me and what example would I be setting for my son if I told him this was the route that made me successful, I want be a role model for him."

With his EP ‘A Dying Breed, PT. I‘, London-based rapper, producer and storyteller Piers James was already able to secure his spot in the music scene. Blending a variety of genres into his production, such as jazz, hip hop, R&B, reggae and grime, Piers is known for his genre-defying releases. Born in Ipswich, the now London-based artist is addressing important topics such government oppression and racism in his lyrics and continues to tell his own story of growing up in the UK by taking inspiration from his Bajan heritage - with a mission to widen the representation of alternative Black music and culture into mainstream. His brand new ‘A Dying Breed, PT. II’, with its distinctive sound and Piers’ flawless storytelling abilities, once again prove that he is here to stay.

Read the full interview below…

EQ: Hey Piers James, first of all how did you get started in music?

PJ: I started producing and writing around the age of 14 with my friend who produced grime at the time but it wasn’t until I moved to London and started getting into more conscious hip-hop and jazz did I start taking music more seriously.

EQ: Considering the music scene in the UK and London in particular, is ever-growing, did you find it challenging to break out into the scene and carve your own niche?

PJ: It’s definitely been challenging. For me it hasn’t been an overnight success story, I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I’m proud of my progress I’ve been making over the years. The UK Music scene is thriving right now but I still feel I have a long way to go on my journey especially within the UK Alternative scene as it isn’t put on the same pedestal as other genres. One thing I’ve learnt during this time is to enjoy the process and understand that if you’re not here for just a quick buck and fame & you want to build a career with longevity, you have to know that it’s going to take time, there’s gonna be a lot of obstacles but with perseverance and belief it’ll all be worth it in the end.

EQ: Your sound has been dubbed as new-wave nostalgia. What does new-wave nostalgia mean to you?

PJ: To me, nostalgia is the feeling of the past & good memories, in my music I consider that to be the influences of the golden era. The ‘new wave’ is creating a fresh spin on the music & sounds I grew up on but still keeping it authentic to me.

EQ: Also, your storytelling is incredible. Where do you take most inspiration from for your lyrics?

PJ: Mostly from life and experiences, I’ve been fortunate enough to go through multiple avenues of life so I have an understanding of many different perspectives. For example fatherhood is something that changed the narrative for me as an artist - I could easily rap about drugs, girls and money on every song but it wouldn’t be true to me and what example would I be setting for my son if I told him this was the route that made me successful, I want be a role model for him.

EQ: You have just released your EP ‘A Dying Breed Pt. 2’, how would you say does it differ thematically and sonically from part 1? Is there anything you have approached differently as well?

PJ: The themes are still inclusive of what A Dying Breed means but they’re more conclusive than the last EP. I like to imagine Part I & II as one cohesive project - From the Intro in the first project through to the Outro in the second I see it as a whole journey. As you move through all the tracks I want you to delve deeper into the sonics & the meanings behind A Dying Breed.

EQ: I’d love to know the background behind the title ‘A Dying Breed’. What does it refer to?

PJ: It refers to the creatives & artists that are pushing culture forward. Daring to do things differently with a focus on timeless music & art. Where in a period where talent is secondary to popularity and the actuality of what it is to be a true artist is stifled by mediocrity and hype.

“One thing I’ve learnt during this time is to enjoy the process and understand that if you’re not here for just a quick buck and fame & you want to build a career with longevity, you have to know that it’s going to take time, there’s gonna be a lot of obstacles but with perseverance and belief it’ll all be worth it in the end.”
- Piers James

EQ: Being in the alternative R&B space, who are some artists you’d love to collaborate with one day?

PJ: There’s so many sick alternative artists in the UK right now like Cleo Sol, Bellah, Rachel Chinouriri, Nao, Jorja, Mahalia etc. From an international perspective I’d love to collaborate with the likes of SZA, Solange, Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, Kali Uchis, H.E.R, Ari Lennox and I’m not sure if she classes as alternative R&B but naturally I would love to collab with Erykah Badu

EQ: Your visuals are truly cinematic. Are there any filmmakers who’s work you admire the most? What’s your favourite music video (from any artist) and why?

PJ: I’ve really been following Derek Cianfrance’s work for a little while now and have a lot admiration for the films he’s been putting out but my all time favourite would be Spike Lee.

EQ: What else can we expect from you this year?

PJ: More shows, a few features and even producer work for other artists.

Watch the live version of ‘A Dying Breed, PT II’ below!

YouTube/Piers James

Stream ‘A Dying Breed, PT. II’ HERE

Keep up with Piers James on socials

Instagram: @piersjames

Facebook: @piersjamesofficial

Twitter: @piersjames