We simply couldn’t get enough of UK singer Meduulla upon the release of her single Vibe Nice last month.
Channelling the classic hip-hop of the ‘90s and bound by a slinky R&b groove, Vibe Nice rightfully showcased Meduulla’s rich vocals and smooth lyricism. So feverish was our response to Vibe Nice that would couldn’t help but catch up with the musician behind it.
Below, Meduulla swings by Happy Mag to dive deep into the genesis of Vibe Nice, her origins as a poet, and the “buried gold” she stumbled upon in her early career.
Catch our full interview with Meduulla below, and scroll down to listen to her new single Vibe Nice.
HAPPY: What are you up to today?
MEDUULLA: Today, I’m doing the most boring part of being an independent artist, but probably the most vital. I’m doing some admin work in prep for my debut EP coming out next month.
HAPPY: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like in your neck of the woods?
MEDUULLA: I’m from a beautiful city called Manchester in the UK. It’s not the sunniest place in the world but it’s definitely got soul. People’s good energy makes up for the constant rain.
The scene is better than its ever been. Thanks to the likes of Bugzy Malone, IAMDDB, Children of Zeus, Aitch and many more, Manchester is carving space for itself in the UK music scene and beyond.
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HAPPY: Describe an average day?
MEDUULLA: On a good/productive day, I wake up at around 9:30 am, do a workout, then answer some emails for about an hour. Then I will make myself some food and start planning my day.
This could be anything from getting ready for a shoot, rehearsing for a show, writing some new stuff or just making some content. This usually finishes up around 8pm then I socialise with my family and start winding down or turning up depending on day.
HAPPY: Can you tell us about some of your earliest musical memories or influences that sparked your passion for music?
MEDUULLA:I remember going to my first job when I was like 16 and I was hating it, listening to Kanye’s College Drop Out was the only thing getting me by. That Album was so influential to me and it made me go on a search for stuff that made me feel the same way it did.
I stumbled across Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper and Z by SZA on soundcloud and I literally felt like I had stumbled upon buried gold. These projects among Kendrick and Coles early stuff are what I remember when I think of my early influences.
HAPPY: Could you walk us through your typical creative process when crafting a new song? How do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?
MEDUULLA: So as someone who began as a poet, I would often think of dope lines and try and write acapella then try and find a beat that goes with my words.
But now, I’ve realised that a dope/fitting beat is the difference between your slick lyrics being heard or not. So now I let the beat lead me to wherever I’m going.
I listen to the instrumental and try tap into my inner child and ask what she would say on the beat because young me was so free and brave so I be asking her for advice on my new songs alot.
HAPPY: Collaboration can be a powerful tool in the creative process. Have there been instances where working with other musicians or producers has significantly influenced the direction of a song?
MEDUULLA: 100%. Working closely with Ethan Hill, a dope Hip-Hop producer has taught me alot about crafting a classic sound.
Working with someone who is 100% confident in their own craft gives you an additional confidence in myself because I know im in good hands if that makes sense.
Additionally, collaborating with the likes of Lunar C and the rate at which he wrote his verse on our song is truly inspiring. I worked with him and ended up making one of the most interesting songs on my EP so that was cool.
HAPPY: Are there any particular artists, genres, or pieces of art that have had a profound impact on your creative style and approach to making music?
MEDUULLA: You know what, there are so many but I wonder if they have had an impact on my sonic style or whether it’s just their mood that I like to emulate.
For example, Erykah Badu, The whole of Odd Future and Noname have impacted me in very different ways but I think it’s because I like what they represent in a space I’d like to occupy one day.
HAPPY: Take us behind the scenes of the recording of your latest single “Vibe Nice”.
MEDUULLA: So Vibe Nice was a collaboration between me and a very talented Artist and Producer called Abnormal Sleepz. This is the first time we have collaborated but I have admired his work for a while. This song just felt right, I told him I was looking for something feel-good and we made just that!
HAPPY: As you prepare for the release of your EP “Oblongata”, can you share any insights into themes that run through it?
MEDUULLA: So with Oblongata, the theme is getting to know different parts of Meduulla. Oblongata is essentially the surname to Meduulla and I feel like when you know someone’s surname, you know them quite well so that’s what I want people to take away.
Whether it’s getting to know my journey as a migrant in Limbo, or getting to know more about how I grew up in Manchester in Spinney Drive, the Ep is a window into my many facets.
HAPPY: How have you seen your creative and recording processes evolve over time?
MEDUULLA: I’m still a baby in this game so I still have a lot to learn but one thing I’ve learned is that the music industry is not for the faint hearted. You need thick skin, resilience, talent and consistency all at the same time if you want a chance at surviving.
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HAPPY: Lastly, what makes you happy?
MEDUULLA: Sunshine makes me happy. I feel like it’s the one thing I can always count on to brighten my day…literally. it ‘s quite spiritual to me because the Sun reminds me to be thankful of things that are greater than myself.
