“Somebody Out There” is based on a true paranormal story—what drew you to that experience, and how did you translate it into music?
I usually create Music that’s uplifting and self-investing—I’m a Special needs, UK independent artist and my work often centres around personal growth and empowerment. But with Somebody out there? I wanted to step outside my usual narrative and explore something different. As an Artist, I think it’s important to evolve, and part of that means being open to new themes, stories, and energies. My Record dives into the Paranormal. At first, I was toying with the idea of something like Zombies—to me, that felt overdone just like the Paranormal!. Then I started thinking about films like The Sixth Sense, Paranormal Activity, and even Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which left a huge impression on me. I’ve always been fascinated by what might exist beyond our dimension. I was raised as a Christian—though I’m not currently practicing and I’ve always believed there’s something beyond what we can see. That spiritual curiosity really guided this Record. I let my instincts guide me. Sometimes you just feel something, and you don’t need to overanalyse it—you just translate it into Music. That’s what Somebody out there? Is: a creative bridge between reality and the unseen.
You blend genres like alternative indie, R&B, and soul so seamlessly. How do you approach genre when creating a new track?
For me, creating Music is an instinctive process. I don’t sit down thinking, “I’m going to make a specific Genre today.” I let the energy and emotion of the moment guide my sound. Somebody out there? For an example, naturally came together as a fusion of Alternative rock, R&B, Soul, and Dream pop. Those influences just found their way into the Production because they reflect what I was feeling. I think that’s the beauty of being an Independent artist—you’re free to let the song become what it wants to be, without boxing it in. Genre isn’t a boundary for me; it’s more like a palette to draw from.
Your music is known for being deeply personal. How have your early life experiences shaped the emotional tone of your work?
My Music is rooted in personal experience. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges—living with Special needs, nearly drowning as a Pre-teen, and moving in and out of Mainstream education. I spent most of my School years in a Special needs unit, and those experiences shaped not only how I see the World but how I express myself through Music. Rather than dwell on the pain or negativity, I’ve made a conscious choice to turn those moments into something constructive. I focus my energy on usually uplifting others and creating Music that inspires self-investment. That’s the core of my Brand—using my journey to motivate people to keep going, to grow, and to believe in their worth. Sometime I write to escape what I’ve been through—I write to transform it into something empowering. That’s what gives my Music its emotional tone. It’s honest, reflective, and designed to help others find light in their own journey.
You’ve spoken about facing challenges growing up with special needs—how has that part of your journey influenced your songwriting and sound?
Growing up with Special needs shaped the main core of my Music. I went through tough experiences—like nearly drowning as a Pre-teen and spending much of my School life in a Special needs unit. Instead of letting that hold me back, I’ve used it to usually do uplifting, self-investing Music. My sound is a reflection of that choice—to turn pain into purpose and create something that inspires strength and growth.
What does creative freedom mean to you, and how do you protect that in an industry that often pushes artists toward trends?
Creative freedom means being able to express myself authentically, without being boxed in by Industry expectations. As an Independent artist, I have the space to create Music that reflects who I am—not what the Industry thinks is trending or marketable. Creativity should not be dictated by executives or algorithms. I understand how the Industry works—Labels are businesses, and developing an Artist today takes serious investment across Production, Branding, and Marketing etc. That’s why Artists now have to build their own Brand and audience before opportunities come knocking. I’m still on that journey, I’ve got a Music buzz, I know once it gets big enough, Labels will want to do business—not necessarily because they love my art, but because they see business potential. At the end of the day, it’s called the Music business for a reason. My focus is staying true to my art, building my Brand with purpose, and letting the right opportunities find me—on my terms.
Can you walk us through your process when producing a track like “Somebody Out There,” from the initial idea to the final mix?
My process is rooted in instinct. With Somebody out there? I wanted to step outside my usual uplifting, self-investing style and explore something more cinematic and otherworldly. The concept came from my fascination with the Paranormal—I’ve always been drawn to what exists beyond our reality, and this Record was my way of tapping into that energy. Once the theme was set, I started building the sound around the feeling I wanted to evoke. I layered in elements from Alternative rock, R&B, Dream pop, and Soul—Genres that naturally speak to the atmosphere I was after. I’m heavily involved in the creative direction, even when I collaborate on Production. I make sure every Vocal, texture, and transition reflects the story. From there, I work closely with Producers/Engineers to shape the mix. I’m hands-on throughout the process because I want the final version to feel intentional, honest, and immersive. That’s how I work—feeling first, polish after.
How has your cousin, UK artist Deyaz, influenced your musical path or creative decisions?
Deyaz is my cousin and an Independent artist from the UK. Although we no longer communicate—largely due to him distancing himself from most of the family, except his mother, I like to call this phenomenon I’ve made it syndrome. He has achieved success early on, especially he initially got signed at least twice without a Music buzz. To me, Deyaz is an Industry plant as well as Ice Spice & Billie Eilish!! He got very lucky as Deyaz does look very marketable!! I’m confident Deyaz couldn’t create a Music buzz without a Label (like myself) and get signed. He once told me he’s not a “Singer” and that he relies on Auto-tune during his live performances. Music never really has been about talent, it’s more about who’s very Marketable/Brand & who’s a safer investment for Record labels to make money. I remember seeing a special group on Deyaz’s Instagram (before he blocked me) called “Deyaz’s Family” for his fans. I found it pretty ironic, considering how he treats his actual Blood relatives. Truth is, Deyaz isn’t a very sincere person. Nevertheless, it’s unfortunate how things unfolded, as some people in the family who have supported him have been cut off. This behaviour isn’t reflective on how he was raised & he does struggle with addiction: Alcohol and Drugs. He has a baby & a girlfriend who’s keeping things together!! It’s a sad reality, but I guess it’s “natural selection”. Although Deyaz and I were supposed to collaborate at one point, that never materialized, he chose to work with his friend Jessie Reyez, and they’re very cosy together. Musically, the people who have helped me out the most are not related to me. Family these days for most part, doesn’t mean anything. I remember a time when Deyaz asked me to take him to the Hospital, he came to my Mum’s House in distress late at night, I was worried something had happened to him. I was prepared to have a fight with anyone who hurt him. Deyaz told me that he’s so called Bandmates were stealing his Clothes. I told him “they’re not your Bandmates and you should go solo”. He even faced conflict within his own immediate Family, with his brother punching him in his Face for him being “ungrateful & overly-selfish”. It seems like a lot of what has happened stems from Deyaz’s deeper personal issues. For me, any setbacks in my life only fuels my determination to stay positive, grow, and persevere. I’m committed to never losing sight of my Brand/identity, even as I gain recognition in the Music industry. I’ve seen how other Artists have been affected by success in unhealthy ways, and I won’t let that happen to me. On a lighter note, I’ve recently had discussions with Nines’ (UK Rapper) Music manager, and I’m hopeful that something will come from it. Only time will tell.
There’s a cinematic quality to your music—do you draw inspiration from film or visual storytelling when composing?
Yes, definitely. I draw a lot of inspiration from narrative-driven media for an example: Video games like Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy IX, and Zelda: Ocarina of time—some of the best games ever made. These Games don’t just rely on visuals; they tell deep, emotional stories with strong themes, compelling arcs, and immersive Soundtracks that stay with you long after the Game ends. To me, Music, like a great story, should have a beginning, middle, and end. It should carry the listener somewhere. While the feeling impact is subjective, there’s also an objective structure to it—no plot holes, nothing overly contrived. Just like good writing, the theme and message need to be clear and delivered in a way that’s relatable and engaging. When I create Music, especially a Record like Somebody out there? I think about that immersive storytelling—how the soundscape can carry someone’s feeling, even if there are no visuals. If the theme resonates, people will lean in and want to hear more.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Somebody Out There”?
I want Somebody out there? To spark curiosity—especially for those who’ve never considered the Paranormal or have dismissed it entirely. My message isn’t to convince anyone, but to encourage people to explore the unknown with an open mind. Ask questions. Talk to others who’ve had different experiences. Do your own research. Even visit a place with a Paranormal history, if you’re open to it. It can be both fascinating and freeing. I was raised as a Christian, and although I’m not practicing, I’ve always believed in the importance of using the free will we’re given—not just to live, but to think critically. We shouldn’t follow ideas blindly—whether it’s belief or scepticism. The message here is: you probably should not dismiss what you haven’t explored. Stay curious. You never know what might resonate or shift your perspective.
With a growing fanbase and plans to tour, what’s next for you—and how do you hope to evolve as an artist over the next year?
Over the next year, I’m aiming to release my second Album, which is already almost halfway complete. I’ll be using a Waterfall strategy again—dropping a series of Singles leading up to the full project. This year is all about promoting the Music I’ve already released, including my upcoming debut Album Hazard, which drops on June 6th 2025 alongside two Singles: Is this paradise? And a bonus track not included on my Hazard Album, It’s none of your business. Right now, it’s about building momentum, reaching new audiences, and staying consistent. Thank you for this interview, Urbanista. There’s more to come—stay tuned.
