Exclusive | EBANG Talks Growing Up in the Choir to Singing R&B
“My music comes from the heart and will always have substance and meaning to it.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is West Coast singer, EBANG! The Los Angeles-native, EBANG, found her passion for singing in the church where where she sang ad played the piano growing up. EBANG is poetic, soulful singer who mixes her lyrics with jazz-fueled melodies. She has been encouraged to pursue songwriting and tailors her sounds to some other great artists such as Teedra Moses, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, and Pharrell. EBANG has a dope sound and a relaxing vibe and is an artist you should be on the lookout for in the future.
We talked with EBANG in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
EBANG: I’ve been making music for about 15 years. I got my start in the church choir but as I child my mother would always play her records and I would just sing along. Anytime there was music playing I was singing.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
EBANG: Two of my biggest influencers would have to be Stevie Wonder & Teedra Moses. I love Stevie because he knows how to paint a vivid picture, he takes you on a sonic journey his music is colorful from is transitions down to his lyrical genius. Teedra has something so special she makes music you can feel, her music is so honest it’s pure and just unapologetic. When you listen to Teedra you feel like you know her. I love the why she writes defiantly one of my biggest inspiration when it comes to songwriting and over all feel.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
EBANG: There’s this amazing artist/ producer by the name of Gwen Bunn you can tell she takes her time with her music. She got such a dope pen game and just a soulful eclectic sound overall. I feel like our sounds would mesh pretty well together. She’s a vibe!!!!
QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
EBANG: From a listeners stand point my two best songs have been “Instant” and “ViceVersa”. Instant was such an effortless song to write. My producer “BlackBudda” and engineer “Yardley” sent me the track and it was something about it that I felt so connected to. I felt like I was in the movie Tron and all these objects were spreading past me but I just so happened to be moving in slow motions which is so me. I march to my own beat and move at the own pace. “Instant” is a huge track for me because it’s about taking your time before you dive too deeply into relations with someone. Now “ViceVersa” is just pure raw energy, it’s what I call a “joog” it’s honest & simplistic, you can press play & vibe out. I actually produced “ViceVersa” with another talented producer by the name of “Feefa” we finished it in one session.
QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
EBANG: Right now I’m working on a few more singles which should be dropping in the next 2 months as well as a visual I’m putting together with my team. As far as a full project is concerned it’s still up in the air but I’d like to have one out by next year.
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
EBANG: New ideas for me are generated by life experiences & stories rather they be mine or someone I’m connected with. Love, pain, passion, lust, goals and just overcoming inspire me as well as other art forms such as fashion, photography, film and of course other music.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
EBANG: My purpose motivates me. I know that their are ears fine tuned to my voice & my message, and it’s my duty to share that. When I’m not creating and sharing my gift I feel like I’m dying. Just to get that random DM that’s says “E! I’m feelin this you did that I’m about to share this !” That excitement from others motivates. If a blog reaches out and shows interest in me and wants to showcase my music, it’s all confirmation.
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
EBANG: My music is pure and it’s honest it’s just that simple for me. If you love R&B and you’re looking for an effortless vibe to unwind to you’ve found it in me!
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
EBANG: I do feel like there’s a formula for artist to be successful however there is no cookie cuter formula across the board that works for everyone. We all have our own land, a lot of it has to do with timing.
QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?
EBANG: Love is my greatest inspiration. It fills everything around me, if you don’t have love you have absolutely nothing!
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
EBANG: She’s so much more than R&B but I’d have to say The Queen “Erykah Badu”. Her music has a story and a message behind it and she knows how to keep reinventing herself without losing the essence of who she is to her core. She transcends through each generation.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
EBANG: Right now it would have to be passion. I’m in a really good head space right now and I’ve overcome a few hurdles so I’m very grateful and pouring my time and energy into what pours life into me.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
EBANG: Wow honestly I’ve had to sacrifice lots of money from multiple studio seasons, mixing, mastering, photo shoots, cover art and releases. I’ve sacrificed sleep and even had some severed relationships along the way.
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
EBANG: The actual creative process excites me the most and just being able to listen back hear how an idea has been birthed and come to life. I love it when a song just translates well. It’s not a complete discouragement for me but sometime cutting vocals can be frustrating as well all the tedious mixing process and having to go back and forth.
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
EBANG: I see myself as someone who has evolved and only gotten better with time. It’s important for me to be tapped in to be connected to my listeners and for them to be connected with me. The ultimate goal is to stay true to me.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
EBANG: Always be yourself, don’t be afraid to invest in you and your craft. Make sure you have a solid supportive circle that makes all the difference and above all do it in love, have fun!
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