As you would’ve read in our latest song review ex. The Artist Releases A Trilogy Of Singles From ‘Church’ To ‘Muse’. eX. The Artist is one of the newest rising artists on the South African music scene. Hailing from East London, and deeply rooted in his Xhosa culture but raised in Pretoria, he goes by the moniker ‘012’s Immigrant – an ode to his duality that reflects itself in the creativity behind his poetry and music.
The Muse Culture had the pleasure of interviewing eX. The Artist and speaking about his recent trilogy of single releases.
Let’s get into it!
For our readers who are meeting you for the first time… Who is eX. The Artist? If you had a biography, what would the title and first sentence be?
The title of my biography would be “The Dojo”. The first sentence would be: “In the darkness, away from the eyes and cheers, he was honing his craft and soul.” eX. The Artist is a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on music, film, and prose.
You just released a trilogy of singles, namely ‘Church’, ‘Phezolo’, and ‘Muse’. They say good things come in threes. What was the reasoning behind releasing these singles so close to each other, in the order that you did, especially at the end of the year?
I hadn’t dropped music in a really long time and I wanted to relieve myself of the pressure of hoping that one single was going to land or giving it all a little too much thought. What I wanted most was to unburden myself. I thought those singles would help me reconnect with the audience I’ve managed to cultivate.
‘Church’ features lyrics about the church and ancestry and references to Shakespeare. All this with an underlying tale of redemption and questions about hope. What message were you trying to get across with this release?
I honestly make music to soothe myself and I hope to express my world and emotions through the music. I guess because it’s a human story I hope that other people find themselves in it. I hope my story can be a mirror to others.
Similarly, ‘Phezolo’ sends a powerful message about the weight of the hustle. How do you think this translates to your journey as an artist?
Phezolo might be one of my more on the nose songs. It tells the story of my come-up and the things I have done to be in the position I’m currently in. It details my shortcomings and triumphs as a musician and person.
Additionally, ‘Muse’ sounded like an ode to your inspirations. Which brings us to the question, what inspired this song and what inspires you generally as an artist?
This song was inspired by a studio session I had with Tailored by Q’ (one half of The Nuance and that hue experience) and Wisdom Trust Forever. In the studio session, Wisdom Trust Forever went on to tell a story about his then-current break-up, and the way in which he described it inspired the verse. Generally, my inspirations come from life and experience, I always try to take on the impossible task of putting an abstract emotion into words.
our latest releases have all had featuring artists. Namely aMMo Kgoadi, UYIHLO & Ofentse, and Wisdom Trust Forever. What do you look for in a collaborating artist? Can you tell your fans more about the magic that happens in the studio?
One of my biggest gifts is the ability to curate; to see or hear an artist’s work and be able to place them in a scenario that they would thrive in. These collaborations are a result of me being a fan of all these artists and asking them to be gracious enough to bless me with their talents (I’m really grateful that they all agreed). I generally work with professionals so the mood is always gracious and upbeat; the songs are usually a result of the conversations and banter that happen in studio.
You identify as both a musician and a poet. This clearly reflects in your lyricism but it makes one wonder… How do you approach the creation process of either medium? Do you have different ways of writing them?
I generally have a very esoteric approach to making music. I wait for God to speak through me and I decide the medium halfway through – once I have some idea about what’s coming out of me; I begin to craft it in to a final piece.
Are there any international artists who you look up to and want to emulate as a musician?
Mick Jenkins, Lupe Fiasco, J.I.D, JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Childish Gambino, and Vince Staples.
And more locally, are there any South African artists that you can identify as a role model?
Stogie T, ZuluMecca, Ginger Trill, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Hugh Masekela (RIP).
TMI Question: What was the last song you listened to just before answering this interview?
‘Hey There Delilah’ by Plain White T’s.
Since the year is coming to an end… Can you give us a look at some of your musical plans for 2024? What can fans look forward to seeing from you next year?
Note: This interview was conducted at the end of 2023.
Honestly, I’m just planning to drop a ton of music and visuals. I have a lot to say and show, and I can’t wait to get it all out
Thank you to eX. The Artist for taking the time to answer this interview! Make sure to stream ‘Church’, ‘Phezolo’, and ‘Muse’ on eX. The Artist’s Spotify.
