The Nigerian artist YCEE is now back with the new summer tune ‘Your Love’. We sat and talk with this amazing guy and he has to share some very interesting news.
1) Hi YCEE, welcome to Matterz! How have you been?
Been good, thank you.
2) You recently released your new single ‘Your Love’. You mentioned that through this song you want to celebrate love in its entirety. Tell us more about it and what’s the story behind the song.
With ‘Your Love’, I thought about just laying my emotions bare and also approaching a love song from an angle I hadn’t done previously. So, the idea was pretty much influenced by a scenario that found me just coming out of a relationship but cherishing the good memories. Hence “I just cannot forget your love”
3) Let us know about the recording and writing process and how was the collaboration with all the team.
Recording for me, usually, comes naturally cause even when I’m not in the studio, I always think about different ideas. So, the number one thing that kickstarts the process is getting the right beat, then the flow and lyrics come next. My team is always on ground to scrutinize and make sure I always come correct with the delivery so as to always get the best output.
4) Any plans for a music video?
Oh yeah definitely! Taking the time to put together the right visuals that depict what the song stands for.
5) Your international hit ‘Juice’ featuring Maleek Berry had 20 million views and 12 million streams. Did this success make you feel stressed for the next step in your career?
Not at all, for me, I try to not let numbers affect my creative process. Juice was made with the desire to create a good record, not a hit record. It became a hit of its natural value of being a good song. With that in mind, I know I can always top whatever I’ve put out previously.
6) Drake, Kanye West and Lil Wayne are some of your musical influences. How much impact did they have on your career? Would you like to collaborate with them in the near future?
Lil Wayne pretty much was who made me decide, I wanted to make music. Kanye West (the old Kanye) made me understand the importance of branding and the impact of having an influential persona. Drake just can’t do no wrong (?). I definitely look forward to collaborating with at least 2 of the 3.
7) Last year, you had a session at BBC Maida Vale and shut down Jay Z’s Made in America festival. Share your experience with us.
I really enjoyed working on the Maida Vale session because I love performing with instrumentalists. The Made in America festival made me realise how far the music we put out had gotten to and it was absolutely humbling and exciting at the same time.
8) At the beginning of 2018, your first headline show in London was sold out. What’s next? Are you planning to go on tour and release a new EP this year?
Oh yeah, I’m definitely going on tour this year. Got 4 cities lined up in Canada and would be announcing a bunch more in the US. Currently, I’m in the studio putting finishing touches to my debut album titled “ANBT” which is short for “Ain’t Nobody Badder Than”.
9) Do you have a special message for your fans?
I always love to thank them at every chance. I get because without them, I would have been just another singer in the shower, they make it all worth it and push me to only give them the best quality!
10) YCEE thank you very much for the interview
Thank you for having me.