By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In the United Kingdom, there are many rising artists that are beginning to catch the attention of fans around the world. Nenna Yvonne has caught the attention of the masses off her single, “The One.” However, EJ is another rising United Kingdom figure making international moves.
EJ, without major label backing, has managed to turn herself into one of the most-recognizable figures in United Kingdom music. A fast-rising singer and songwriter, EJ finds herself in a major position. Currently, EJ has her music in rotation on major radio stations and also a sponsorship with Reebok.
Recently, Hip Hop Vibe talked to EJ about her rising success. EJ spoke on how she has been gaining international attention. A rapidly-growing name, EJ also talked about the sponsorship she landed with Reebok. Opening up on several topics, EJ explained how everything has come together for her, and also her “Bangers and Mash” single.
Read the entire interview below:
What is the biggest difference in being in the United Kingdom, as opposed to the United States? It’s two different countries, so its just two different things. But you appreciate both for what they are and atmosphere. I’d have to say just the share size of the two different countries if I was to nail it down and answer your question.
Who have been among the biggest supporters of your music in either nation? That’s a hard question, because where I’ve had a lot of opportunities come out or start in the United Kingdom, but cause I’ve spent a lot of time in United States its just so happened that I’ve been able to be a bit more direct with my audience there.
What methods have you taken to get yourself seen and heard that are different from what other artists are doing? To be honest, I just put my head down and work really hard, I try and be unique obviously in the way that I come across, for me it’s really pleasing for me to think that a song I could write could be known by someone across the world, rather than you knowing where I am going to eat tonight, I’m cool with that, so I don’t watch what other people are doing.
Since you sing and song-write, which do you classify yourself as? Both, but I prefer to say I’m an artist.
Is there a proper way to define all that you do? I wouldn’t want to, I’d be bored.
How did your “Bangers and Mash” song come together? We were having lunch in a traditional English Pub the second day of writing a song in a really expensive studio that my label had sent me to (so you know you need to bring back the beef) (laughs). We had written an OK song, I mean it was good, but I came in that morning and the producer played that beat and it reminded me of Atlanta, so I was into it straight away. Then, Danny, from the Script, asked for “Bangers and Mash” and I was like, “that’s the title! We’ll be traditionally English over a dirty south hip-hop beat.” It took about two days to finish but the main hook came out in seconds.
How did you end up getting a sponsorship deal with Reebok? I had about fifty pair of Reeboks and everyone knew I liked them.
Things are definitely headed in the right direction, what do you see in your future? Life is a journey, and I believe there is a God, so I don’t like to pave out what I think or not think, I just work really hard and pray that my efforts will be reflected in peoples appreciation of what I do.
When should we expect your next single, “Fruit Blunts and Perfume?” April.
Where can fans find you online? The best place is @ejpromotweets you get kept up todate with everything going on. Can I just lastly thank Hip Hop Vibe for taking the time out to interview me!
