GET FAMILIAR: RASHARN POWELL
We had a chat with London based artist Rasharn Powell about all things from upcoming projects & plans to favourite chairs and TV series. See what they had to say below:
Rasharn, how did your relationship with music begin?
My earliest memories are being in my grandparent’s house, in a room full of records & a sound system, scouring, as a kid. Every weekend they would play different music, from R’n’B to Reggae and the sound would fill out through the house. My grandma used to love having a lot of parties and people over, so music was always present.
Where did you grow up and how did that influence your life?
I grew up in Redbridge, IG4, Greater London. I’d say the memory of certain bike rides and the friends I met there. They’re still my right hands now.
When/where did you start your career?
From when I was younger my mum knew that I had a talent but she would put me into different singing/performing arts situations, to hear an unbiased view so she didn’t get ahead of herself (laughs). It wasn’t until I was around 16 that I decided I was going to take music seriously and started going studio, paying £20 an hour. It’s funny because £20 was a lot at the time, so I had to make sure that I knew exactly what I wanted to make in that hour. Developed a way of cracking out a song and then leaving, you know?
How would you best describe your musical style?
Dusk & dawn.
Influential figures growing up?
Definitely, my grandfather and all my grandmothers (laughs).
Dream goal/project?
I definitely want to do something for my community although how that looks, right now, I’m not quite sure, I just want my music to help as many people as possible. Another project very separate to my music, which a lot of people don’t know, is I also want to get into interior design later on in life. I won't waffle on about it but I love chairs the most atm. Like "The Flag Halyard Chair" by Hans Wegner, I think it's so special. I imagine it in a room in my future house (laughs). I might f**k around and make my own chair one day too!"
What’s your favourite thing about being an artist?
My favourite thing is being somewhere and someone coming up to me, showing their appreciation. I know a lot of people hate that side but for me it’s fulfilling, how tangible it is. I feel like in this day and age, only a small amount of things are tangible. So with something like this, where I’m making intellectual property; for that then to be a reality of it, at times, is quite fulfilling.
How would you describe your personal style?
Definitely, comfortable. So whatever I feel comfortable in, that scope is wide. Range! (laughs).
Do you collaborate with others? If so, what’s that process like?
Yeah, I mainly collaborate with friends and that’s always funny. Easier to open up and free to create. That’s the magic.
What’s your day-to-day like?
Majority of the time, meeting up with friends, training, working, reading but only if I’m not already searching Netflix or something for a new movie or series to dive into. Currently “Big Little Lies”, that shit’s great.
Biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far?
Probably perfectionism. A gift & a curse.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
My morning workout. 100%. As soon as I wake up I make my omelette sandwich and train.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I think it would be people having more guts, on something that is maybe a more of a risk but believing in it because it’s different and not easy. I think that’s the mindset I’d try to implement.
Upcoming projects?
Maybe, an EP soon.
Watch Rasharn's latest video for “Smithereens” here:
