ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Reuben Aziz
Enter the world of London-based singer, songwriter and producer Reuben Aziz off the back of his recent single ‘Healing’. Reuben is a self-taught vocalist and guitar player who began writing music at age ten and producing at fourteen; it’s safe to say music was his first love. Having spent his teens on a mission to become a professional basketballer, the former 6’2 point guard had a creative pivot during lockdown, which saw many of his rap freestyles go viral. The 20-year-old vocalist credits his restless energy with helping establish his developing sound that conceives a brew of modern soul-intoxicating lyricism poured with a saccharine falsetto. Longevity and legacy are as much the new dream as Reuben Aziz is becoming the new tomorrow. Read our conversation below.
Congratulations on the new single Reuben, appreciate you taking the time to speak to us. Firstly, Who is Reuben Aziz?
Reuben Aziz is just a young producer/artist trying to make it bigger than anyone to do this out the UK
You’ve recently dropped ‘come thruuu’, ‘Running’ and now ‘Healing’ which marks the final track from a trilogy that outlines three stages of a relationship. Could you tell us more about that?
Yeah, the 3 songs are basically a story I wanted to tell to reflect a lot of what I see and my experiences in regards to this generation and love. I think, a lot of the time, we’re in a generation of failed love and relationships with usually a similar cycle to the story expressed. ‘Running’ starts with two people who are delusionally falling in love, falling in love with someone before they even know/love themselves. I wanted to portray that first stage of the chase within a relationship, but also with the complexity of finding oneself alongside that.
‘come thruuu’ takes you into that second stage of love where everything seems good lol. It’s just fun which is reflected within the sonics of the track. Having listened to the Life of Pablo and a lot of the Melodic Blue last summer I wanted something with a bounce, something the girls can put their makeup on to, haha.
Finally, the story closes with ‘Healing’. I see a lot of people who have lost faith and trust in love in my generation which is portrayed in the lyrics. A relationship ending bitterly with one feeling like they don’t need anyone else, almost self denial and delusion in a different way to how we started. In terms of production i finished the track exactly how we started the trilogy, just a voice and the guitar; I wanted it to feel like this is a complete circle and that this cycle will inevitably start again as all we really chase is love no matter the hurt it brings us.
What’s your creative process when it comes to songwriting? Do you write based on your own experiences?
Sometimes, yeah. Usually my music is based on a feeling or emotion. Sometimes this comes from a song, a movie, a conversation with someone, a girl lol… whatever really. But I try to base all my music off how I feel.
Being so well versed as a musician - rapper, singer, songwriter and producer - whose opinion do you value when creating new stuff?
My own really, I am my biggest critic to be honest and that's it, I trust my vision more than anyone elses.
You were recently co-signed by US musician Kyle, how does it feel to know someone of that stature likes your music, especially coming from overseas?
Yeah it’s a real blessing. It's hard to find the words but I got the most respect for Kyle, such a down to earth guy and I feel truly humbled to be recognised by such talent.
If we asked you to pick five key influences to your music what or who would they be?
Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Dave and Michael Jackson.
If you had one bit of advice that changed your life, what would it be?
No-one has given me advice that's changed my life to be honest. I feel I give myself the best advice.
What makes you different from other UK artists?
I feel the way I produce my own music sets me apart. I don’t think a lot of UK artists are sonically arranging music the way I am. I also just feel my focus is different. For me it’s about making albums, stories, the depths of the music that may get overlooked in other places. Without sounding too arrogant I know God's hand is on what I'm doing, everybody works hard but I was making songs before I was doing my GCSE’s. I think that’s the difference, I LOVE this.
If we stepped into the future, where do you see your music career taking you?
Wherever God takes it. All I know is im’a keep making a lot of music, hustling harder and taking everything as it comes, it’s a long run.
Finally, what can we expect from Reuben Aziz in 2024?
A lottt of music. Been working like there’s 10 of me, can’t wait to show the world.