West London-born-and-raised, FelixThe1st is an artist on a mission to inspire the next generation. Taking inspiration from Melody’s Echo Chamber, Slowdive and the sub-cultures he discovered growing up, Felix takes on his own musical journey hoping his music to find the right people. Genre isn't a constraint for Felix; he refuses to confine himself to any one style, creating music that resonates with his authentic self. From a bedroom pop album one day, a rock album the next, or even a rap album on another occasion, this ethos is vividly portrayed in his most recent project, "i hope you never fit in."
Prior to winning Best Song at last year’s MOBO Awards he began developing a "Nu gaze meets Hypnagogic Pop” sound that aligns with where he stands as a 22-year-old. Felix isn’t new to big stages having previously toured the world as a dancer supporting the likes of Spice Girls, Stormzy, Years & Years it's clear FelixThe1st is a star set to leave a lasting impression for years to come.
Photo: Marvyn
Who is FelixThe1st and what do you represents as an artist?
My name is FelixThe1st and I'm a 22-year old creative from London. I represent everyone who does things with freeness as their core purpose in life.
Can you tell us about your latest release, ‘I hope you never fit in’ and what inspired the album?
My project ‘I hope you never fit in’ is something I’ve been working on for the past year and is largely inspired by self-expression. It’s a story that delves into growth, love, lust and self-discovery.
Is there a specific process you take when writing and creating music?
Most of the time I usually just freestyle into the microphone until it makes sense, before piecing the story together from there. I don’t want things to have too much of a structure and don’t want to box in my creativity.
You’ve recently dropped a new music video, how important are visuals and storytelling when releasing your music?
Music will always be the most important thing for a musician, but it’s crazy when visuals get overlooked. It’s a perfect opportunity for an artist to show supporters the story of what they imagine their music to look like. Showing people the concept and creating something that people can relate to is vital.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Ermmmm. New Age Noise.
How has London inspired you musically + creatively?
I’ve always been inspired by the British scene, I love everything about it when it comes to music, fashion and the rawness that comes hand in hand with being British. I find it amazing that I can connect with peers that have inspired me to make music and I continue to find inspiration just by living in the city. Being somewhere that constantly has things happening all the time can make or break you and for me it’s helped me learn to keep it moving but at the same time, stay present.
We’re all about giving creatives a platform at Bonded – who is a creative that you think everybody should be aware of right now?
SlikSyd (Years of Tears). He’s pushing boundaries in the UK when it comes to fashion. Everyone should check him out if you don’t know who he is! I resonate with every piece he makes, so of course I’ll support and he’s always shown love. It’s sick to know there are designers in the UK that are making noise worldwide.
Photo: Marvyn
If you could spread a message to world what would it be?
Don’t worry about what other people think or feel. Do what you love and try to change as many people’s lives as possible along the way. At the end of the day, that’s all we have – impressions, so make sure you make a good one!
What can we expect from you next?
Without saying too much, you’ll generally see a lot more of me whether that be music, visuals, show’s etc.
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