Interview with iLLAH

December 31, 2023

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

- Music has always been a passion of mine since I was very young. There was always music playing in the household that I could sing and dance too. My brother was very much engulfed in the hiphop culture, and as youngin’ wanting to be like my older brother it just grew on me. I don’t see myself doing anything other than music.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

- I like taking long walks by the water, driving through the city, watching movies, playing video games, reading while drawing inspiration as I go.

How long have you been making music?

- As long as I can remember. I was making music in my mothers womb.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

- I’m currently based out of Toronto, Ontario and it doesn’t influence my music directly however I draw inspiration from the sights, sounds, smells within the city.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

- I’ve preformed a few shows, though non as memorable as I know they will be in the near future. I visualize a large crowd, having a great time; boppin their head to the music, hands to the sky, singing my lyrics word for word.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

- Ah man, I’d love to preform at Scotiabank Area or even Madison Square Garden. Truthfully, I could see myself touring all the biggest venues worldwide!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

- A few artists I’d definitely want to have on the bill are; Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and Thundercat.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

- I would tell someone just starting out not to be discouraged if things don’t go as they’d like becaause everything takes its time and needs to run its course. Be patient, be consistent, and most importantly stay true to yourself. I would tell my younger self to keep going, keep your head in the books and off them gyals.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

- “The Magnificent”; because it was my first solo record. When I released that song, I was fresh out the streets and I really wanted to showcase my skill level. This song is hip-hop in it’s purest form.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

- Most requested; Red Light, She’s A Rydah, Ox-tail and Brown Rice.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

- My creative process varies. It’s never really the same and its always unique. When I get into my creative bag, I typically let the beat play continuously on a loop and let lyrics come to me.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

- I would say, yes. Generally, I gravitate towards music with substance and I understand the power of words. In my songs, I naturally speak on personal experiences and what I’ve learned from them. I would tell you more but I’ve been sworn to secrecy... Listen to the music.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

- My immediate plans for the future is to continue promoting my cataloge and my latest release, “One Way Mirror”.  I’m writing daily, recording weekly and gearing up to release several projects in the upcoming year. You can expect more merch, more videos, and more me!  

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

- Well, my music is streaming on all platforms right now!!! I’m on Instagram mostly so from there, it can lead you to all the other platforms I’m on like YouTube, Twitter and all that good stuff.

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