Get Comfortable with Femi Tahiru

MUSIC

Jun 20

Get to know intriguing artist Femi Tahiru, widely recognised as one of the most naturally reactive new artists in the UK alternative scene. Femi Tahiru delivers velvet tones and creative poetry within his latest release ‘Comfortable’.

Astrophe chats to Femi about his Italian and Brazilian film composer influencers, how he wants his music to make you feel and more below:

Outside of your art form, where do you find inspiration?

Definitely TV and films. I feel as though if I wasn't a musician I'd definitely be doing something to do with film. I love visuals and how some directors capture a feeling and aesthetic you never even knew existed. I really appreciate that.

Is there something you learnt early in your career that you have now disproven?

Working is all there is to success, especially in the music industry. This just isn't true, this industry is built on relationships, and you need to be nice, and approachable. Obviously having great work/music is important, but it means nothing if you're a prick.

How much of a role do other musicians play in your work?

Not so much before but definitely more recently if that makes sense. Im training my collaborative muscle at the moment so you can expect to hear some music soon with others.

Is there a specific sonic theme, genre or instrument that you draw pure joy from?

I’m glad you asked because I hope someone who also appreciates Brazilian and Italian composers from the 60/70s hits me up. I've been listening to a lot of Arthur Verocai, Armando Trovajoli and Piero Umiliani. Their compositions are the soundtracks to my life. Nothing gives me more joy than hearing their music. Have a listen to Armando Trovajoli and And Silver - 'L'amore dice Ciao (Slow-Take) Remaster. You won't regret it. Also I found this band from Egypt, they have a cool song called 'El Bahr Azra by Al Massrieen. Love it.

How does visual aesthetic come to play in your work?

I’m not too sure really. I think because I enjoy films I've always got ideas scattered in the back of my brain, so whenever I make music, it will cling itself to the visual that it feels like could fit. But I'm still developing in that aspect, and I don't think I've fully let myself go with it yet.

What are the core values behind your art?

I’m always asking, does this feel good? Like, can I listen to this and not have too many thoughts? Is my body involved with the listening aspect or am I just analysing the track all the way through? So I guess to me its about catching the right emotion at the right time through the art and providing a path for others to land on the pin I've laid out, then for them to go on their own journey from there.

What would be your ultimate song to cover?

Me and Your Mama - Childish Gambino

RAPID FIRE ROUND

Who is on your dream collaboration list?

Ludwig Göransson

If you could grant a wish for someone, who and what would it be?

I would grant a wish for my mum and it would be for her to have unlimited wishes BUT she would need to be very specific and say a whole rehearsed thing because that could be dangerous.

What do you own that you should throw out, but can’t?

Old snapbacks that have just lost their shape.

If you could time travel, who are you visiting?

The Beatles

You have a free plane ticket, where are you going?

BRAAAAASSSSIIIWWWWW

If you could change the end of any film what would it be and what would you change it to?

I would make a change to the end of 2 Fast 2 Furious so that they couldn't possibly make any more F&F films because they're just mad dumb now, maybe they all get normal jobs and loose interest in cars or something.

What's your most used emojis?

The hands up one like you're going in for a high 10 (two high 5's)

If you could learn one new skill instantly, what would it be?

To learn languages and retain everything so well that I could speak fluenty within like I don't know a week?