Blue City are a duo from Cardiff who have just released their debut album ‘Into the Void’ which was released on the 14th of April. The duo consist of Formal Brown and Jay Rede. Check out the album here:
We had the chance to ask the duo some questions. Here's how it went:
Questions with Formal Brown
How did your journey with music start?
My earliest that I can remember myself penning lyrics was back at my parents’ house just after listening to 2pac and Outlawz - Still I Rise album. I attempted a few writings but they were whack lol. Shortly afterwards I got involved in some online rap battling forums and websites such as 'kalistyle' and 'New Brick City'. I was never much of a battler but my mates were doing it at the time. I then built a minor studio in my childhood bedroom and started recording tracks but only put a few out on MySpace, luckily for me they were never really heard haha. I then gave up but always picked up the pen for the love of the culture. Then while lockdown was going on, myself and Jay decided to record an EP not knowing where it would go but it took a little notice locally so we are now sticking with it and putting out more music!
What music are your listening to lately?
I tend to listen to everything depending on the mood but right now I have been jamming to a lot of what is released through the label. Other than that a bit of oldie goldies, Joey Badass, J Cole, Jehst, Shotty Horror, Lunar C, Task Force and the majority of High Focus and Blah Records.
What artist do you think has the most potential in Wales?
I think manlikevision is definitely one to look out for, the kid has mad talent and will go far. I may be biased but also the boys at Bard are also high up there for me, there's so many levels to what they are putting out right now and I'm proud to have them release them under Bard Picasso. What inspires you most?
Generally anything. All depends if I'm writing something that actually means anything or just generic bars. I think a lot while driving at work so I play beats through the Bluetooth radio and see where it takes me at the end of the journey. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would say the music we create can vary between meaning and of course not lol. We speak a lot about different things so would be hard to point on one thing. Check out our Spotify etc which will tell you more about us than what we can put in writing ourselves. What is the most useless talent you have?
Haha Damn, I've never been asked that. Let me get back to you on that haha. Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Of course, everyone sings in the shower. I listen to a lot of Smooth Radio so generally what is playing at the time. One of my favourite songs of all time though is zoom by Fat Larry's Band so that is a regular for me. What’s next for you?
So we have our debut album dropped on the 14th of April, hopefully it will get some shine, but even if it doesn't which we are not expecting we will still keep pushing and there is ALOT more coming from us. Keep your eyes out because 2021 is going to be a very busy year for us.
Questions With Jay Rede
What was the trigger point that made you decide to get into music?
I was 15 and penning rhymes, nothing major. Was into hip-hop and a few people I knew were making music and adding it to various forums and such. I met one of my best mates Warby in college who showed me a bunch of his tracks which got me hooked. I then met SayKriDD Daly who showed me the ropes of how to use a DAW and introduced me to a hip-hop forum called "RapFlava" which became home! I honed my skills on there, gaining feedback from a bunch of talented artists. Battling through text and audio etc.
What would be your dream collaboration?
Such a hard question ha ha. Well… My dream UK collaboration has just come true as we have a track with Genesis Elijah for our new album. In general though, I'd have to say my ultimate dream collaboration would be Joe Budden.
How long does it usually take you to write your songs? It varies depending on my mood. If I’m in the mood for going in depth with my schemes, it can take a while. I don’t like to rush. However, if I'm really into a beat and enjoying the writing with peace and quiet, I can pen a verse in 10-15 minutes. I do often adjust some of those quick written verses though ha ha. Can you remember the first time you wrote a song? Can you describe it for us? Unfortunately yes I can (cringe)… I was 15 going on 16 and I wrote a track called "The Birds & Bees" it had zero meaning really and just nonsense, I won’t go into too much detail on that one. The memory of this track will remain with me and the SELECT few dudes who ever heard it lol. What is your creative process like? Its relatively straightforward. I'll either make a beat, or one of the Bard Picasso producers will send us something, we'll discuss a topic / subject matter and roll with it. We give each other feedback throughout writing until we come up with something we are happy with. What do you like doing in your spare time apart from Music? I'm a Cardiff City FC season ticket holder, so when we aren’t in lockdown, I’m usually down the stadium watching my beloved Bluebirds. I'm also a dad, so spending time with my son and daughter as much as possible. What's your annoying habit? I’m a leg shaker… Like constant. Watching a film... The leg goes. Eating food… The leg goes. It’s just satisfying to shake a leg. What plans have you got for 2021? We have a bunch of plans. We are working with many different artists and producers to make better music. We are always looking to improve. We have a few shows lined up for this year (lockdown depending) and we hope to build on that next year. If we pick up one extra fan next year, its one extra person who hadn't listened to our music previously and that’s a bonus.
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