Rollo has been apart of the Cardiff Hip-hip scene for a long time and has just released a banger of a track titled Vanish. Check it out below.
We had a chance to have a chat with Rollo. Here's what happened:
How long have you been creating music for?
I have been rapping for about 20 years now (I'm old). I only started recording music properly when I was about 25. I then fell into a bit of a musical block for about 7 years and have only just regained my passion for making music.
What was the trigger point made you decide to get into music?
I grew up listening to a lot of music in my family home but when I discovered hip-hop I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some way. I suppose it all started rapping along to the intricate parts of songs by Big L, Big Pun and Rakim. Keeping up with their lyrics inspired me to write my own.
Who gave you the support to keep writing in the beginning?
Who did you play the early songs for? In the early days I used to write a ridiculous amount of lyrics. The majority were awful but I knew I just had to keep at it to improve my craft. When it came to sharing songs I had a few mates in Cardiff that I could get to listen and they enjoyed what I was doing.
Which Welsh artist would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to do a huge posse track with people from all over Wales. We have our own scene here with a strong history so to get some of the old and new talent together would be nice.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Anything a bit lively with a bouncy flow.
Have you ever experienced writers block? If so how did you overcome it?
Yes. I experienced writers block for around 7 years. In hindsight I can put it down to the death of my mother from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. I wanted to make a song for her and for her legacy but I just could not write it. Subconsciously I felt I shouldn't be writing about anything else until I have paid the due respect to my mother. Then finally I was able to write song and the flood gates have opened back up!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Royce da 59.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I think it can make it feel a lot more disposable. There isn't the same excitement I had when I was a kid opening up my new hip-hop cd to digest and listen to over and over. I also think it’s become a much more visual media. People really want to see you now, not just listen to a track.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
No comment officer.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Make sure you're always having fun with what you're doing. Life's short. If somethings a chore. Move on.
What’s next for you?
At the time of writing I have just signed up with the Bard Picasso record label which is very exciting. I am in the process of recording an album called "echoes" which will be released late march/April. I'm also in a group called The Hellionz and we will be releasing something this year on Bard Picasso. We are in great company with fellow artists K saulz and Mr.Substance, Blue City, Wolfgang von Vanderghast and Jake the Ripper.
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