After an incredibly bold and driven run of releases over the years, Toronto’s Ekelle recently returned once again to deliver her pulsing new single ‘Mommy’.
Bringing back more of that rich and passionate aesthetic she is known for, ‘Mommy’ has been greeted as one of her more impactful releases to date. So we caught up with her to discuss her influences and what has inspired her most over the years.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
Sure! I don’t really have any formal training in it so every new level of success is really exciting. I don’t play any instruments but I was one of those kids who used to dance around and sing along at home to music videos.
I loved watching MTV and was just obsessed with everything popular. One day after realising I don’t love the traditional 9-5 life I just decided to give it a real try. I was inspired by those who made it without any real know-how and thought maybe I could too? Ha ha! I just stubbornly chased it, my own way.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
I’m a huge fan of female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat or Rico Nasty, but I also love different types of rap like Drake the A$AP Mob or NLE Choppa. In terms of more seasoned acts I’d say Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, NWA, Eminem, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
90’s girl groups like Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child and TLC inspired me growing up because I’m such a girls’ girl and of course they’re all incredible. I also love their unique looks which you might see in my aesthetic. Also a lover of Rihanna!
I’m a fan of many different genres so when it came time to start making music of my own I was finding that I needed to start blending the things that inspire me. That’s how I ended up creating Hood Pop, it’s a combination of hip hop, pop, and R&B music, a little bit of everything I like. It lets me be while singing and rapping.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
You never really know what’s going to happen next with music so it’s really important to embrace the whole journey, especially on your come up. I’ve just loved having the experience of working with so many talented artists and professionals through songwriting camps, artist development programs or just natural networking.
In particular I was really psyched to get signed to my publisher, Cymba Music Publishing. It was one of the signs I needed to keep going and pushing myself further as an artist. I had toyed around with some things in order to find my voice so it was really affirming for the publisher to see something in what I was already happy doing.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
I very much like to talk about my life and keep it as real as possible with my audience. I think authenticity is always the way to go, you’d be surprised who can relate to your story! One of the major drivers of my creating music is that I want to tell stories that aren’t being told.
I relate to a lot of the music out there but I specifically wanted to create the songs I needed to hear at the highest and lowest points of my life. I always incorporate my Blackness, my queerness, and my perspective as someone who has been able to smile and move past a lot of adversity. Because of that there’s a lot of bold energy. A colleague once called my music very ‘p*ssy forward’ I thought that was true and funny as I’m a feminist.
I like to keep it pretty mid to up tempo for the most part, but sometimes that more sad, darker or angrier song is needed. I’ll always do what I feel.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Yes, in the beginning of my career it was really difficult to find people to work with who not only made me feel safe, but were also interested in making something outside the box. There have always been female rappers in Toronto but a lot of us had to create our own opportunities to be heard. I get through all the drama by just being really selective about who I work with. I think it’s also a good idea to have a meeting with any new collaborators to discuss the project before you get started. Just having that vibe check at the beginning is key, it will show you a lot.
As a woman in music you not only have to watch out for predatory males, but also for other women who don’t want to see you win. You have to choose your circles carefully. I think it’s important to explore different arts communities within your city and stick with the people who you naturally vibe with and also make you feel seen and respected.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Big themes are money, power, sex, drama and perseverance. I just talk about thighs I’ve experienced in life or what I would like to experience. I also like to comment on what’s going on in the world and how it affects me. Right now we’re dealing with crazy inflation rates, and higher costs of living so you’ll probably hear more money music from me soon.
Then dating wise there’s this whole city girls, city boys up movement happening so I talk about that, but in general we all go through love stuff so I think it’ll always be in my music.
I think the overall message is put it to rest, don’t forget but move on. Keep pushing forward and have fun with it.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
My style and sound are constantly evolving. I’m lucky enough to be at a place in music where when I envision a new song I often know which producer I’m going to approach with it. If you’re able to experience songwriting camps those really help, or just writing down ideas, rapping/singing into your phone when you think of something you like.
The more you can write to different beats or work on different concepts, even if it’s not what you would typically do it will help you grow. Remember that you don’t have to actually put the song out, you can send it to another artist, or keep it as a reference. Sometimes you just have to get an idea out (good or bad) to get to the gold.
Random, but whenever I’m stuck the words all seem to flow out in the shower. I think because it’s a calm place. I try to keep myself calm and relaxed so good ideas can come to me. Even if it’s just one line or a word I really like, I’ll write it down. As soon as you get a good idea, write it down! Having ideas and concepts to go through can be really helpful.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I’ll be frank, I haven’t had the easiest life but I’ve always tried to have fun with it, make the most of what I have. What originally attracted me to rap is that it was the music of rising up from the struggle, telling it how it is so that’s what I try to do. Then thinking about the good times makes me want to make more pop and to sing.
I think we all have many sides to us, especially as women; we’re so much for so many people. Sometimes people only see us in the role they need and have no idea who we are otherwise. I want other women, musicians or not, to embrace everything, the good, the bad, the ugly and make it work for them.
I think some personas I have and speak from are the tough girl with the soft heart, the working woman, the Black woman who never gets heard and is frustrated, the ‘my ancestors didn’t fight to hard for me not to enjoy myself’ girl, the everyone depends on me girl, the girl shaking her ass so hard all the stress falls out of her life. Overall other female musicians need to create from a place of knowing and experience, we all have a story to tell.
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Watch the new video for Ekelle’s ‘Mommy’ below.