Q&A: From Introspective R&B to Afrobeats: Dara Blaxx Releases Latest Track “In My Cup”
NEED A NEW BESTIE? — Dara Blaxx is here for you. A British artist of Nigerian descent, Blaxx was raised on the music of Nina Simone, Sade, and Lauryn Hill, sounds to which she later added a touch of gospel and R&B topped by Afrobeats, which makes her music so catchy to listen to.
Her journey began with classics “All Mine” and “Sail Away,” leading to the introspection of “Reflection” and the trap-fusion inspired EP Arrhythmia, which explores issues that might occur in a relationship.
Her latest single, “In My Cup,” is an exquisite blend of just that: delicate vocals layered over each other, Afrobeats in the background, and suggestively hedonistic lyrics that invite listeners to party until morning.
Read the interview below to learn more about Blaxx and her new single.
LUNA: How would you describe Dara Blaxx as a character?
BLAXX: Dara Blaxx is that friend who you just always feel good being around. Who encourages you to be your very best self but still make interesting decisions “for the plot.”
LUNA: How has your music changed in the past few years?
BLAXX: My music has been a marker of my thoughts, desires, and emotional stages I have gone through over the years. From a classic R&B fantasy-like view of love in “All Mine” and “Sail Away,” to the pandemic induced introspection on “Reflection” and my EP Arrhythmia, which was sonically evolving in a new direction with trap fusions and documenting some of the relationship issues I was experiencing. Each project has led me to discover more about myself, and currently I’m in a self-confident stage of living and experiencing the best of life with even more evolution in the sound. This side of me that is all about connection, enjoyment, and confidence is reflected in the latest song, “In My Cup.”
LUNA: Who inspired your music? Who are your biggest influences?
BLAXX: My motto is love, authentic expression, and enjoyment. I am a blend of influences from my Nigerian and British upbringing. As a teenager I was introduced to the soulful sounds of Nina Simone, Sade, [and] Lauryn Hill, further adding to the gospel and R&B influences I already had. Now, having gained more life experience, I make music that is a beautiful fusion and expression of all these elements and myself. I listened to a lot of Neo soul, Afrobeats, rap and R&B and found interest in different elements. Be it the melodies, harmonies, flow, lyrics, or punchlines, or just the energy of it, how it made me feel. One thing I always try to take from inspirations and also give to my listeners is a feeling to connect to. That’s the point of music to me. Artists like Asa, Sade, Lauryn Hill were some I really connected to and enjoyed.
LUNA: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
BLAXX: “Reflection,” “Before I Leave,” and “Boogeyman” are some of my favorite released songs. “Reflection” is exactly that: a reflection of my inner thoughts and world. It’s a personal and introspective piece that was written and released during the pandemic, when I had a lot of doubts around my art and little motivation or direction. It was a mirror up to myself, my insecurities, and reality and is something I think anyone can relate to.
“Before I Leave” is like my highlight song. Vocals, harmonies, melodies, flow, lyrics, and how it feels. I truly love everything about it, and it holds a great balance of [being] a fun-sounding song layered with not-so-fun emotions. “Boogeyman” is the song I had the most fun making. It’s just so infectious and energetic, and the storytelling is equally as interesting as the beat. I enjoy it like I didn’t write/sing it … I’m like, “Oh yeah, wow, this is me!”
LUNA: How did you develop this fusion style?
BLAXX: Simply trying my hand at sounds that I gravitate to and trying ro make music that feels as great and inspired as the ones I love to listen to. There are many elements to appreciate in any song, and as a fan and artist and when I really like something, I try to understand what — how and why it feels good to me — and then express and share that with others in whatever way is accessible and authentic to me at that point in time.
I have what I call my homebase, which is R&B/soul, but I’m a versatile and multifaceted person/artist and my expression can’t be bound to just one genre. It’s fun to experiment with different genres, and we see more fusion these days because of the many inspirations that have come before us. I find it exciting how much material there is to play with sonically.
LUNA: Let's talk about "In My Cup.” What inspired it, and how did it come to life?
BLAXX: “In My Cup” was born in 2020, actually, which seems like an age away now. Winzycool had sent me the beat and actually it was called “Drunk,” so I guess the idea was implanted in that moment! I recorded a rough demo and it kind of stayed at that for a while, as I hadn’t finished the bridge of the song. Maybe there was a bit of pandemic residue I needed to shed before I could really tap into the energy of the song. Thankfully I did, and here we are.
LUNA: Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you conciliating your day job with your music career?
BLAXX: I work a full-time job as well. It’s definitely an interesting balance because having a stable job/income helps support the music financially but also comes at a cost of time and physical, emotional, and creative energy, which are all needed for the many aspects of a music career, especially as an independent artist. Not factoring [in] other life and personal issues, it can be challenging at times. What keeps me going is a deep love for self-expression and music. The excitement I feel in creating and sharing music is worth investing in and building for me.
LUNA: Have you ever been on tour? If not, would you like to embark on one? Tell us about it.
BLAXX: No, I have not. It’s not an immediate goal but I would definitely love to get to a place where I can perform and share my music with like-minds across the world. The fact that anyone anywhere can connect to my music, no matter their background and culture, is such a special feeling and moment that I can’t wait to experience live.
LUNA: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
BLAXX: A year from now, I would have shared more music with the world, [taken] up more space with my voice and stories with support from a growing tribe. Hopefully [I’ll have] more collaborations, not just with music but across other mediums, fashion, visuals, etc. I’m also hoping to release another EP sometime next year, so there’s a lot to look forward to in preparation for that. Overall, just enjoying the journey and growth, however it looks.
