Jeffrey iLL delves on his creative tastes, musical influences & new single ‘Linden Forever’
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Jeffrey iLL — it derives from my first name which is Jeffriel. I wanted to come up with something personal with a bit of grit/edge to it and the just iLL fit perfectly. I’m from Malden, Massachusetts.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I’ve always had a love for music, but it wasn’t until middle school that I really fell in love with the process of writing it. What made me realize it was my chosen path was how easy it seemed to come to me. Not that I was great at music from the jump, but I felt like I had a bit more of an understanding of it than my friends.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
My new song ‘Linden Forever’ is about confidence and being true to oneself. I hope that when people listen to it they can feel fierce and ready to take on their day or any problem at hand. I began making a beat for Drake that I was looking to send out to him. I never got around to finishing it and a few weeks later, while I was writing lyrics to Drake’s Lemon Pepper Freestyle, I started to rap those same lyrics over the Linden Forever beat and it just fit perfectly so I had to keep it for myself.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I would say the uniqueness of my music comes from my ability to create something in any genre. I don’t like to limit myself but if I would have to categorize my music, it would fall under a form of hip-hop, future r&b and electronic music.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Drake, T-Pain, J. Cole & Marshmello 100%. Yes — Benny Blanco! I feel like we would have a blast in the studio together.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
It would probably be when one of my favorite rappers growing up slid in my DMs to tell me I “got game ” last year. But besides that, it would have to be the two record deals I signed in 2020 with Jendex Records & NoFace Records.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
I don’t! I have the worst time management and that’s something I’m going to be looking to change over the next year because it’s certainly draining trying to keep up with everything. However, I’m sure that with a plan/agenda I should be able to get that down!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Never give up and please find someone who’s been there, done that to help guide you. The music industry is not your friend and it will eat you alive IF you’re not prepared.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I love you all and I thank you so much for tuning in to my story. There are so many other artists who make amazing music out there so for y’all to tune into me is an absolute blessing.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I plan on collaborating with multiple artists for 2021 and we’re dropping a music video for Linden Forever once it reaches 50,000 streams on all platforms, so stay tuned for that!
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