Interview: Narko – Melo pt.2

Hey Narko, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?

Appreciate you having me.
I would say I have been a fan of music my whole life.
I don’t recall life before music, especially Rap and RnB.
As a child I idolised Usher & Nas in particular, then probably Kanye & Chris Brown, but the list of my influences is massive in total.
I would dabble in rap casually during school years as well as being in the choir but I didn’t take it seriously until university, in Manchester.
There I met a producer who I lived with after 1st year.
We made do with a mic in our spare room, admittedly quite amateur, but I got the attention of some of my people from back home which gave me the courage commit to it properly.

What do you think your role is in this world?

I think my role in this world is to share my art.
Only I can do that.
I want what most want; happiness, a loving partner, amazing kids, peace of mind.
But as well as that, it is important for me to leave the kind of mark only I can.
I have worked many jobs.
Once I left those jobs I was replaced, no doubt… then someone else did the work.
That isn’t impact in my opinion.
With my art, only I can do it this way.
I can’t do what others can do, but they cannot do what I do, it has to be me.
My life, without the music of my idols, would be a shame.
I hope my music has this kind of wonderful effect on people too.

Your latest track is ‘Melo pt.2’. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?

Melo pt.2 speaks on a real time in my life.
A time in the past.
Honestly the song speaks for me and tells the story.
It is 2 of 3.
Pt.1 features on the same project “This Is M.E.”.
Pt.3 is coming soon.
Nothing unusual, just another story of a couple who didn’t make it.
It was actually quite fun to bring my experience to life.
The actors I chose for the video were great to work with and the director was easy to collab with too.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

My message would be “thank you”.
I wish I knew more about who is supporting me.
But I know they are there and they make everything mean something.
I’m forever grateful and I hope they feel free to connect with me to give feedback.l and enjoy the journey with me.

How do you spend your time?

Honestly since Covid I’m really antisocial.
Besides music, if I’m not with loved ones, I’m with my Playstation lol.
When I’m out and about it’s usually music events, restaurants, cinema or just chillin with friends and my uncle, Wray.
If you know you know lol

What are you most proud of?

I’m am most proud of my ambition and devotion.
When you choose to pursue something so unorthodox it’s hard.
People don’t get it.
If it isn’t the regular pathways of education, employment, mortgage application, marriage etc.
People judge, they condemn, they ridicule.
Often you get little support or understanding.
Social pressure is immense in this game.
The pressure to fall in line and conform.
The pressure you put on yourself when you realise how different you live your life.
This music thing is a massive gamble.
Your dreams can come true, but you may end up in a nightmare otherwise.
Knowing what you stand to lose and betting on yourself anyway is a challenge.
I am proud that I meet the challenge everyday.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

I think it has to be Chris Brown.
I consider him the most talented person ever.
It’s a big statement, sure.
But he can sing, dance, paint, act, rap, play basketball, do martial arts all to a very high standard.
I’m not sure I can say that about anyone else dead or alive.
It’s both impressive and inspirational.
Can’t think of a talent I could learn more from.

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?

I have recently started singing.
Some of my longest living fans may have seen me toy with this before, but casually.
I am really pushing my vocals lately and working alongside some inspiring vocalist too.
I think this will be a surprise for most, hopefully a good one, but whatever happens, I’m sure to evolve.

Do you think that technology is improving lives?

This is a hard one.
For me, the answer is yes but also no.
Both angles have obvious evidence for me.
Technology gave us medicine and means to communicate at a distance as just two examples of how it enriches life.
But sometimes that medicine teaches us to be dependent and causes addiction.
Sometimes that communication tech teaches us to be lazy and never meet in person.
There is a shadow side to it all.
Weapons protect, but weapons kill etc.
I’m not knowledgeable to be able to precisely weigh up the cost vs benefit.
I guess it depends on us.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to take more risks.
I can admit I have played it safe at times.
For example I have been meaning to song for years but it’s nerve racking.
It’s time to “feel the fear and do it anyway”.
I need to give it my all, not just what I think will work.

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