LONELY BLADE Makes His Long Awaited Solo Debut with Bladeswrld EP
Popularly known as one half of raging Hip Hop duo Champagne69, Siya is finally ready to carve out a lane for himself as a solo artist. Under the name LONELY BLADE, he chats to us about the winding road that has led him to this place, as well as the clarity he feels finally being able to do his own thing.
At the start of the interview, LONELY BLADE makes it clear that his time spent with Champagne69 was a valuable experience in shaping his individual artistry, stating; “Working as a duo taught me a myriad of things, how to work with people, how to sacrifice [and] how to balance,”. Champagne69 hit the ground running a couple of years ago-fueled by the raw energy that makes Johannesburg so central to South Africa's music industry.
If you’ve ever seen him perform live, you would know that the stage presence of LONELY BLADE is that of a fucking rockstar. His signature locks never stop swinging, and the electric energy in the audience literally vibrates throughout the room. Many years in the making, LONELY BLADE is finally ready to introduce himself to the world. His debut EP, Bladeswrld is a four-track project boasting the mumbles and heavy 808s of a sound synonymous with the artist.
BLADE defends a sound that many might dub “mumble rap” by explaining; “it’s melodic, noisy, energetic and isn’t really heard with the ears, it’s heard with the heart. I like to make music that plays on a feeling or energy rather than being too lyrical, but that doesn’t mean the content isn’t calculated,”. In other words, if you struggle to make out what he says strewn across the four tracks on this project , it’s all good. (and you’re not alone).
The sound on Bladeswrld is not surprising when LONELY BLADE breaks down a bunch of his musical influences during our interview. From Playboi Carti to Skii Mask and Lil Uzi, he reveals that he has drawn from all of these artists (and then some) to construct a unique sound.
In an exclusive first interview about Bladeswrld, LONELY BLADE answers all our burning questions about how he came up with that name, what he sees for himself as a solo artist and what he hopes to do with this fresh start.
This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context.
Jade Kelly:This project marks your debut under a brand new name, Lonely Blade. Talk me through the origins/ meaning of that name.
LONELY BLADE: I’d actually assumed the name years ago, I was, and still am a big fan of Steven Universe. The character embraced all emotions, and reminded me its okay to cry and feel whatever you feel and I wanted to identify with that, so I took the name from the in-world movie series Steven loves to watch. It’s called Lonely Blade. This will be my first public undertaking of the name!
As someone who was once tied to duo Champagne69, why is it important for you to release music as a solo artist?
Working as a duo taught me a myriad of things, how to work with people, how to sacrifice, how to balance, but it never gave me the room to explore 100% of myself and my ideas because you’re always balancing them while giving as much freedom to your partner. I wanted to see if I can be the full extent of my ideas.
What does this mean for duo Champagne 69? Is it over?
I wouldn’t say “over”. We’re growing and exploring new things, if the time feels right and the energies align, we might just break the stage again!
The cover art has some exciting elements and typography. Do you wanna break down where you got the inspiration for that?
I’ve always been a fan of games, growing up I used to ask my mom for 50c to go play Cadillacs & Dinosaurs then later on King Of Fighters. The cover art is inspired by K’ on the cover of King of fighters 99 evolution, who is my favourite character from the series.
Anyone who’s ever seen you live will testify that is where you shine. Do you plan on making live performances a part of the promotion for this project?
I’ve never actually had my own [solo] live show, so that is something I would definitely love to do. I feel it will birth a full understanding of the energy of the product, we’ll just have to see if anyone is willing to work with me to put together something amazing (hint hint Backyard Group) but I’m definitely working towards it.
Who did you make this EP for?
To be honest its both for me as well as the people who have their own ideas but feel they won’t work in the current industry climate. My whole musical career has been plagued with people saying my sound is too niche or too unpalatable. This is for them. Just do it if you love what you do and how you do it.
How would you describe the sound on this project?
It’s melodic, noisy, energetic and isn’t really heard with the ears, it’s heard with the heart. I like to make music that plays on a feeling or an energy rather than being too lyrical, but that doesn’t mean the content isn’t calculated.
It’s an interesting and exciting time for music on the continent. What do you think sets you apart from all the other artists out there right now?
I don’t want to be this guy, but honestly, absolutely no one does it the way I do it, raps how I rap or sounds the way I sound. And I’m one of very few that makes the music they want to make, untainted by politics and common opinion.
What do you wish you knew when you started this journey?
That people actually believe in me. I would have started ages ago.
Who do you cite as your biggest musical influences?
I think I carry a lot of ideas from a lot of artists, some being RIP SLYME, Ski Mask The Slump God, Lil Uzi and everyone say it with me now… Playboi Carti. I have immense respect for this artists and how they’ve influenced their genres. And well, everyone knows I love Yeat!
What excites you about the future?
That anything is possible, it doesn’t feel linear at all to me and that makes me incredibly grateful. To know that I could work across the board with talented individuals and create lovely experiences in various mediums, and to know that whatever is to come, comes because I was finally able to believe in myself.
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