Enfnts Terribles

We’re currently all in this weird situation. How were these past few months for you?

On the one hand, I’ve been very productive because I’ve finished a whole new EP. But on the other hand, it was mentally very challenging for me. I have compulsive disorder, which isn’t always easy but I try to accept it. I’m still scared to touch doors, doorbells, … and it became a real fear of contamination.

We also see the number of COVID infections rise, so I’m constantly questioning why it happens because I’m doing a lot of effort. It’s been hard, but I’m someone who always tries to create something positive and I’m really happy about the new EP I finished during quarantine. It’s not pure rap and has a club/techno vibe, which makes me incredibly excited to release it.

Do you think that quarantine will influence your songwriting?

I will always remember how we’re living now and I think that I’m someone who’s influenced unconsciously. For example, I play a game on my phone and come up with a great sentence. When I don’t focus on writing lyrics, I get the best out of my creativity. That’s how I love to work the most because I don’t want it to be forced.

You’ve had to cancel or reschedule a lot of your plans. What was the most frustrating?

The most frustrating for me is that I wasn’t able to make the videoclips I’ve had planned. But to be honest, I think the songs also stand very strong on their own and the music videos weren’t really necessary to enhance the feelings of the songs. It’s also sad that I had to cancel some shows, but I’m also happy that I was able to play some shows. For me, it was weirdly the perfect timing because if I’d be bigger, I wouldn’t have any show, I guess.

You’ve recently released your new EP BLOEI. What’s the common thread between all the songs?

I think it’s that I finally have the courage to give my opinion. The first EP was a little bit more personal and was kind of a therapy for me. BLOEI is an EP where I really give my opinion and articulate what I’m feeling. I have something to say.
For example, my song “BANGZOET” is very accurate with the performance I did in prison. I sing “Rotten teeth also like some ripe fruit” (editor’s note: originally in Dutch “Rotte tanden lusten ook een rijpe vrucht”) and I really felt that they understood what I was trying to say.

You’re a visually-driven artist. How would you describe your aesthetic?

As pure and raw as possible. I don’t like fake things, and I hate to fuck around with people who think they’re all that. I love humble and down to earth people, and that’s also the kind of people I connect with the most. I don’t like to see myself as someone better, so I just don’t fuck with it.

You’ve moved from a small town to Brussels. In what way is such a multicultural environment inspiring you?

It’s absolutely not the same, but I see way more things happening in Brussels because you can only spot cows and horses in the small town I come from. In Brussels, you see gypsies, beggars, … and I live in the red light district. It’s so different but in the end, we’re all equal and that’s cool to think about.

What are your specific plans for the rest of the year?

In November, I’ll be releasing my new single “Sussend” and I haven’t been more open in a song before. I’m a little bit scared, but I’m sure that it will help me a lot. After that, I’ll be releasing a new EP I’ve been working on together with UM! during lockdown, which has techno and club vibes.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in need of a conversation, you can reach out to a suicide hotline in your country via www.suicidestop.com.