Tention Free : Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education, your music, passion etc. ??
Well, my real name is Sakif. I’m 18 years old. My parents come from Bangladesh, I even used to live there. Right now I’m going to college to get a major in Commerce and then hopefully go to university to complete my studies. Unless music brings me far, forget about school haha. I first started playing music when I was really young. My mom used to have this instrument, it was like this sort of keyboard/piano with a vent, I think its called a harmonium. Yeah, she started teaching me the keys and sh*t and like how to play melodies and I fell in love with music right there and then. Ever since then, I create a rhythm to everything I do. Like I’ll try studying but I’ll have drum patterns playing in my head or I’ll be coming up with lyrics. Music really took me over and turned to be my main passion and I’m not complaining.
Tention Free : Please tell us more about your upcoming EP “empty yet happy” ?
Ahh, empty yet happy. This project literally means everything to me. Life experiences, thoughts, like everything is on there. Every single song on that EP represents how I felt while writing that song you know? Like I get really bad mood swings. I have the most depressive sh*t on there and like the most hype/turn-up music in there too. Jeez, I even end up going all political and sh*t! Empty yet happy literally means what it means. It represents me perfectly. By listening to this project you will literally feel how I feel: empty inside yet always portraying a happy image outside. Whilst being on the topic, I want to thank everyone that contributed to the project. Wether you inspired me to write a song or you even layed down your own vocals on any of the tracks, thank you!
Tention Free : What motivates you to do your best work as a Rapper?
I used to do it for fun you know. Like as a casual hobby I really didn’t care. I still do it for fun and I still treat it like a hobby but ever since people started DM’ing me and telling me that my songs make them happy, that’s when I knew I need to start putting more time into it. Literally the other day, a girl I went to high-school with texted me and told me that one of my songs made her week and let me tell you when I read that message I had the biggest smile on my face. So I guess that’s my motivation, just making people happy in any way possible.
Tention Free : Who are your musical inspirations?
Logic. I grew up listening to this guy, he inspires me so f*****g much! I’ve been on his music since like 2010-2011. He’s had the biggest impact on my life and f**k I love him! J. Cole’s a big one too. Uhm, let’s see. Pac, Biggie, and Wu-Tang Clan are like my all time Top 3 like no one will ever contest that, like if you want to change my mind over them you gotta fight me.
Tention Free : Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to be a professional musician ?
Well, I’m not a professional yet but if I had advice to give I’d say to be yourself. I know it sounds cliché but it’s so true. If you start being someone you’re not, it’s going to reflect through your music and you’re going to end up regretting it. Another thing I’d say is to be realistic. What I mean by that is to not put all of your eggs into one basket. Like, don’t drop everything to pursue music full-time unless you’re 400% sure it won’t ever fail. The chances of anyone making it in the industry is beyond slim. So just keep that in mind.
Tention Free : Do you have any hidden talents ?
I can move my left ear up and down. I’m pretty good at video games, I have no clue if that counts as a talent, but I mean like not to brag but, NHL 13 on XBOX360, mans was top 10 Left Wing in EASHL you know? Hahaha
Tention Free : What are your future plans ? Your vision for the coming years.
If the opportunity comes with anything related to the content I’m putting out I’m definitely going to jump on that. But if we’re being realistic, I’m probably going to get my degree, just to make my momma happy (love you mom!) but I’m always going to keep making music. My main goal right now is to build a solid, loyal fanbase and doing so by putting out quality content that I think is industry worthy. But don’t get me fooled, I ain’t hoppin’ on no bandwagon trains, I’m staying true to myself.
Tention Free : If you could perform anywhere, in the world, where would it have to be?
Honestly, Montreal. I just want to make my city happy. I want to get that feeling of like holding the city on my back you know? I’d also love to perform in Bangladesh. Just again the same feeling of knowing that I was able to put my people on the map and giving hope to other aspiring artists from Bangladesh by showing like: “Hey if I can do it, you can too!” I hope that happens one day.
Tention Free : Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?
Most of my free time is spent with my beautiful, gorgeous, loving, caring girlfriend Raima. I really just lay back and kick it with her when we both get free time. If not, I just kinda spend my time on YouTube. I always end up watching weird sh*t, like I’ll start watching a video about like hockey and then eventually end up watching shark po*n or some sh*t.
Tention Free : Are you active on social media? what’s the best way to follow you ?
Yes! You guys can follow my musical journey on soundcloud.com/skfofficial. You can also add me on snapchat @fikas_10, like my Facebook page at facebook.com/skfofficial34, and follow me on Twitter @sakiftn! Thank you for having me I really enjoyed answering these questions!
