Linking Up With Chicago's Very Own, 7anell.
7anell has a sound that has yet to come across my ears, his voice is very similar to The Weeknd and has a crazy flow when he's rapping. The beats in his songs mix between the vibes between A$AP Rocky and Kid Cudi it's amazing. 7anell's lyrics come from the heart, which adds a lot more value to the song and makes it easy to connect with what he's saying. Check out one of my personal favorite songs of his "Own Me".
Where are you from and what age did you first make a connection to music?
I am from Chicago. I started playing the Djembe at the age of 5, then starting making beats with Logic 9 Pro in 7th grade. I started rapping in 2016 with the Chicago music collective, ColdWind (@itscoldwind).
Why did you start making music? And what keeps you motivated to keep putting out music?
I started making music because I've always had the urge to create something, whenever I did create I'd feel exhilarated, which is why I believe I was meant to be a creator. I'm constantly motivated or inspired by my life; the triumphs and tragedies.
Explain your creative process?
I make new songs every day. Sometimes a track is done within an hour, other times it may take days or even weeks. Whatever I choose to release has to feel genuine, and it needs to feel natural. I don't like to force art. When a song just flows through you naturally, that's how you know it's good.
How has your sound evolved over the course of your music career?
It went from shitty to pretty damn good within a span of 10 years. I practiced music at Chicago High School for the Arts in Humboldt Park, where my skills were enhanced. Then, after joining ColdWind, my own sound began to form.
What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn't be the artist you are today?
I'll just say, my relationships with past lovers and friends have molded me into the artist I am today. The relationships I've developed and sustained throughout my life has made me the person I am today. But more specifically, the love of my life, Jazlyn Martin, has taught me so much and inspired me more than any other person, besides my own mother (ironically, they share the same birthday).
What was your first taste of success and what was that like?
I tasted success for the first time when I did my first show with ColdWind, the "ColdWind Vs. The World" show back in January 2017. It was bittersweet. This year alone has shown me so much, in terms of the possibilities of where my life can go with the music. I'm extremely grateful for all the support my city shows me, and also the fans in other parts of the world. It's a bumpy road, but a great trip.
If you could change one thing in the music industry what would it be?
I would change the attitude of the music game. A lot of artists, at least in Chicago, lack the ability to appreciate one's art for what it is without developing a disposition towards that artist, because of malice or jealousy. The rap game for sure is very childish. Since music is truly my passion, I choose to just roll with the punches. Love and hate can both be used as fuel to motivate.
Do you have a favorite song or project you've created?
My favorite song of mine is "Midnight Blue" and my favorite album is "S.A.D. But Beautiful" which has yet to be released (coming Summer 2019).
What do you do when you're not making music?
I literally do nothing else... I couldn't, even if I tried. I have so much more to achieve with music, and when I achieve those things, I'll have a new to-do list by then. The grind never stops.
What's on the horizon for your music career in 2019?
I plan on leading the city of Chicago into the next music renaissance with ColdWind. Not only will I be releasing "S.A.D. But Beautiful" but I will also be featured on projects from Noelz V, KodiLam, and much more. My next show is going to be in Minneapolis at ITS FEST 2019 (ITS WORLD) configured by Philli Irvin.
Check out 7anell!
https://soundcloud.com/7overboy
https://www.instagram.com/7anell/