Rouk3n on overcoming music fears, expanding ventures, and how music really makes him feel.

A few weeks back, we got in touch with Hull musician Rouk3n to talk about overcoming musical fears, how music makes him feel on a personal level, all things favourite rappers and talks on expanding his creative ventures. A huge thank you to Rouk3n for his time and efforts in speaking with us. Be sure to go over to Instagram and drop a follow on @rouk3n to stay up to date with all new music announcements.

Hey Rouk3n, please can you give an introduction on yourself for anyone who isn't already aware?

Yoo, I go by the name of Rouk3n, I’m a rapper from the North of England specifically in Hull. Right now it’s just music I do but 100% wanna take my artistic ventures further and beyond.

How long have you been making music?

Not too long to be fair, about a year or so.

And how does making music make you feel?

A huge weight gets lifted off my shoulders after every verse, I feel good and I feel like I can’t actually get my feelings across in a way that makes sense and relatable, every studio session gets me more and more excited to share what’s been created.

I hear you! How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

I’d describe it is real, relatable and different, not a lot of rappers that look like me sound like me so that’s the first thing that separates me from a lot of others. I find myself going on drives a lot listening to songs that fit the mood perfectly on a late night and I guess my music is also a representation of that. Music for you to sit down and allow a picture to be painted in your head.

What is your favourite thing about making music, outside of the actual music, for example, the production?

My favourite thing about it so far would be the feedback, held myself back for so long because I was too scared even though I knew I had something good, so even tho I’m over that whole scared thing it’s still nice to see people singing along and genuinely enjoying what I’m putting out. People excited to see what’s next is also sick.

How do you think you overcame that fear?

I guess I really looked at my current situation, the fear of working a job hate for the rest of my life made me think I had more to offer to the world. and i also thought to myself if they can do it then so can I, and even better. My mates also been telling me for years that I needed to take it seriously and not let it go to waste.

Do you have any advice for someone who also feels that way?

There’s nothing to lose, just go for it, whet ever it is. It’s cringe till it’s cool and you just gotta be at peace with that. If it’s meant to be then all will fall into place eventually. If u really think you have more to offer to the world then just get the ground work put in and be patience and real. Patience is key.

Absolutely, do you have any favourite musicians?

Damnnn, I always find it so hard to name favourite artists while keeping it brief, I listen to all sorts so one minute it’s Bryson Tiller, Brent Faiyaz, then the next it’s Tunde or Meekz. Lucki is getting played constantly right now though.

Were you listening to the same sort of people while growing up too?

Growing up I listened to all sorts to be fair, with me only being a kid I don’t think I really deeped musicians too much from what I remember I just listened to what I liked the sound of, so literally could’ve been anywhere from Kings of Leon, Labrinth, Tinie Tempah, Disclosure and a bunch of American artists and even the African music my parents would listen to, even now it’s all still stuff I listen to these days, always kept an open mind for music from a youngen.

For sure! What's the goal for you? Where would you like to be in the next five years?

Music full time is an important thing to me, I can’t see a better way to spend you life than to be feeding yourself from your craft. I wanna reach Wider audience and to among the names of some of my favourites and artists that inspire my sound. I’d also love to have a way of being able to bring my closest friends in on this journey where we’re all benefiting from it. No idea how I’ll do that bit though but deffo wanna bring my mates along with me and make a business from all this somehow.

Very achievable, at the beginning of the interview you had said you wanted to take the artistic ventures further, what did you mean by that?

I'm really into clothes and stuff and take pride in what I wear so I’d love to put a foot in that side of things, maybe collab with a brand/shop or create my own clothing.

That would be very sick, you’d have a whole empire! Back to music, do you think the scene is missing anything currently?

I feel like right now, the scene needs to make more artists from the north and where I come from more seriously, a lot of talent and uniqueness comes from round these parts.

We completely agree, what can we see from you next?

I guess just more music, I’ve got stuff In the pipeline, just tryna network as much as possible and create the best plan I can.

Finally, do you have anyone you would like to shout out?

Shout out to all creatives in Hull and Yorkshire, our time is coming soon.

For real! Thank you for your time, we really appreciate it.