UA Exclusive| Raxstar: I Think Being Comfortable Can Sometimes Be The Beginning Of Your Downfall

UK-based rapper, Raxstar released a new track and video, in collaboration with Punjabi artist Amar Sandhu. Rewind is Raxstar’s first release through Saavn’s Artist Originals (AO) program, giving him a wider reach and global audience, while still appealing to a core South Asian listenership.

Raxstar has toured all over the UK, as well as internationally. And with a well-respected reputation as the go-to-guy for rap features, Raxstar has collaborated with over 100 artists, including Badshah, Zack Knight (whose chart-topping single Bom Diggy was also released with AO) and Mickey Singh.

UrbanAsian got a chance to interview Raxstar where he spoke about his new song Rewind and about his collaboration with Saavn.

Read it out:

How did you come up with the idea of Rewind?

I was inspired by the demo version of the beat Lyan produced. It had a summer feel good vibe and as I began writing I wanted the lyrics to reflect that too.

How did the collaboration with Saavn happen?

My manager and I had been speaking with Saavn for a few months and they had heard a demo version of the song. They loved it and we continued to work closely together to bring the project up to this level it is at now.

How was it working with Amar Sandhu?

Amar is super talented and much underrated. It was very easy to work with him, his melodies are so great and after we got together on a call and discussed the lyrical direction of the chorus we were able to complete the song very quickly.

What genre are you most comfortable in?

I think being comfortable can sometimes be the beginning of your downfall. It’s always good to push yourself and feel uncomfortable as it can inspire amazing art. I think as long as I am honest in my writing, I can work in any genre.

Favorite singer?

Ty Dolla $ign

Favorite rapper?

Cyhi The Prynce

Do you have non-productive days at work? If yes, how do you handle them?

Non-productive days, writers block etc. these are normal parts of the process. It happens to the best of us. Normally inspiration strikes me when I am doing errands or things around the house, cooking, cleaning etc. So I keep myself busy with these things until a light bulb goes off.

Any reality singing show that you wanna be a part of?

I think the format of these shows are not designed for the type of songs I write. I personally am not a fan of them.

What is your take on remakes of songs?

I’ve done plenty in my time, I think they are great. Hip-hops history is embedded in sampling and remaking songs so I think it’s intrinsic to my creative process. I always try to make something better other the original or at least uniquely mine. As long as the original is respected I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.