POINT ZERO WORLD

As myself a first generation immigrant juggling between studies and the hope for a future, it has always been quite fascinating to see other fellow immigrating students pursuing both their studies and art; mostly, the art of making music purely out of emotions and experiences. 

And it is on this note that I would like to present to you, IkeN. 

IkeN is a Kenyan artist, now living in the UK, who writes and produces his own music and I have had the pleasure to exchange with him so as to give you a sneak peak into his musical world. IkeN started in a band called ‘The Refuge’ during his early teenage years, giving him the time and space to learn more about himself and his connections with music, but also, enough time to save up to buy his own production tools. Today, at 22 years old, although he hasn’t made it to the international charts yet, he has found, or rather should I say, created his own little world; somewhere between alt-R&b, classical r&b, singer-songwriter and, indie-r&b. 

Months before our exchange, I discovered IkeN’s music on TikTok, most particularly his no. 1 Single on Spotify – ’Before I Go Away’. ‘Before I go Away’ resonated in such a way that made me, not only captivated, by the beauty of the lyrics, but the layers of vocals and instrumentals which make up the music track. The result? A dreamy song which paints the beauty and the pain of falling for an unattainable person – an impossible love. Someone with whom you’ve shared everything and nothing at the same time. Not quite real, much like a dream – an ‘almost something’.

Here’s what IkeN told us:

ANA :
You said one of your favourite released song is ‘Before I go Away’, tell me more about this song, what brought you to write it?

IkeN :
So, I went to this festival with some friends once, and I met a girl there, it was quite intense. We met in a place where we both travelled to only for the span of like 2/3 days, so we knew that whatever feeling there was between us was only temporary. Eventually, we both took our separate ways back to our reality. But this feeling stayed with me, so, I had to put this into a song, to express what I felt, to express what was and what could have been.

ANA :                                                                                                        Is this how it usually goes for you? You experience something and you create music out of it? […] What would you say ‘triggers’ you?

IkeN :
Mostly, yes. My emotions and experiences are what drives me to make music. With regard to what triggers me to create, it’s usually anything I feel strongly, or really want to share.

ANA :
So, would you say you make music for the people, or is it mostly for yourself first?

IkeN :
In general, I would say I make music hoping it’ll touch other people. Most songs either come from a specific situation I was in, a story I want to tell, or a vibe I want to recreate. Putting it out and having other people like it, is usually a really positive effect!

ANA :
Why music?

IkeN :
Because this is what music does for me – most of my favourite artists are able to distill experiences or emotions in a way that I really enjoy, and me making music has been me trying to do that for other people. […] I also really like music and albums as an art form – albums like Quadeca’s “Vanisher”, Tyler,
The Creator’s “Igor” (2018), and Kendrick’s “Damn” (2017), are all albums that make me admire music as something that one can do skillfully.

ANA :                                                                                                 While we are on the matter of skills, I noticed that your music tends to have some sort of vocal layers to them, this generally give your songs a dreamy effect, transcending even. Is it a signature, a personal preference, perhaps a way to emphasise on the dreamy atmosphere?

IkeN :
All of it! I’ve always felt that cinemas are one of the best ways to experience music, and I’m 90% sure it’s because they combine elements like orchestras and lush instruments with story-telling vocals, so it’s something I try to recreate in my music […] .

ANA :
And, what do you expect to give to the world through your music?

IkeN :
Hopefully just a nice experience. I would hope my music makes someone feel really deeply. It honestly stills feels like a work in progress, but I do think I’m getting better at it. My dream would probably be to have my song(s) in a movie, or make a short movie scored by my music […] .

ANA :
Finally, my last question is, if you had to describe your music in one word, what would it be?

IkeN :
Ethereal !

From emotions to music, Iken makes music for the dreamers, the hopeful and the yearners.

Ana Petumber