After impressing earlier this summer with their previous single, “Swooning On You”, which went on to receive much acclaim, NYC band Blak Emoji have returned with their enthralling new single, “Float”. The track was produced by Blak Emoji frontman, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kelsey Warren, who has once again elevated the group’s sound to dazzling new heights.
Speaking more on the release, Kelsey says, “‘Float’ is basically a celebration of living. I felt this way previously, but when the pandemic hit last year it really forced me to be thankful and take advantage of what I have in life, which is a lot of good. We all get older and life flies by so why not make the best of it and seize the moment? Do whatever you can or want without hurting anyone, including yourself.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Blak Emoji about the latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
Blak Emoji is from NYC. Our new album is called Eclectro which perfectly describes our music. It’s predominantly electronic based but includes elements of pop, R&B, dance, alt rock and/or whatever style intertwined. It’s an eclectic mix, with a common thread. Sometimes electronic music gets pigeonholed and doesn’t get the respect like jazz or indie per se. There’s a foundation here but it’s without boundaries.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I feel like I don’t really have much of a choice. I have a choice sure, but music is my everything. It makes me the most happy and gives me the most drive. The business part, however, can be challenging and sometimes a headache but it’s worth it if I get to express myself musically. I do it because I love expressing myself as an artist. Oh, and I have bills 🙂
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
The Eclectro album is more of a mix of my pop elements with my avant garde sound. That wasn’t my original plan but that’s what ended up happening. The last two releases (the Antidote series 2020 & 2021) were more of an experimental, instrumental mixtape vibe. They were like my version of Flylo, Eno and the more experimental Trent stuff. The last “proper” pop or commercial Blak Emoji album released was 2019. I felt like I needed to do those experimental works to express myself, in order to come back to the more traditional electro-pop EPs and albums previously released. Personally, I think I accomplished a cool mix of both. We’ll see what happens when it drops.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
It was quite simple. I had nothing else to do. All my gigs and production jobs were gone. I had plenty of time to work on other music and record. Plus, again, that’s what makes me the most happy, and it was therapeutic. I created more music last year than the previous two years combined. It felt great and kept me semi-sane.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Lilith” by Halsey (with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross)
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Streaming platforms, as they are the most convenient.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks so much for the chat. The new Blak Emoji album, Eclectro, drops October 1st on all major platforms. And our new single, “Float”, is out now!
