Interview: Kane Ashmore

Kane Ashmore is an emerging talent within the hip-hop scene in Nottingham. Born and raised in the area, the Notts local has been honing his skills as a lyrical creative, producing his own beats as well as writing his own bars. A multi-instrumentalist, this wise head on nineteen year old shoulders has experience enough to deliver a fresh angle on how he sees things. We caught up with him ahead of the launch party for his single The Ashmore Show, taking place this Thursday at the Alley Cafe. 

So Kane, if you were to describe your style in three words to us, what would those words be?

Bi-polar, soulful rap.

Sweet. You're young, but you've certainly got a lot to talk about. What would you say there are dominant themes within your lyrics? Do these differ depending on when you're writing?

Well, it depends on what kind of day that I've had really. Lyrics will pop into my head all day and ill write them onto my hand, then when I get home they just flood out of my head onto the page.. If I've had a rubbish day, they'll be really twisted or on a happy day - really hyped up etc. Hence the bi-polar, soulful rap, haha.

Yeah, that definitely suits the bipolar front. You've had quite a lot of happenings in your past that you've been able to relate to. Has your past been a motivation to become a musician?

Definitely! One of my first memories of music is my mum cooking dinner in the kitchen, blasting out Lovers Rock, haha. I was hooked, stealing CDs from her. But ever since I can remember, I've wrote songs and learnt instruments. Every time I see someone making music on the TV, I want the instrument and I want to master it! And obviously I was a bit naughty when I was young too, in and out of fights, very frustrated, trying to find myself in all the wrong ways, then music found me and its kept me out of trouble ever since!

Haha, I can imagine the musical taste has shifted somewhat from listening to your Mum's CDs. What was the worst CD you've listened to as a youngster? Steps, Blue?

Hahahaha that's a bloody good question. I still have a huge ska influence in my production - there's an upbeat wherever I can put one. I can remember the first ever cassette I bought was a group called The Cartoons and they dressed in ridiculous flares and really high multi-coloured platforms. They did The Witchdoctor and covered Who Put The Bomp in a Vengaboys style, haha. I also had Westlife's Red Nose Day's release of Uptown Girl. Which I am NOT proud of, hahahahaha!

Good job it was for a good cause... Back to your style though, as someone who creates boom bap type hip-hop, has it been because you've wanted to put recordings out yourself in a DIY style?

Definitely, I love doing it underground, cause If I have an idea I can write, make the beat and then record it, all in the comfort of my own bedroom... Then take it out of my bedroom and go and perform it for people! It's amazing.

Nice. Do you feel the stripped back vibe also helps your lyrical content to come to the fore?

100%. Like I said, it's very bi-polar. I don't feel restricted, I don't worry about offending people around me while I'm creating because there is no one but the four walls I'm surrounded by.

This is a tough one, but if you could give us three albums that have been massive for you, what would they be and why?

Ooh that's tricky, but its a good question... At the top of my list, Wu Tang Clan - Enter The Wu Tang. That album made me want to start rapping. It's flawless. Every rapper is incredible - Method Man is my idol and I get a lot of influence from him. It was recorded in a basement and produced by RZA, what more can you ask for!? Second at this moment in time, Tyler The Creator – Goblin. I love that guy so much, he says what he's thinking, and he's incredibly creative. His live shows are off the hook! He's hilarious, the full package. I like what he's done with hip-hop. Finally, Bob Marley – Kaya. No matter what, I'm still a reggae head at heart.This album completely changed my life and my mindset at one point! Rather than purchasing Bob's 'Best Of' compilation, grab this! It's incredible! Heart, Love, Passion and Music.

We caught Tyler at a Dutch festival not long ago, what a crazy guy. Closer to home, as a locally born musician, what do you think about Notts as a music scene?

Nice! Id give anything to do a show with him, it would be an absolute bloodbath, haha. The Nottingham music scene is absolutely amazing, we have some talented kids here man... So many different genres too, it's amazing, and everyone looks out for each other and promotes one other. The hip hop scene could be better though, not many people listen anymore, so we need a revival! We have Cappo, 1st Blood, Heavylinks and my boy Motormouf.. It's not enough if you ask me, we need to recruit some more of the kids!

We'd better speak out then! On the Notts circuit, you've brushed shoulders with some great local acts, but would you personally recommend any other artists besides the ones you just mentioned?

Definitely! Oh yeah, I've been honoured to play with some people... KUNDALINI! One word, wow, haha. An amazing local jazz band. If you're ever bored, hunt down where they're playing, 'cause it'll be a night you'll never forget!! Another one is Josh Wheatley, that boy has soul. He's an acoustic artist who writes all of his own material and truly has an incredible voice! I can see him going far!

Cheers for the heads up Kane, anything else to say before we sign off?

Grab my music, even if you don't like it, because it makes me look good! Haha. Be whoever you want to be, even if it's a door handle or something. You can do it!! And listen to REAL hip-hop! Lets get this revival going! PEACE!

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

Head over here to grab some of Kane's material: http://ashmore.bandcamp.com/

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

You can catch Kane Ashmore for free this Thursday from 8pm at the AlleyCafe. His launch party is part of the Wire and Wool Festival , with hip-hop from I'm Not From Brooklyn on one floor, and acoustic treats from Under The Tree downstairs. Come along!