On their debut EP, ICY, Canada's Hip Hop rapper jdotds and Afrobeat/R&B singer Teebee seek to finally be honest about the polar side of this ice-cold season we won’t talk about till the lights are off. With creative melodies and hard-hitting hooks, the Windsor-based African duo tap into the western sound to bring you unique vibes for every mood; ICY. Released by their own label For Life In Paradise Records, ICY peaked at 10 in the albums category on the Apple music World Chart.
1. Tell me about For Life in Paradise Records. Are there any other artists on the label?
So basically, it’s a collective of different artists who happen to be friends. The idea behind it was to be as creative as possible with no limits. To be very honest I would say it is more than a record label, because we have models, graphic designers, videographers/photographers etc. It is more like a family; we’re all trying to make a career from doing things that make us happy, hence the name “For life in Paradise”. Besides us, there’s two others artists; Gyebi and Dani Draco.
2. How long have you been working together?
Nine months to be precise.
3. What is the music scene like in Windsor?
It’s really interesting, there’s a lot of talent out here. I feel like Windsor is an artistic city that has been slept on, however you get the feeling that things are about to change and not just the music, there’s fashion, arts etc.
4. What is your typical day like?
On our days from school and work, we are mostly in the studio. Even if we’re not making music, we’re listening to music to get inspired or we’re bouncing ideas back and forth.
5. Who or what inspires you?
Michael Jackson, Drake, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, Wizkid, the whole beastcoast movement….to be honest anyone who make dope music.
6. How did you feel when you found out that ICY peaked at 10 in the albums category on the Apple music World Chart?
To be very honest, we knew the tape was really good, but we didn’t expect this tape that we created in the basement of our house to chart…so for that to happen, it was really overwhelming. I remember getting screenshots from my friends and being really excited. It was just a moment for us.
7. What is your dream gig?
We’ve never really given that much thought to be honest, but it would be nice to perform in different countries like the U.S, England, France etc.
8. What skills or personal attributes do you think are most important to being successful in the music industry?
Talent, versatility and most important is perseverance.
9. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creatives?
Never stop creating.
10. What’s next for you? Any plans to tour?
We have individual projects that will be dropping this year. There will also be a lot of collaborative singles from the acts on the label. Right now, we’re just trying to get ourselves and the music out there.
Listen to or buy ICY here: song.link/album/i/1446194478
Interview by Glodeane Brown. All photos provided by the artists.
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