INTRODUCING: STEEZ MALASE
Manurewa born Brisbane based rapper Steez Malase is all about the hustle. What started out as a young kid with a burning passion for music steadily grew to be a formidable force in the Aussie rap/R&B scene.
Since his career kick-started in 2013, Steez has made his presence count. Whilst fiercely independent, he believes wholeheartedly in using his platform to lift others up. Over the years, Steez has written music for artists such as Donell Lewis and Will Singe, opened for some international acts, and even established his own record label for aspiring artists, ‘The Kinnect AU’.
As a creative who constantly collaborates with his crew MA$ and hip-hop group Imperial Collective, alongside Brisbane rappers Kei Leeza & Kavelli, Steez’s sound is anything but stagnant. From heavy bassline bops to cruisey, old-school beats, Steez’s flows are versatile, effortless and brimming with flavour.
Now he’s back with his latest track ‘Everything on IC’, in preparation for his highly anticipated EP coming late 2021. In his own words;
Interview by BONNIE HOGAN
Photographs by HAZE ALIEU*
Everything on IC Cover Art (Left, KEI LKEEZA, Right, STEEZ MALASE)
What sparked your journey as an artist?
I grew up in a musical family. Originally I wanted to be an R&B singer and wrote my first song at the age of 11yrs old, but I didn't cut my first demo until I was about 16yrs old. I've always had a passion for writing in general, whether it was R&B, Rap or experimenting with other genres.
In this look, STEEZ MALASE wears all garments via, PROJECT. STORE
What or who would you say has influenced your sound?
In terms of Rap - J.cole and Drake, JayZ would probably be my biggest influences. R&B wise, I'm old at heart, influenced by artists like D’Angelo, but I also try to stay sonically relevant with sounds like Eric Bellinger, Bryson Tiller & Ty Dolla Sign.
Tell us about your upcoming release?
‘Everything on IC’ is a manifestation for 2022. This song is how we are coming into the new year. Everything I do, I do to a level of quality. I've been working alongside the Imperial Collective for the last 4 years, helping out behind the scenes, and this just made sense on the aspect of family and building a legacy together. I'm putting all my eggs in one basket because I know what I'm bringing to the table as an artist. Everything on IC is about doubling up in every aspect. "Now the feature is too pricey”. 2021 deals won't be the same as 2022. It's different.
How do you think your sound has grown since your first few releases?
I don't think there's much growing left to do in the way of my sound. I've got multiple sounds I haven't even released yet. I'm constantly creating, but you go back to a 2012 record I put out, and the confidence of sound is the same. I've perfected my sound over the years, but I've always known who I am as an artist.
STEEZ MALASE wears all garments via, PROJECT. STORE
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
My involvement in the success of artists around me. The openings for international acts are cool. But my heart has always been around how I can use my platform to put other people on.
What does your creative/writing process look like?
I like working alone. When I'm in the studio, I chuck a beat on and just zone out. Sometimes I want to go heavy on the bars, and sometimes I wanna get on my singing shit and just create a soundtrack to a moment. Sometimes I feel like I force the pen to write. But most of the time, once I get over the writer's block, that's when the music comes. And when it comes, they come in waves. One week I'll write 10 songs; the next, I’ll write one verse. But I'm always creating.
How has this process changed over time, if at all?
I started recording with other people before I learnt to record myself. Not being on someone else's time helps me process what I want quickly. I don't have to rely on anyone else when it comes to the creating process. Just send it off for polishing when it's done.
LATEST RELEASE
STEEZ MALASE - Everything On IC featuring KEI LEEZA (Official Music Video) Directed by Moonboy Studio.
BTS PHOTOGRAPHERS
What do you hope to see change within the music industry/how would you like to be involved in this change?
I think the change I want to see is already happening. More artists are more independent; labels are coming to the table with win-win scenarios; artists are leveraging their platform to create more revenue streams. I’d like to see that more on a local tip, but not everyone is built that way. Hopefully, we’ll see more live shows coming into 2022.
FOLLOW STEEZ MALASE
CREATIVE TEAM
Interview by BONNIE HOGAN @bonnieelouise
Photographer - HAZE ALIEU @hazealieu
Stylist - CAPRI 4K @capri_4k
Garments provided by PROJECT STORE @projectstore.bne
Location - SIX CREATIVE @sixcreativeco