I am not a big fan of basketball, but I do love Luka Dončić. Confused? Oh, I meant the track "Luka Dončić" by the Gujarat rapper 2facebleed, whose name is as sharp as his lyrics. Emerging from the state, the 24-year-old rapper captures the hearts of his listeners with emotion-provoking melodies. He delves into the deepest alleys of his soul to bring his art to life. In the latest edition of Voices, we sat down with him for a chat about his upcoming projects, the origin of his name, his album "Loner at Sunset," and much more.
Q1) One of the first things that comes to mind when listening to your music is your unique stage name, 2facebleed. Can you share the story behind how you chose this name? What's the meaning or inspiration behind it?
“We all contain multitudes; we are all a fusion of many parts. This is what makes us real and human. To some extent, we are all two-faced. I've had a lot of encounters with two-faced people, which made me think sometimes why people are the way they are until I realized it is what it is. This is why I named myself 2facebleed. I can tolerate them and get over them. Also, I believe in Harvey Dent. Haha.”
Q2) One of the standout tracks in your discography is "Obsession," which features a collaboration with the artist Harjas Harjaayi. Can you tell us a bit about how that collaboration came about and what the experience was like working together on that song?
"Harjas paaji is one of the Titans of this industry. It was mind-flipping for me when I got to do a track with his presence. He heard my track 'Faded' and texted me that he really loved the vibe, and then we got a chance to do a track for the YBM mixtape. It gave me a boost that I was on the right track. I'll always be thankful for that ki wahi the jinhe mujhe mein kuch dikha."
Q3) The title track "Loner at Sunset" sets a melancholic yet introspective tone. Can you share what inspired you to write about feeling like a loner and how that relates to the project’s overall concept?
"'Loner at Sunset' expresses feelings of loneliness and yearning for a connection with someone. It highlights the impact that a person's presence can decide your feelings throughout the day and night, implying that they bring joy and light into your life. In the end, when the sun sets, we are all alone."
Q4) Many of the song titles like "Shreya's Interlude Pt. 2" and "Out of Love" suggest a personal and emotional journey. How did you decide which themes and stories to focus on in the lyrics across the 7 tracks?
"Each track has a story: all those magical moments faded away with time when you fell out of love. I thought I'd be fine with or without you until I had the epiphany that it's impossible, and in the end, I was just a loner at sunset. 'Shreya's Interlude' was a gesture to tell my partner how much she meant to me."
Q5) Your debut EP "Loner at Sunset" was released in 2022 to much acclaim from fans and critics alike. What was the overarching concept or theme that you wanted to explore with this project?
“I just told my experiences with heartbreak. I have a thing for sad music, and I just wanted to express my pain through all those songs so that people connect, and they did.”
Q6) Looking ahead, can you give us an exciting glimpse into any upcoming collaborations or projects you have in the pipeline? We'd love to know who you’re working with and the creative direction you're heading. When can your fans anticipate these new releases, and what should they be looking forward to the most?
“I've been working on two projects simultaneously, both of them exploring different genres: one being pop punk, the other hyperpop. 'Slipknot' and 'Luka Dončić' were the opening tracks for both of them separately.”
Q7) I imagine there's an extra level of energy and emotion that comes through when you're able to connect with fans in person. Can you describe what that live concert experience is like for you as the artist?
“I used to be nervous before performing, but then Mark bhai told me once that you are the main character of your life, so bring that energy to the stage. That worked, and it has always been an overwhelming experience for me on stage. The audience singing out their hearts with me adds the cherry on top.”
Q8) As an artist who has carved out a unique sound blending RnB and hip-hop, I'm curious to hear about some of the other musicians in those genres that you look up to or find particularly inspiring.
“I've always looked up to The PropheC, Diesby, Dhruv Sthetick, Talwiinder, and Bella in this soundscape. I hope to make a song with all of them one day.”
Q9) This is an exciting time in your journey, 2facebleed. I'd love to hear more about your bold artistic vision for the future and the biggest dreams you have for yourself and your music.
“I honestly don't know what to say about this and where I will end up. Nothing is promised in this field, and you never know where you might end up. I don't even know if I'll make music throughout my life or not. I hope I do. It's just that as long as I maintain my purity as an artist and don't let outside influences take hold of it, I'm fine. Baaki toh, the biggest dream is that I become the biggest in my peri pheri.”
Q10) Creative pursuits can also take a personal toll. Have you encountered any mental, emotional, or even physical challenges that have tested your resilience as a musician? How have you learned to navigate those kinds of obstacles?
“Sailing through the pain, the setbacks, and hardships is what fuels one's art. I've had a fair share of that. People looking down upon you, telling you you're not good enough, makes you question yourself. But at the end of the day, your art is all about you and not others. I just don't give a fuck about anything anymore. Thoda emotionless ho gaya hoon main, so I can carry on pretty well. But this leaves a bad imprint on my relationships. It's always really hard for me to explain myself, but I can do that smoothly with my music.”
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