EZOW: ‘Tapping Into the Music Industry Is Not Easy’

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by Alexandra Mansilla

EZOW: ‘Tapping Into the Music Industry Is Not As Easy As Many Think’

8 Oct 2024

His EP Concrete Jungle was an incredible success, and if you Google EZOW, you will notice the word "rise" comes up a lot — whether in headlines or within the text. That is because his rise truly happened, and it is still happening — swiftly and comprehensively. Meet Emirati rapper EZOW! We spoke with him primarily about his breakout Concrete Jungle EP, specifically about the meaning behind the tracks — after all, EZOW once called it "an introduction to what I went through to get to where I am now in both my career and life."

— Your passion for music started at the age of nine. Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?

— I first fell in love with music. Looking back, it's crazy to think about the time when I used to try to mimic artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and others. When it comes to making music, there isn't just one first song; there are many "first" songs. However, my favourite first song will always be "Pay Off" because it is the first single I released with my label. This track was produced by the billboard charting producer Kato on the Track, and Sydney Miranda directed the music video; he brought the whole vision to life.

— You have mentioned that a lot of the themes in your debut EP, Concrete Jungle, are very personal and introspective. You described it as “an introduction to what I went through to get to where I am now in both my career and life.” Can you share more about the stories and topics behind those songs?

— Concrete Jungle is a personal project for me. Tapping into the music industry is not as easy as many think. It is like entering a concrete jungle. It reflects working on my first EP, the challenges, and the lessons that got me to this point. Each track has its narrative behind it, and once you hear the whole EP, you get to live that moment.

Like "Bad Temper", for example. That one dives into my frustrations with life at specific points. Choosing a path without a role model or someone to make it from the region is complex. Writing that track was like therapy for me — getting all those thoughts on paper and turning them into something positive.

Then there is "Celebrate", which flips that energy around. It is about enjoying the wins, even the small ones, and remembering how far I have come. We are often so focused on the grind that we forget to pause and take in the moment.

"No Way Home" is one of the deeper tracks on the project. It is about those moments in life when you feel completely committed like you are at a point of no return, and everything feels uncertain. But more than just expressing that feeling of against all odds, I will make it, the song is really about hope and faith. Even when you can’t see a clear path forward, it is about trusting that if you keep pushing, you will find your way back to yourself and get back on top.

Each track tells a different part of my journey — the highs and the lows. Concrete Jungle is an introduction to who I am and what I’ve gone through to get to this point, not just in my career but in life as a whole.

— You know how challenging it is to break into the music industry — you have been through a lot. First question: can you recall some specific challenges you faced early on? And second, do you remember when you first got noticed?

— Breaking into the music industry is not easy, as everyone says. I guess nothing in life is easy, either. You won't feel the pressure if your goal is to be the best artist in your school, but imagine the pressure when you aim to be the best artist in the world. This is a marathon, not a 100-meter race. As they say, "It's always impossible until it's done." All I can say is, "Watch me."

The music industry is experiencing growth in the region, particularly in the hip-hop genre. Misunderstandings are common in this genre, and I have felt that since the beginning. The music industry and media play a significant role in categorising artists, including underground or local artists. Nowadays, all music is stored in the cloud, so the term "local artist" is outdated when you have an audience in every city worldwide. However, this will eventually change. This is a reason to work even harder in your career. Many artists may give up, but that is not an excuse not to try harder. We have a responsibility to pave the path for the next generation.

— In advice to aspiring musicians, you once said: “Be cautious about the feedback you receive, as it can have a big impact on your career trajectory.” Have you ever received feedback that affected you, but you chose to stick to your path and ended up succeeding?

— Absolutely. As an artist, you receive a lot of feedback, and not all of it is positive. When people ask me about my dream, I tell them I want to become the biggest artist in the world. Some people think my dream is crazy. However, calling a dream crazy is not an insult; it is a compliment and the best advice I have ever heard.

I knew deep down that what I was doing was authentic to me, which would set me apart. So, I chose to stick to my path. I doubled down on my vision, sound, and what I represent. Honestly, that is what ended up getting me noticed. So yeah, feedback is essential, but you have got to know when to trust yourself and your vision.

Instagram: @ezowh

— Tell us about this photo!

— It is me with my brother Akon. I won't go into details. He is an icon, and his impact on our generation is undeniable.

— A bit about your family: you have mentioned that they have always been supportive. Do you remember the day you told them you wanted to pursue a career in the music industry?

— My family has always had my back; their support means everything. I vividly remember the day I told them I wanted to pursue music as a career. They saw how passionate I was and how much time and effort I put into my craft. They told me, "If this is what you love, go for it, but give it everything you've got." That stuck with me. Having that kind of belief from my family gave me the confidence to push forward, even when things got tough. I will always be grateful for that support — they have been with me every step of the way.

— You once mentioned acting as one of your future plans but couldn't share details at the time. Is there anything you can tell us about it now?

— Yeah, acting is something I have been wanting to dive into for a while now, and I am just at the start of that process. I have been exploring it, but it is still too early to disclose anything specific. There is a lot I am learning and working on behind the scenes. When things start to take shape, I will share more soon.

— What are you currently working on? Since your first EP was about what you went through, what themes will your next project explore?

— At the moment, I am working on my next project, and it will take things to a whole new universe. I am excited about this one because it is about exploring new music I haven't tapped into yet. While my first EP was about my journey, this next project will dive into different perspectives. I want to keep a lot of it under wraps for now but trust me, it's going to be something that will become a brand or a movement on its own.

— And the last question: Sunglasses have become essential to your style — why?

— Sunglasses have become an essential part of my identity. As a public figure, people often question why I constantly wear sunglasses. I grew up in Dubai, where the sun shines year-round, so sunglasses naturally became a daily necessity. Now, I feel incomplete without them.

by Alexandra Mansilla

EZOW: ‘Tapping Into the Music Industry Is Not As Easy As Many Think’

8 Oct 2024

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8 Oct 2024

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