Rising Maryland born artist Lil Seyi releases his final single ‘On E’, following on from recent tracks ‘Recall (Young Man), ‘Leather Free Seats’ and ‘AC Press’, lifted from the new EP ‘A Blue Tesla Story’ out now through Kitsuné Musique.
After the release of several singles and a wonderful ‘Remixes EP’, Lil Seyi has worked hard to come back with a project that lives up to his artistic ambitions. ‘A Blue Tesla Story’ is more than just four songs, it is a whole story, which must be listened to in its entirety, composed and performed by a young man whose trajectory is on the rise.
Seyi, who has always been fascinated by golden era hiphop and offers an EP that combines the classic codes of the genre with his personal influences. Channeling the strong political messaging of groups like N.W.A and Public Enemy and the current social commentary of peers like Kendrick Lamar. The diversity and originality of his compositions remind us of Kanye West’s achievements, while the structure of the project and the way of linking the tracks remind us of Frank Ocean’s creations.
Seyi explains: “The nameless main character in a A Blue Tesla Story isn’t perfect, far from it actually. The EP even opens up with him going on a joyride, rear ending a car and driving away from the scene (hit and run). This decision leads to a series of events that end in the tragic passing away of his brother at the hands of the highway patrol. The EP continues as we follow the life of this main character as he deals with the public eye of this very public trial seeking justice for his brother. We see him getting support from protestors, but we also see him under heavy scrutiny as his involvement with credit card scamming surfaces. In the end, we find him left with nothing at all as time passes by and neither the supporters nor critics seemed to care about him or his late brother anymore.”
About ‘On E’: “After hearing a voicemail from an old friend, we realize time has passed. We are in a future where our main character sounds…different. Not perfect, but he sounds a lot more mature and healthy mentally. We have no idea when and how this growth happens until he tells us his true healing started when he figured out what he truly needed was something bigger than you or me, God. As the music transports us with futuristic arps and wide spacey synths, we arrive at beginning of this transformation. We see him realising and understanding that despite everything else being gone, God still “sticks around”. With nothing else to lose, he accepts Gods offer of grace and love, the best decision of his life. Heaven erupts with joy, and the cheers are heard throughout God’s kingdom “for one soul, for you”.
Born in Prince George’s county Maryland to Nigerian Immigrants, music has always been a part of Seyi’s life. Before high-school, Seyi had taught himself how to play the guitar and drums and not so long after that he picked up the keyboard and taught himself how to produce music.
Seyi worked hard to take on the responsibilities that come with being an artist. Now he’s back with ‘A Blue Tesla Story’, an EP where thoughtful storytelling honours the wonderful music Seyi has composed for this new project.
On E / 1st July
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