Bloodlyne Talks New EP, His Voice And More

Bloodlyne, the New York City-born, Indonesian-based R&B and soul-pop sensation of Zimbabwean descent, unleashes his irresistibly smooth new single ‘Bubblegum’ – the lead track from his bold new EP ‘The Shot’, out now via LabelProM. We chatted to him about the EP, his voice and more: 

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

I owe this memory to my mother, it was back in NYC I was 2years old dancing and singing to Ray Parker Junior, it was in that moment she knew I would do music as I got older. 

 

When did you begin songwriting?

The first song I ever wrote was when I was in high school. I’ll never forget it, boarding school, Kyle College, Masvingo, Zimbabwe sitting under a short tree on a sunny Saturday morning, in a white tee and blue jeans with my crumpled note book writing a song called, “ We’re Gonna have a Party,” I was 14.

 

 

You have your new EP ‘The Shot’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

I wanted to tell a series of stories, and each song on that EP is a personal experience that is relatable to anyone who listen’s to it. It has a sonic consistency to it as well which is important in any body of work of this size.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

I recorded the whole EP in my own home studio, three out of the five tracks were produced by yours truly, and the remainder were produced by Dexfa and Prawi. It was a team effort honestly. I’m grateful they were part of it. Shout out to Delatepe for killing it on the guitars for, “The Shot.”

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

The Shot was recorded back in 2017, Dexfa and I were on the come up, my production skills were still garbage then hahaha. I remember giving it to Dexfa telling him, I don’t know what to do with this! Have fun. I thought he would finish fast but he only gave it back to me 5 years later hahaha, but I’m glad he waited because what him, Prawi and Delatepe did to that vibe was beyond epic!

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Not at all, I was chasing a feeling, and my equipment was limited and very inexpensive. You create the best songs sometimes when you have little to work with.  But my go to softwares are Reason and Pro-Tools. I like having having a warm, edgy tone in my music that feels cinematic and takes you on a journey.

 

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

At my Happiest, Don’t Say I never Loved You, Bubblegum and Hanya Kamu
Angriest. The Shot
The most Reflective would be the Shot as well and Kiss Me through the Phone

 

Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

The Shot is all about second chances, Pro-M gave me a shot in my career and I took the shot. I’m glad I did. This EP is just the beginning of many Shots I’m gonna make.see what I did there hahahaha  

Was it a difficult EP to write?

Surprisingly no, in my case it was a series of songs I had written and recorded and sonically they just fit together.

 

Who designed the EP artwork?

I would have to give credit to Angga, Yusuf, Henry and Dunk from the Pro-M team. They did a superb job shooting and editing the photos for the EP and singles. I just came in gave my best and followed their instructions. It was definitely a team effort. I gave them the inspiration behind my ideas and we did our best to execute it. 

 

The single ‘Bubblegum’ is also out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The dating world can sometimes leave people dissatisfied, like eating gum and the flavor fades away fast. But when you find that bubblegum that you wanna just chew non stop it’s like a love you can’t get enough of. That’s what I felt with my gf at the time who is now my wife. That’s why you hear in the lyrics on the chorus I say, I don’t ever wanna spit you out.”

 

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Harare…peaceful, warm, nostalgic, nature, welcoming

 

How do you look after your voice?

I stay away from excessive drinking, I don’t smoke. I do vocal warm ups and exercises along with recording weekly helps me maintain a strong voice. Honey mixed with warm water works wonders too. Regular weekly excersize to keep the body strong is important as well.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

My team and I are still working on that, I would love to perform for you guys, so trust me I’ll be there soon!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That I left you with an experience and most of all of impact that would keep you wanting to stay with me for the rest of the journey 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love the bass, electric guitar (Stratocaster) and saxophone. I don’t have a specific favourite mic but I would say the Shure Sm57 and 58 are great for live. Guitar pedals I would have to pick the fuzz face. I just love it’s edgy gritty roaring tone. I understand why Hendrix loved it so much. I would one day love to own the Headrush Prime Guitar pedal.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I would have to pick Dune. There’s so much room for experimentation of sounds and sonics. Hans Zimmer did a fantastic job at capturing that. Any cyber punk, sci-fi action novel adaptation I’ll do in a heart beat!

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams and ASAP Rocky to name a few.
I would recommend, Anyone to listen to Christian Kuria, Jenevieve, Kali Uchis, Tiara Andini, Starbe, Miguel, Alex Isley, Khruangbin Dangdut Koplo ( Indonesian Genre) Zim dancehall and N.E.R.D.  It’s a tough one hahaha I listen to a lot of music.

What makes Bloodlyne happy and what makes you unhappy?

Seeing your hard work pay off for those you love. Sharing/celebrating your blessings with your loved ones.
What makes me unhappy, is dishonesty, trying to make simple things more complicated than they should be.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Copacetic PR

Bloodlyne’s new EP ‘The Shot’ is out now via LabelProM.

Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/39GoU0WQ0aiCmGjzuKg0rd?si=PiC7HIjORnCShwgUBp_GUw&nd=1&dlsi=fec0c94dc5ce4272

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambloodlyne/

Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/iambloodlyne