I got the opportunity to chat with hip hop/pop/electronic/other cool-sounding genre artist Theophilus London for an interview on kare11.com. You may have seen him pop up in the pages of Rolling Stone, Vogue or perform on David Letterman. The Brooklynite talked to me about his upcoming Minneapolis show (his first-ever visit to our charming city), connecting with fans on Twitter and making a cameo in a Beyonce music video (you know I had to ask him about that!).
If you want to see him live, you can see him at the LOFT on Saturday, January 14 (tomorrow!). Ticket info here. Here’s a snippet of my Q&A with him:
You’re calling this tour “Tour de Roses.” What’s the significance of that name?
Theophilus London: The rose symbolizes this year for me – 2012. I’ve been designing a lot using the rose. It’s a very inspiring flower to me. You know, “Lovers Holiday 2: Rose Island,” is what I’ve been working on recently. I’ve been working on this mind state, “Rose Island,” that’s going to be 25 songs. It will be like a free street album that’s coming out in a month or two.
This is your first performance in Minneapolis. What can people expect from your show?
TL: Yeah, it’s my first time ever in Minneapolis. This is something very energetic. This is something brand new — a new idea. This is a very, very exciting energy. A lot of new songs from “Lovers Holiday 2” and all the good ones from “Timez Are Weird.” You know, this will be a good introduction to the city of Minneapolis. And I’m just psyched to come out and play for you guys.
You’re really active on Twitter and Instagram and are great about interacting with fans. Do you use those outlets to get feedback from fans and influence what you’re working on?
TL: Yeah, that’s all that I have. Of course I use it to influence my stuff. I use it to get my music out there. Any person in this business model today should be using it as their outlet. [That] should be no surprise. You know, you have all these different social outlets [and] I focus on them every single day.
It’s clear you have a thing for clothes. How would you describe your style? And where do you get all your cool hats?
TL: My personal style is raw. It’s just how I’m feeling. It’s a very tasteful selection. [And] I make all of my hats.
So how did you end up in Beyonce’s “Party” music video?
TL: I’m friends with the family. I’m friends with Solange and Lil J. Solange invited a couple of her friends to hang out on the set. I knew the director that was shooting the video and they wanted us to be in the video so we came to show love and support to Beyonce and the whole family. It was a dope video.
“It’s time to live it up” is a repeated lyric in your song, “Wine and Chocolates.” What’s your idea of “living it up?”
TL: Just true happiness inside of yourself. Feeling good, feeling healthy and the ability to do anything your mind tells you. Be free.
Pingback: Winter recap Instagram-style | katie in minneapolis