Singer-songwriter Rukhsana Merrise, better known around the game as Rox, is an artist who has impressed the industry with her voice and own unique sound. A product of her environment, Rukhsana adds an element of flavor to her music with U.S. influences ranging from Kanye West to Frank Ocean to John Meyer. As an avid appreciator of Joni Mitchell, listening to her and the likes of Fleetwood Mac helped the West Londoner to learn how to mish-mash styles that caught a lot of people’s ears.
Almost two years ago, she put in front of herself the strenuous task of recording, writing and releasing a song every week of the month. The final result was the Soundcloud-only effort entitled The September Songs EP, eventually released on Communion Records. Her fresh cool, modern-funk-esque voice and command of melody is sure to engross listeners for years to come. And as we’ve witnessed with our own ears, Rukhsana Merrise is a force of melody that brings a whole palette of creativity that will enable her to standout from the masses.
Propelled by some cliff-scaling atmospherics, Rukhsana Merrise’s “Money,” which we’re happy to be premiering here in the U.S., is an anthemic statement marked by her unshaken ambition. As Rukhsana showcases her songwriting skills on the track, she sits down with Okayplayer as this week’s First Look Friday subject to talk about her influences, what she’s learned about herself through music and why London’s music scene is evolving.
Okayplayer: To music snobs the world over, you are making an impact on both sides of the U.S You’re forever being inspired by other artists as there’s so much talent emerging from the UK, it makes me proud to be apart. What is it that the blokes in London are seeing and hearing that the world has yet to discover?
Rukhsana Merrise: To be honest, I am thankful to be in the position that I’m in, as I am still in the early days of my career. There’s so much more to explore about myself and a lot of that will be expressed once the album is complete. I’m forever learning new things, growing more into myself and it is a story that I want to tell in my music.
OKP: For those who have a passion for music, they honed their skills and practiced their craft. Who are your most cherished influences in music and why?
RM: I have several influences that I love and respect in my life — some being music, others non-musical — but all impact the way that I have developed as an artist. I am heavily inspired by poetry and conversations. I’m always taken aback when you meet a person, a friend, a family member or even a stranger in passing. You could be speaking about your experiences in life and something then connects you in a way that never happened before that conversation. I draw my inspirations from moments like that. I’ve always listened to Joni Mitchell and loved her ability for storytelling and conversational lyrics. Kanye West for being so innovative within the arena of hip-hop because he dares to do all the things people don’t without even thinking about it. I also always loved listening to John Mayer. I’ve said in the past that if I could play the guitar, I’d want to play like him because he’s amazing!
OKP: Your song, “Money,” is a very dope sounding song and has placed you on the radar of music snobs who have a heavy presence in the industry. Can you talk about how life was for you while developing as an artist in London? How have you reacted to your first bits of press?
The post First Look Friday: Let’s Go Straight To The Bank With Rukhsana Merrise appeared first on Okayplayer.
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