There’s no question that alternative hip/hop artist Theophilus London could be found under ‘swagger’ in the dictionary. Fresh, fly and confident, London has recently released his latest album Vibes, executive produced by his close friend Kanye West.
According to critics, London’s genre-bending approach draws from a range of styles, from soul-pop and post-punk to electro and contemporary R&B. His influences include Michael Jackson and Prince as well as Kraftwerk and The Smiths.
It’s been a few years since we’ve caught up with Theophilus London. Take a look at our interview originally published on Oct. 7, 2011.
Interview by: Eileen Tilson
No one can say that the power of a mixtape is insignificant these days, just ask Brooklyn rapper Theophilus London, whose popular independent mixtapes landed him a performance on The Late Show With David Letterman earlier this year. His full-length debut album Timez Are Weird These Days, mixed by noted producer Dan Carey, was released by Warner Brothers on July 19, 2011. He joined us for our 5GB series before his show tonight at The Loft.
What was the the first gig you ever went to?
It was a Christmas party that Russell Simmons threw on Canal Street around 1999 and Jay-Z showed up as did LL Cool J
Best gig you have ever played/performed at?
The sold out gig at Moulin Rouge in Paris I just played.
Best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kanye West at Austin City Limits this year was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
What is the gig/festival/show you would most like to play?
Glastonbury
If you could put your dream lineup on a gig, who would it be?
R. Stevie Moore, Prince when he was 19, Talking Heads, and Marvin Gaye would be headlining.
Theophilus London will kick off his very first show on his Vibes tour
at Atlanta’s own Loft. Tickets are $20, doors open at 8 pm, show starts
at 9 pm.
