Pell - 10 Questions

Since breaking onto the scene in 2014, Pell has also garnered attention across the huge sync success of his Samsung commercial, produced by London on Da Track, and hit “Queso” in the Tom and Jerry Movie, which was syndicated over 10 times to multi million streamers ‘Got It Like That’ with G-Eazy, “Miss Prime Time”, with Big Gigantic, and “The Never” (with LV Baby), Pell’s impressive line of achievements reflect the versatility and reach of his music.

Pell is widely renowned for his infectious blend of hip hop, R&B, bounce and electronic tones. The acclaimed artist has clocked well over 200M streams and taken stages with superstars Doja Cat, G-Eazy, Kehlani, PJ Morton and Ambré. The New Orleans native brought his infectious presence to the 2022 Australian Summer festival circuit with Young Franco, playing huge shows at Spilt Milk, Lost Paradise and Falls Festival and doing an Australian headlining tour in 2024.

Showing no signs of slowing down, having recently co-founded a label in New Orleans titled glbl wrmng that serves as an incubator for local artists to expand their music business, Pell continues to underline himself as a multi-faceted artist who refuses to flatten himself into one dimension.

Pell sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music started when I was really little. My Mom would always sing around the house and play Motown. My dad was into Jazz and also played music around the house all the time. Growing up in New Orleans, there were so many inspiring musicians that my first memory of wanting to play music was in the fourth grade when I started playing trombone.  I had an amazing band teacher named Mrs. Antis who taught me a lot about music. She developed my thirst for musical knowledge early when she took our class to watch the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. I didn't know this path would lead me into producing during my teenage years all the way to where I am now.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My influneces come from all over but I'd like to think that indie-rock/moody hip hop music was my first inspiriation. I loved listening to Vampire weekend, Gym Class Heores, Fleet Foxes, Kanye West and Pharrell. I think I'm still waiting on that Pharrell feature to come through because that's someone who's shaped my sound because of the choices he makes rhymically. I also would love to work with this dope artist named ELIZA who dropped a dope record this year.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I have two projects I'm currently working on. One is a record that I'm hoping to release in late fall full of all of the New Orleans influences I've absorbed over the last four years of being back home. I'm producing it entirely with some friends, and I think it will be a little unexpected for some.  The next project I'm working on is a musical I've written, titled "Pellarious Pursuit," which will be showing for the third time. It will be performed locally, but the plan is to tour it sometime soon.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Light-hearted intimacy. I've always strived to share how I feel about events or people I've experienced in my life and I think that's what makes the messaging direct. The musical accompaniment to my lyricism is rooted in soul and rap music, aiming to invoke nostalgia for people like me who encounter my music. I've felt that my music has been placed into a few different genres, but I avoid categorising it because those categories can become limitations.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment to date has to be performing at Lollapalooza in Chicago on the BMI stage. Fresh off having a song chart for the first time with G-Eazy titled "Got It Like That," I had a pretty good set time and was able to actually bring G out onto my set. That version of my live performance used to involve a section dedicated to New Orleans songs that I consider classics. We decided to play Rollin' by Lil Wayne and I went into the crowd for my first stage dive ever in front of what was probably 4,000 people. I'll never forget that.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Don't do it, unless you can't live without it. The greatest thing you can offer your career is to live a full life, so make sure your story is at the forefront of why you want people to listen. I've gone through so many phases where I've had to support myself by doing things that I would've considered cheesy back when I started. Funny thing about those pivots: they led me in a new direction - one full of perspective that I could share in my music. Gaining traction in the music industry is a whole other beast, so make sure you enjoy making music so much, that all of the time you spend hustling (because you're going to have to outwork everyone) is worth it. Also don't let AI discourage you. Go through the process of getting better day by day and it will reward you tenfold.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Yes! Check out this artist from New Orleans named Kr3wcial. He's really making waves in the underground scene and has a dope band that he plays with for his live shows. It's very unique. Next I'd say listen to $leazy EZ. They easily are one of the most talented artists and even better human being. Lastly, I've really been feeling this ELIZA project that came out this year so that would be another artist I'd say give a listen to if you haven't already.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Whew! I been listening to the "Atavista" project by Childish Gambino a lot recently. I actually caught the last show of his tour a couple of years ago before he got sick - glad to see he's doing better.  "Airport Motels" by Crystal Skulls, "The Streets Is Yours: The Re-Up" by Belly Gang Kushington, "Sleeping Gypsy" by Michael Franks , and lastly "The Art of Loving" by Olivia Dean.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I play a ton of chess. Literally everyday. I have a portable set but my close friends don't play much so it's been a lot of Chess.com for me. I love to read the New Yorker magazine and work out as part of my daily ritual as well.  I'm huge into matcha, but I broke my matcha bowl earlier this year so I've been going to my favorite local spot called Pond Coffee.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

1. My hard drive, my matcha, my ableton push.