I was fortunate to see local rapper Louis J Walker perform at Exeter’s OXJAM event in 2019, we caught up briefly after his set and I asked him if he’d like to take part in our ‘Introducing’ feature on the website, he said he’d love to (who wouldn’t?)

We chatted about his forthcoming EP, supporting AITCH at The Lemongrove in Exeter on January 17th and who he would most like to collaborate with in the future. For all this and WAY more, please read on….

So, we know you're called Louis J Walker and you're a Devon based rapper, tell me something fascinating about you that not many people would know...

One thing people really don’t know about me is that I was actually born in Wales, so that makes me a big welsh rugby fan (when they’re winning)

I often wonder what rappers rap about.....what do YOU rap about?

I tend to rap about what I know and what I’ve experienced, there’s a common misconception amongst the older generation with my music in that a lot of them automatically think It’s gangsta rap from the 80’s. Times have changed and music has evolved. Therefore my music is a mix of old & new, taking inspiration from everywhere, in the new EP I talk about modern relationships & self confidence.

Have you introduced politics into your lyrics yet? if so, please give me a couple of lines as an example....

Yes unfortunately, with Brexit hovering over us like a black cloud for the past 4 years it’s been hard to dodge. I’ve a line in a freestyle I use at live shows - “I’m tryna find the exit, all I see is Brexit” short and sweet, very relatable.

Tell me how you got into music in the first place? Do you remember your parents playing music around the house in your younger days?

I’ve the most vivid memories of my mum blaring out U2 in our house growing up, name any song of theirs and I’m telling you I know the lyrics, thanks mum. My dad is a big Pink Floyd fan, when I started to discover music for myself I was drawn to UK Rap, at the time the UK rap scene was far from what it is today. I was a huge fan of Devlin and he definitely shaped the way I write songs, it’s amazing to take inspiration from very different places.

When did you first think that you wanted to do it as a career?

I started taking music seriously from the age of 19 and found a little place to record some things I’d written, practice was key & finding out who I wanted to be, what I wanted to share and how I wanted to do it, from then it’s been a school day everyday. I’ve learnt so much and fully come to understand it’s not just about making good music, there’s a whole other ball game once you’ve got your product. I wish I started sooner!

You mentioned in an interview on BBC News that your lyrics reach people and help them to understand certain issues and struggles, tell me about a time when someone has contacted you to thank you for doing that....

I get kind messages regularly from people enjoying the music that is available, recently someone reached out who underwent serious heart surgery. They chose to listen to my EP ‘Daylight’ before they went under anaesthetic, I find that touching on a number of levels.   

You've had some issues in the past including being expelled from school, would you say that music got you back on the 'straight and narrow'?

It’s funny you mention being expelled from school, but I’d say my ‘better half’ Jade has put me on the straight and narrow, she’s definitely changed me and my outlook. We met when I was 18.

Looking back over the years, I guess there have been many artists and rappers that have helped to influence your style and approach to music, tell me about a couple of them and what they mean to you?

I’ve been influenced by so many musicians over the years, the fact I’m able to support on stage and meet some of my idols is amazing. I was recently with Dappy explaining to him that I was 14 at the height of ‘N Dubz’ and that even then I was inspired to pursue it. Example is a nice guy too, he took a copy of my last EP ‘Daylight’ after my set at Party In the castle.

Do you come across any barriers being a white British rapper? (I'm not being racist, just thinking that most people associate rap with black artists and I want to help to break down that barrier....)

Up until recently I believe it’s not really been accepted in the ‘older culture’ over the past 20 years everything’s evolved at an incredible speed. Now we have white British rappers in the charts and are examples of how to do it. Behind every good artist there’s an even better management team pushing them in the right direction. These times it’s not about the colour of your skin, but that argument certainly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

You're supporting AITCH in February when he plays at Exeter’s Lemongrove, how did this gig come about and what is it about him that has made him so damned popular?

Yes I’m very humbled by the opportunity to Support Aitch and even better, my EP is out the same day (it can be pre-saved HERE) He’s one of a few in the industry that is really is just himself, and people love him for it. He’s got the whole of Manchester behind him anywhere he steps, and going back to what I previously said about management. The crew at NQ entertainment have really blown everyone’s mind with this one, they had a plan and stuck to it. He’s a talented artist and has accomplished more in one year than anyone could have ever thought.

Your new EP 'Stand Out' is released on 17th January, can I ask you to break down each track for me?

(Run it) - The introduction and explanation to what exactly I’ve been doing since ‘Daylight’ and that’s Running it. A powerful and honest welcome to the project.

(Stand Out) - The modern day relationship with some twists, a clever word play used with the chorus makes it catchy. In my opinion the biggest song on the EP.

(R.T.S) - a Very catchy song, all about asking people really what is it that they want from me ?

(Breaking point) - a must listen to, produced by Chris Ultranova it’s completely different to anything I’ve made before. Big energy.

(Ego Freestyle) - a clever freestyle stating that the Ego is a living thing, it’s a feature of the universe. There’s a great sample from a 1950’s lecture on Ego’s at the end. 

Any new year’s resolutions set or broken already? 

My New Years resolution is to stop smoking cigarettes, it’s not good for anyone.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a track?

I’d love to collaborate with Mahalia one day, that’d be dope. Or Jhené Aiko. I really would like to collaborate with singers it brings a whole other depth to songs.

Where can people pre-order 'Stand Out'?

The pre order link for Stand out is available in my Instagram Bio and across my Facebook page. Very easy to do it’s only two clicks! (here’s the pre-save link)

Lastly, there are a TON of artists and bands out there, please take a moment to name a few for our readers to check out in 2020.

 For the readers I definitely suggest these artists to get stuck into.

Odd Onez, Violet Eye, Adam Wayde, Pattern Pusher, Sadie Horler, Poppy Fardel, Cameron James.

We’d like to thank Louis for sparing the time over the festive period to chat to us and we wish him every success in the future and look forward to catching his set when he supports AITCH at Exeter’s Lemongrove on January 17th. He’ll be releasing his new EP at the gig, why not go and pick a copy from the merchandise table.

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