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Music, Fashion & The Next Generation:
An Interview with Ling Hussle
Interview & Words Bethany Boyo
The fierce, multi talented R&B artist that is Ling Hussle; an artist focused not only on pushing the R&B genre to the next level worldwide but also kicking down doors in the industry for the younger generation of women coming in after her, into a male predominated music industry. WOTC sat down with Ling Hussle to gain insight into her successes, struggles and to find out what it takes to walk the path of a female R&B artist.
Bethany: Tell me about your background, how long have you been doing music?
Ling: I’m 25 years old, and I’m from South London. Music has always been an integral part of me and my journey. I’ve been doing music since I was 15/16 years old, I had all my songs on soundcloud back then. One day I decided to stop and take a step back, and I deleted everything off soundcloud and started focusing on songwriting. Then in 2018 I dropped my first official EP title ’22.’
B: How did you get into the industry, being so young?
L: I had always been interested in music and started out with rapping which I feel has given my music that unique sound that it has. From school I used rap a lot and then I started singing, so I’ve fused both together. Although I don’t feel like I’m properly in the industry yet, it has been hard getting my foot in the door but having a strong support system around me has been very important. My mum has always been supportive of everything I’ve done, which is definitely needed in this industry.
B: What did you do before music?
L: I used to just work a normal job and go to the studio on the side, so on the weekends I was at the studio. However, it got to a point where I decided I wasn’t going to do the music stuff half-heartedly, and I was going to dive in and do it properly.
B: What has it been like for you as a female artist?
L: It’s definitely a little bit harder for females in the industry. You have to be strong, have a strong mindset and you’ve got to know what you want.
B: What has your experience been like working with other artists in the industry?
L: I worked with Rico Love, and I feel like he embraced me, he was a pleasure to work with and the sessions I had with him really boosted my songwriting skills. The fact that I was able to see him in his element doing what he loves really took my songwriting skills to the next level. M Huncho is also a lovely guy personality wise not just to work with but outside of music as well.
B: What have been your struggles and successes recently, especially this year with COVID-19 interruptions?
L: I didn’t have anyone to give me any advice or mentorship when I was coming into the industry, I just did it and it just worked but I’m happy that now I can be that to someone else.
B: What made you venture from music into fashion (Streetwear merch)?
L: My Partner Giovanni is a designer, so he handles the merch side of things. He’s an amazing designer and with every EP drop we come up with different ideas for merch. People know I’m into fashion, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to drop all these EP’s and songs and not have anything fashionable to go with it. It’s also really good marketing wise as well.
B: Talk to me about the spirit soul mixtape. What was the inspiration behind that?
L: After my first EP ‘22’ and the next one ‘Hustle & Dreams’ I wanted people to see I am versatile when it comes to my music. I wanted to bring something different to what people would think, I never want people to think I only do one thing, that’s why I have so many songs. To be versatile and to be transparent with my music.
B: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
L: Hopefully, I see myself at the top. I want to take alternate music to another level. To be able to push the R&B market in the UK, because there’s so many amazing underground artists out there that don’t have the platform. I definitely want to be that artist that empowers female artists.
B: What advice would you give to up and coming female artists?
L: Know who you are before you jump in, it’s easy for people to sway you if you don’t know yourself. Also, it’s not something to rush into, especially if you’re unsure about who you are, that way nobody can change you. Don’t watch nobody just work on you. That's why it’s so vital that there are female artists like myself doing it now, so it’s a lot easier for those to come.