Yxng Bane on his Dr. Martens collaboration, 'Rihanna' and the UK music scene

'I know someone as bad as Rihanna'

East London artist Yxng Bane recently teamed up with Dr. Marten's 'Stand For Something' campaign around self-expression.

Signed to Tinie Tempah's Disturbing London imprint, he captured wider attention with a remix of Ed Sheeran's "Shape Of You", along with his latest single "Rihanna".

We caught up with him for a quick Q&A about his music, "Rihanna", and his plans for the rest of the year.

Q&A with Yxng Bane

Is there any particular item of clothing - hats, a jacket, shoes - that you use most often to express your individuality?

I think it'd be my choice of trousers you know...definitely my trousers they get noticed the most yeah. I just found the sickest pair in a boutique in Atlanta while we were out there for Red Bull culture clash.

What music have you got on repeat at the moment?

I've been in studio mode recently quite a lot so I've just been listening to myself. But other than that I love that new Hardy Caprio and One Acen track and I'm listening to a lot of SZA, Future, and 6lack.

What are your plans for the rest of 2017?

The rest of 2017? I just want to grow man, I want my music to show growth, I want to grow as a person. I just wanna grow you know and show development.

What made you want to dedicate a song to Rihanna?

I know someone....someone as bad as Rihanna. I'm sure we all do lol, it's just me paying homage to all the beautiful queens out there, and of course herself: Queen Rihanna.

What are your thoughts on the music coming out of London - and the UK - right now?

The scene is really popping right now, I'm excited man, I'm loving what's going on. Our organic energy is great and unrivalled, everybody seems to be in a good place like they've found themselves but are still willing to experiment, so it's an exciting time for our scene man....and we can't deny the fact that the attention is on us right now so it's perfect.

All the young artists are coming through and even the older ones are cementing their position, so it's looking good for the future man, it's looking really positive.

What was the first gig you ever played and what’s been the best so far?

The first gig I ever played was in ...in Birthdays, Hackney, if I'm not mistaken...I remember acting like I was performing at the O2 Arena or something lol but the best gig I've had, I gotta shout out my big bro Wizkid man, he brought me out at wireless... shutdown that stage in front of thousands of people, it was a crazy experience man. Crazy. My performance for Dr. Marten's is also up there because it's probably been my most unique so far. It's not everyday you get to perform a surprise gig out of the side of a van.

For more information on the Dr Martens Stand For Something tour visit their website

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