FLAVOURMAG
Boyz
II
Men
ArtchaThe man behind the art
Sagging jeans, hoodies and over-priced jewellery. These are
the trappings typically associated with a UK hip-hop artist.
M
eet Artcha: stylish Now it’s 2008 and Artcha is disappointed that I didn’t stick to
spectacles, smart sweater working on his as-yet-untitled hip-hop. That’s how I was feeling
and dress pants. He’s sophomore release. With promises at the time and I’m proud of it.’
quick to inform me that numerous to be just as eclectic as the first he It’s no surprise to learn that
meetings are the reason for his says, ‘this album is a vindication having studied Film at university
attire. I get a sneaky suspicion that of a lot of things’. The sound is and being a natural film buff,
he rocks the smart guy look from very electronic and up-tempo. It’s Artcha is trying his hand at acting.
time to time and not just for formal going to make you move.’ Commissioned by the Bernie
occasions. And why not, when it With new experiences, the new Grant Arts Centre, he has devised
suits him so well. material looks set to reflect a more a play with choreographer Katie P.
Spoilt for choice from the mature Artcha in terms of concept With the working title Addi-diction
many bars in Camden we settle and lyrical content, especially it attempts to ‘explore the demise
on Bar Uno, an intimate spot with in regards to relationships and of a human being through an
low lights and good music. Among ‘feelings that men don’t always addiction’ – to trainers.
the sparse midweek revellers we feel comfortable to talk about.’ When not working in the
settle down and begin to talk. This time around, Artcha is studio, Artcha is one third of 3ME
dan Roach
Far from being a newcomer looking for more support from (Three Musketeers Entertainment).
to the scene, Artcha has been the commercial radio stations. An entertainment company which
around since 1996. Forming the Competing with major labels and he owns and runs with longtime
One Crew with other rappers artists from the US, there appears friends-cum-business partners
from North London such as Sway, to be a battle for UK artists from a Charmer and Malone. As well
then going solo and releasing hip-hop background to be played as working for the voluntary
the Therapy Sessions Mix tape: on UK airwaves. It’s a topic Arctha organization Health for
Chapter 1, before releasing his is passionate about. ‘Radio has Haringey, which helps to fund
debut album Therapy Sessions a responsibility to communicate community- based projects.
in 2005, featuring the hit tracks all types of music,’ he informs ‘I’m not really trying to prove
Fatal Beauty and The Hype. The me. Then questioning himself he anything to anyone. Whether you
album was released through asks: ‘Or they should have the hear me on a track, see me in a
the independent label The responsibility to do that?’ video, on stage or in a film.’
Schizofreniks, who also produced In everything, Artcha creates
a few tracks. It encompassed he aims to be true to himself first.
www.myspace.com/artcha
a number of musical genres For that reason, not everyone Addi-diction April 24 at the
including salsa, funky house was completely happy with Bernie Grant Arts Centre
ds by Rachelle Hull, Photography by Jor
and reggae – a reference to the his debut. ‘Some people were Single release: June 2008
or
27-year-old’s Jamaican heritage. pleasantly surprised, some were Album release: October 2008 W
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