Exclusive: Theodor Black launches the video for his song ‘Logos’ on Nataal
Theodor Black is becoming known for his experimental hip hop sound layering poetic lyricism over his self-produced, lo-fi beats. The south London talent started out with the Reservoir collective before landing collaborations with Osquello and Josif and releasing his debut solo EP ‘Black Boy Blues’ in 2018. And now comes his new EP ‘Garçon’, which explores black male identity, relationships and his transition into adulthood.
Today, Nataal debuts Black’s video to ‘Logos’, perhaps the most reflective track on the EP. Shot in black and white, video director Iso Attrill has built a stylistic, vintage-inspired atmosphere around his sonic reflections on learning to accept and focus on the present, despite the uncertainty of the future. A testament to his consistent growth as an artist and wave maker, Nataal speaks to Black about what inspires his world.
What were your early musical influences?
My dad was really into music and played a lot of lovers rock records. My mum was into soul music, so artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child. Hearing all of that as a kid set the tone for what I would be interested in listening to as I got older.
When did you realise you wanted to be a solo artist?
Reservoir was cool, it was a blessing to be able to meet Virgil, Niall, Max and Bill and all of those guys. In terms of direction though, I felt like I didn’t share a uniform vision with them so I just decided to be completely self-sufficient.
Who is your music for?
It’s for anyone who’s interested in listening to genuine music, anyone who’s interested in the message behind it and the emotion it’s trying to convey.
How did Garçon take shape?
2020 has been such a pivotal year for everyone, I think we’ve all had some sort of revelation. Making music and creating a project in the midst of all of this shit, I don’t know how I did it, but it was interesting because I had an abundance of free time, which was amazing.
Tell us about Logos.
‘Logos’ is a timeless song. It means a lot to me because it’s about identity. Essentially your logo is who you are and it’s what people judge you based upon. The song's talking about wearing your logo with pride, no matter what it is, and don’t let anything bring you down.
What does this project say about who you are as an artist today?
It shows growth. Anytime I drop a project it feels like a milestone in my life. It’s been two years since ‘Black Boy Blues’ and the person I was then and now are different. My ideologies and experiences over time have shaped me to be who I am today and that’s just bold.
What is your starting place when you write a song?
Most of the things I write about are all very personal, which makes it easier for people to relate to the lyrics and builds up a connection to the music itself. I’m just trying to express as much of myself as I can. From ‘Logos’ my favourite lyric is: ‘I feel the pressure every day, hold composure don’t decay, colour texture we’re all the same some would say’. What that means is that as a black man I walk down the street every fucking day and without a doubt there is going to be someone who will judge me based on my skin colour or even based on what I’m wearing. You feel that pressure and all you can do is make sure that you stay as composed as you possibly can and not fall apart.
How did your collaboration with Iso Attrill come about?
We both went to University of the Arts in Camberwell. I don’t even remember how we first met but she shot some photos for me in 2018 in her garden, just before I dropped ‘Weekends’. This time around, she took the idea and created a beautiful video. She shot one half with a Super 8 and the other half was digital to create the split screen. It’s such a simple idea but the way it was done is flawless so yeah, big ups to Iso.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
I’d say be comfortable with not being in control of everything. Growing up I was a control freak but as you get older you realise that shit never really goes to plan. Just learn to let go and let life unravel itself.
‘Garçon’ by Theodor Black is out now. Find it here