FEATURE: Spotlight: F3line — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

PHOTO CREDIT: Yusuf Sanni

F3line

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AN artist that I have been waiting to spotlight…

for a long time now, I have only delayed because there were not many interviews online with her. The inspirational and wonderful F3line is one of the most fascinating and talented young artist on the scene. She has not long put out her simply amazing E.P., Hopeless Romantic. That came out at the end of April. I would compel everyone to listen to it. She is an awe-inspiring artist who is going to go on to collaborate with some huge name, embark on massive tours and, in years to come, will stand alongside some of the most important, successful and powerful artists in all of music! If you have not got on board with her, then I would urge people to follow F3line on social media. Check out her stunning music. I cannot find many reviews for Hopeless Romantic. I hope that future E.P.s and albums will make their way to magazines, online sites and further afield so that it can get the writes-up full of love and praise. She is worthy of that! I really love F3line and her sound. So distinct and original, yet something that most listeners can identify and bond with. I am going to bring in a selection of recent interviews with F3line. An artist that I am really excited about. A truly tremendous prospect. Prior to moving on, I want to bring in this introductory and passionate feature, where we hear from the wonderful F3line:

“F3line is a fierce and beautiful singer signed to Chase Music record label. She prides herself as a proud lover and mother of cats. She is balancing her music with her education as she’s currently studying Electrical Electronics Engineering. She announced herself to the world with the release of her debut singles “Go Back Home” and “Lemons” this year, both standout tracks on Chase Music’s “The Chase” EP.

She draws inspiration for her music from some notable black soul/RnB singers like Sza, HER, and Jhene Aiko to name a few.

49th Street: The name F3line is quite unique, how did you come up with it?

F3line: Well, I love cats a lot. Growing up I had seven of them. They’re beautiful creatures. I had so many of them, I think I started to morph into one (laughs). So the name “f3line” come from “feline” which basically means cat-like.

@f3lineofficial My debut single is out now on all streaming platforms!!!! Click the link in bio to listen 🩷🐾 #fyp #f3line #musicartist👻 #newmusic #fypシ゚viral #relatable ♬ Day One - F3line

49th Street: Do you make music full time or part time?

F3line: It’s part-time for now cause I’m still a student, but I do intend to go full-time cause music is honestly what I love. It’s my talent and I’m definitely gonna use it.

49th Street: Since it’s still part time for you, what’s your other hustle?

F3line: Lol, I’m hustling for my degree . I do modeling gigs here and there too.

49th Street: How did you meet Jimni Abduls?

F3line: He reached out to me on twitter actually. Asked me to be in his music video for “Jowo” with himself, Joeboy and Oxlade, and I was all for it. When I got to set and saw everything, I was like “wow, I want this to be me. I want to shoot a music video for MY song”. Eventually, I gathered enough confidence to go up to Jinmi and I literally just said “hi, I can sing” (laughs). I’m sure he was confused but shocked at how random it was. He told me to come by his studio the next day and I think the rest is history.

49th Street: How has it been like working with it?

F3line: It’s been amazing. He’s made me feel really comfortable in owning my sound. We’ve worked on a lot of songs and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.

49th Street: How has the reception for Go Back Home?

F3line: It was amazing. I’m so grateful for everyone that streamed and are still streaming it. I was especially excited to find out that my literal idol, Fisayo Longe, listens to my music AND it was also the soundtrack for kaicollective’s swim campaign!!! It was definitely a confidence boost for me like wow, I actually make good music and I should never doubt that.

49th Street: What inspired it?

F3line: Funny story actually(laughs). I was out with a bunch of my girlfriends, you know the usual, having fun and partying! And then my mom calls me and says I should come back home and I just didn’t want to go back home (laughs). At that moment, I felt free, I felt amazing, I felt confident, I felt genuinely happy with myself and my friends and life and I just did not want it to end. I wasn’t thinking about any problem or any boy or anything actually. I was just soaking in the good vibes. That’s the message behind this song. I wrote it for people who just want to soak in the good vibes. You can worry about other things later but right now, let’s have fun!

49th Street: What part of the music process gets you most excited?

F3line: Listening to beats. Ughhh I love listening to beats and then associating it with a mood. It’s so crazy how a beat can just give you a feeling. It paints a picture in your head already, even without lyrics. It’s now up to the artist to portray it. This part gets me most excited

49th Street: If you were not making music, what would you be doing?

F3line: I’d be an electrical engineer (laughs) or a full-time face model. Who knows? But I can’t even see myself not making music cause this is just what I love to do.

49th Street: Plans for the future?

F3line: My plan for the future is to definitely work on some songs with bigger names in the industry. Get my sound out there, get more people listening. I’m working on an EP currently. So excited. I can’t wait to release it. Ya, I’m definitely just working on putting more stuff out. You’ve not even heard the best of F3LINE yet!!”.

It is quite hard to categorise F3line’s music. So special and personal is that blend. There is Afrobeat and Hip-Hop in the mix. Elements and colours of R&B. Hopeless Romantic is an E.P. that everyone should investigate and listen to closely. I am going to move on to this interview from Music Africa. We get to learn even more about an artist destined for a huge and long future in the industry. Someone who is almost born to take to the biggest stages in the world:

“MUSIC IN AFRICA: How smooth or difficult has your transition from engineering to pursuing a music career been so far?

F3LINE: It hasn’t been difficult really. It’s been going quite well. Since before I graduated, it was out there that I was going to do music after school. I would write songs in school on weekends or whenever I felt inspired. I kept all my ideas in a book so that when I got home on vacation, I’d record multiple songs on end. So as soon as I graduated, I hit the ground running. I immediately started song selection and getting my project ready. I’m just glad that now the world can finally hear my sound.

How would you say ‘Day One’ is setting the tone for your musical journey?

‘Day One’ was the perfect song I think I could’ve started with because it describes exactly the type of person I am. I love too much, I love too hard and I don’t think when it comes to my emotions sometimes. Vocally, this is me. I think it showcases my range as a singer. I wanted to introduce my best and most authentic self to the market. Pure and undiluted F3line. And when the music is authentic, it’s only up from there.

Afro-R&B and pop are foundational to your sound. Could you discuss how these have become your go-to influences, and what unique elements they bring to your sound?

Growing up I listened to a lot of Beyoncé, Cassie and Rihanna and right now I am really into SZA and Summer Walker. R&B and pop are mostly all I listen to and I think it shows in the music I currently make. There’s a certain type of lyricism that comes with the genre which kinda forces you to be real and vulnerable. I’m still exploring my sound and I’m still trying to hone in on what that is.

Already, you have been cited as an artist to watch out for in 2024. How do you plan to capitalise on this recognition to further your career?

First of all, it’s an honour to be cited as an artist to watch out for in 2024. Secondly, I just wanna drop music and find my people. I have the drive, and the passion, I have God and I have my talent. One thing I now plan on is dropping great music.

Given the recent global success of their peers in pop music, do you believe there is added pressure on Nigerian artists to excel? If so, do you personally feel this pressure?

I don’t think there’s any pressure. Multiple kings and queens can coexist. We all have the same end goal, which is to get our music out there and to promote Africa in the best light. I am happy that everyone is doing amazingly well and popping. If anything it makes me more confident and more hopeful for when that’s finally me.

How would you describe your experience as a female artist within Afrobeats/Afropop?

My experience has been great. I love being a female artist, we’re queens. However, when it comes to music, there’s kind of a notion that men do it better and women have to rely on looks. Fortunately, I have been privileged to work with people who don’t necessarily see me as a “female artist”, they just see me as someone about to chef up and they give me the space and creative freedom to do my thing. Also, the community of women in music is great. We support and look out for each other and I’m with it 100%.

What inspired your EP Hopeless Romantic and what conversations do you hope it starts?

Hopeless Romantic is a story of a finished person. They loved, and they lost the love they thought was going to be forever. The five songs in it represent the five stages of grief that I had to go through to get over my heartbreak. I want people to understand that this happens to the best of us. It’s not something to have to shame away. Allow yourself to feel it. You loved somebody and it didn’t work out doesn’t mean you should hate yourself for it or deny yourself the pleasure of experiencing love again. Accept that you are a hopeless romantic and that you would still love hard with another person. Love is not something you should regret and I hope my EP starts that conversation.

What are your aspirations and what do you need to bring this to fruition?

I aspire to have a large, tight-knit fanbase that would be like my family. I aspire to top the charts and win awards. All in all, I just want to leave a legacy. One thing I know I’m not compromising on is the quality of music, it’s really good. l need to stay consistent and I need everyone’s support. I’m super excited to see where my career is headed. I have a front-row seat”.

There is a bit more I want to tick off before wrapping things up. More Branches, in April, published an interview that spotlighted F3line. Another chance to get to know her better. I have known about her music for a little while, though I think now is when she is truly striking. Standing out as a mesmeric talent to watch going forward:

“Since exploding on the scene thanks to her contributions on 2021’s collaborative project, The Chase, rising singer, F3line, has been on the rise. In January 2024, she released a new song, “Day One,” to rave review. Last week, she announced more exciting news for her fans, telling fans that her debut studio EP, Hopeless Romantic, was slated to drop under Sony Music West Africa.

For the singer, Hopeless Romantic is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt narrative delving into the intricacies of love and heartbreak from a woman’s perspective. With five tracks, each offering a unique exploration of emotional phases, F3line masterfully blends Afro R&B and pop, delivering a melodic masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Since her debut single, “Day One,” F3line has been making waves in the music scene with electrifying performances at live showcases and festivals, garnering attention, and accolades along the way. Recognized as one of the top artists to watch in 2024 by Turntable, F3line’s star continues to rise.

But F3line is more than just an artist—she’s a force to be reckoned with, drawing inspiration from her agile and distinctive character. A devoted guardian of cats and a first-class engineer by education, her journey from academia to the world of music is a testament to her versatility and determination.

As the release of Hopeless Romantic draws near, we had a small virtual chat with the singer to discuss the motivations and inspirations behind her debut project!

How are you feeling ahead of the release of Hopeless Romantic?

I feel really good. I’m just super excited to put my EP out and show the world just a taste of what I’m capable of.

Is there any song on here that you are especially attached to?

I’m most attached to “XoXo” because my mother’s voice is on it. She was basically comforting me.

What do you want your fans to take away from listening to the project?

I want my fans to know that it’s okay to have loved and lost. Your love is your superpower and because it didn’t work with one doesn’t mean you should kill that spark in your eyes. We move on to the next phase!”.

A couple of other interviews to go. Wet Talk Sound spend some time with F3line recently. I am keen to interview her down the line; if she is round my part of north London. I hope that she plays in the U.K. and London at some point. Lots of venues would put her up. A lot of love for her here. You will be hooked on her music the moment you hear it. It is so striking and immersive at the same time. No doubt she is a massive talent who will go from strength to strength:

“As F3line the artist and Eti (Etietop) the individual, how would you describe yourself?

As Eti the individual, I’m just a shy, fun-loving girl, but also a brainiac, but as F3line, I’m more outgoing, more confident, and show more poise. So, Eti and Feline are two different people, and I’m just trying to merge the two in the best way possible. The major difference is how outgoing I am. Eti is more of an introvert, but F3line is more outgoing, and extroverted, but we’re both good people.

How did growing up in Akwa Ibom influence your music?

Growing up in Akwa Ibom was really fun. Akwa Ibom is really quiet, really small. But then I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life there; I wanted to leave, and school was a way of leaving because my school was in Ogun state. But then when I got suspended, I realised school may not be the easiest route. So I just did modelling, and then from modelling, I entered music. But all in all, I just wanted to leave Akwa Ibom. It wasn’t the place for me.

Would you say that reflects in the way you write? Not escapism per se, but are themes of wanting to leave, wanting to explore, themes that come up in your music?

Not really. Akwa Ibom doesn’t really play that much of a story because I’ve been travelling out of there. Akwa Ibom is just my home and that’s where my mom is. That’s where I grew up from ages five to eleven and then my dad moved to Lagos. But because my mom was also in Akwa Ibom, I had to go back and forth. I just couldn’t stay there full-time. My music is just about emotions, and right now, it’s more focused on love and heartbreak. Not necessarily escapism, except escaping the toxic situation of a relationship.

That’s quite evident on Day One where there was this perspective of a lover dealing with unrequited love and still offering reassurance. Is this from personal experience, or is it just you drawing on creativity completely?

Yeah, I write from personal experience for all my songs. I don’t know how to cook up stories, so I only write from my personal experiences for now.

What was the writing process for the Hopeless Romantic EP like?

It was fun. It was definitely something, especially because I was still in school when most of the songs for the EP were written, except. XOXO, which was the first song I made during my IT (Industrial Training). When I was in school, whenever I had moments of distractions, I would jot down experiences in my journal. People thought it was my journal for personal notes, but it was actually my songbook.

The writing process was very intimate for me. I’d write the songs and then when I went home during the holiday, I’d record them., Sometimes, additional ideas would come to mind during recording sessions. Whether it was a producer suggesting something or I felt like adding some extra pzazz to it, those moments were spontaneous. But everything in this EP came from my room in Covenant University.

You mentioned how one of your major influences is wanting people to experience what you feel and how it’s a very intimate process –

It’s not as if I want people to experience just what I feel. I believe these are feelings that multiple people in the world relate to. My goal is to make others feel heard and seen, to create a sense of connection through shared emotions

Moving on, there’s something somewhere about a Jinmi Abduls music video after modelling. What was the exact transition?

I love talking about the story because it was so random. During my year off from school in 2019-2020 (around the COVID period), I worked at a makeup studio to earn extra cash. One day, one of my clients there said, “You’re so pretty. You could be a model”. I took it quite seriously because I wasn’t making that much money with makeup. By then, I hadn’t done video vixen work

I was quite popular on Twitter at the time and one day Jinmi Abduls sent me a DM asking if I modelled. I said yes and ended up in his music video. I remember the day I got to set, my sister took me because that was my first experience with the music industry. There, I kept telling her, “I’m so happy. Look at people just singing and doing their thing. This is their life and this is what they enjoy doing. They’re making money, touching lives, and everything. This is what I want to do with my life, not modelling, not makeup, not even engineering. I want to sing like this”.

I didn’t even wait till the shoot was over. I just went to Jinmi and was like, “Do you (Jinmi) know that I can sing?. Like literally, I can sing.” And he laughed and said , “You know what? Come to my studio tomorrow and then show me what you got”. That was my turning point, honestly.

How has your family reacted to the journey so far?

My family is very supportive. My mom has been the most supportive person. My siblings are just waiting for me to drop. Nobody listens to my music as much as them and I’m very grateful for that. They never worried about me not finishing school, because they knew how important it was to me to finish. But then, you know Nigerian parents have their worries. “Oh, my child is not going to be a doctor”. “She’s not going to be this or that or that”. So obviously, the worry is there, but they suppress it as much as they can because they support me 100%. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system.

Who were the producers you worked with on the Hopeless Romantic EP and what were the recording sessions like?

I worked with TMXO, BigFish, Auxxi (Auxxi with the vibe), Ramoni who produced Stupid Love, and Rore who produced Day One. They’ve been amazing to work with. TMXO was the first producer I worked with off the project. He kind of opened up everything to me, because, as I said, XOXO was the first song I recorded off the project.

He gave me a journal to write all my songs in, which I was very grateful for. We sat down (all my producers) and we acted like we were about to make the best song ever. And I just love when both parties are into it and we put the time and work in to get an amazing song. All in all, my experience with the producers was amazing and I look forward to working with each of them again.

In five years from now, what is one specific milestone you would love to have attained?

I want to go on tour. I want to top the charts. I just want to feel connected. I want to feel connected to my fan base; the people out there listening to F3line. And hopefully, within the next five years, it will happen.

What should fans expect from Hopeless Romantic? Both day-one fans and people who knew you from Day One.

Expect the unexpected. (laughs) No, I’m just joking. Expect world domination. Expect to listen to an amazing, fresh sound and heartfelt lyrics. This EP marks the beginning of my musical journey, and I want fans, whether day-one supporters or newcomers, to feel like they’re part of it

Are there any artists or contemporaries you would love to collaborate with?

I’m definitely interested in collaborating with other artists. Right now, there are a few on my radar, but I prefer to keep that under wraps for now. Stay tuned, though—you’ll see some exciting collaborations coming your way.

You’re holding out on us, you know?

(laughs) The element of surprise! But no, I want to work with some of the big names and those with cult classics. I just want to work with so many people ‘cause I’m just starting. Whatever happens organically, really.

When not writing or recording or not being F3line, what does Eti do?

She’s hanging out with her cats or with her friends. I always hang out with my best friends and my cats, whether it’s just reading a book or going for cocktails. I’m very girly, so I like to do girly things and hang out with my girlfriends. Plus, I love the beach a lot, so any excuse to go to the beach, I’ll be there.

As a girl’s girl, what’s your take on female collaborations in the Nigerian music industry?

From what I’ve seen and from what I’ve observed it’s been great. Women are supporting women. The girlies are doing what needs to be done. You feel me? Like I say to the girls in Afrobeats in Nigeria, “We’re princesses”. And I love how we are all supporting each other. As of right now, I’ve been seeing some collaborations. It’s good. I love it. Looking forward to more women, we’re our own community. We have to support each other. I’ve gotten the most support from women. That’s why I have nothing but to say women supporting women, always.

As far as Nigeria is concerned, are there any content creators you would love to partner with or whose work you admire?

There are so many great content creators that are doing really well. There’s this content creator on TikTok and Instagram, Life with Jai. She’s really good. But obviously I’d want to work with whichever brand or content creator that’s good for my brand.

What’s that one thing about the EP that fans should look out for?

I just want people to hear my EP and be like, “She’s here to stay”. Like, “Damn! That was good. That was great”. Immerse yourself in the project. Feel it. Speak up, if you might. If it provokes a conversation, who am I to stop it?

Also, what I want people to take away from it is that my EP is not necessarily about heartbreak. It’s just about allowing yourself to feel however you feel and not allowing yourself to stop loving. “This particular experience may have been bad, but I am not going to stop myself from experiencing love or giving out love again”.

Make sure that you go and follow F3line. She is an artist I have been aware of for a bit but am more bonded to each time I hear her music. Someone I am going to follow and support going forward. Hopeless Romantic is one of the best E.P.s of this year. I am excited to see where her career goes from here. I think she will achieve all her goals and exceed that! Someone who is going to be a major name before too long. There is no denying the fact that F3line is…