PIZZO da LP Interview
I just want to tell stories, mostly inspired by true life situations- Pizzo da LP
WHO IS PIZZO da LP FOR THE RECORDS?
Well Pizzo is a humble son of a soldier man from Kanke local government in Plateau State and he is also a writer, poet, actor and rapper.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR EARLIER PROJECTS SUCH AS P.O.V & PIDGIN HOLE TAPE?
I put out the P.O.V mixtape in 2013 which set the ball rolling for me as an artiste who was considering music as a career, I recorded that tape in my final year in school under pressure and I had the support of my friend, partner and producer Tommyshield who made it possible for me. That critically acclaimed tape got heads turning and I got the approval of Jos rap heads which gave me the much needed attention on the streets of Jos and the north central at large. Unfortunately that tape is become a gift and a curse because I have got fans today who are still stuck on that body of work and are never satisfied with whatever I seem to put out lol.
Next I put out the 'Social Commentary' EP in 2016 which was my first body of work in Lagos, I got a few people who paid attention to what I was doing, they encouraged me to keep pushing but I lacked the proper channels to push the music to a wider audience in Lagos so I just kept working, studying and observing the rap game. So I switched my style up a little bit to be able to vibe with the tunes that was taking the world over and I put out the 'Trapped in the hustle' mixtape in Dec 2017 which turned out to be my biggest body of work due to the increase in the number of my fan base. JUNGLE which was a big single was off that tape, I shot two videos from the tape and I planned a northern tour aka the 'Jack Tour' which I was forced to cancel due to irreconcilable differences with my then sponsors. After going through a brake up with my then girlfriend which took a toll on me as a human being, I was done playing superman and needed somewhere to find solace which I did in the music so I again put out a tape in May of 2018 titled 'The Pidgin Hole tape' the response was okay but not what I expected.
HAS ANYTHING CHANGED ABOUT YOUR PROCESS OF MAKING MUSIC NOW?
Oh yes a lot has changed as regards to my writing techniques, how I approach beats, the flow too is definitely changed and even the sound I create is changed. The only thing that hasn't changed is the story teller in me.
WHAT INSPIRED TALES BY MOONLIGHT THE NEW PROJECT YOU ARE WORKING ON?
After putting out the Pidgin Hole tape I sank into depression the following year in 2019, I just wasn't feeling the music any longer, I channeled my energy into reading, paying attention to my immediate environment, basically doing some soul searching and I summoned the courage to get my ass back in the booth after a couple of true fans, close friends and family kept on hitting me up on the need to put out music. So after traveling down to Jos to recuperate and clear my head, I got a eureka moment to put out my debut album and I titled it 'Tales by moonlight' which is nostalgic for me because my entire childhood was raised up on the classic television program tales by moonlight. I just want to tell stories, mostly inspired by true life situations.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR FANS EXPECT FROM TALES BY MOONLIGHT AS THEY ANTICIPATE THE ALBUM?
Nothing but share creativity, telling heartfelt stories from past experiences; some intensively put together and others just casually created but in all there's always a message for the fans to take home.
WHEN WILL TALES BY MOONLIGHT BE AVAILABLE AND HOW CAN PEOPLE BUY?
God's willing the album drops in the middle of the month of May and it will be available on all streaming platforms worldwide.
ARE YOU PRESSING SOME HARD COPIES FOR THE ALBUM OR WILL IT ONLY BE AVAILABLE ON ONLINE STORES?
I definitely will print hard copies for the fans who want autographed copies which I will carry along on tour sometime in the year, but for the first few weeks of its release it shall be online only
ARE THERE SINGLES RELEASED TO PREPARE PEOPLE FOR THE ALBUM?
Oh for sure, so far I have put out three single together with visuals for the fans, just to keep them busy in these turbulent times dealing with the Corona virus pandemic. The singles include, 'Playing with fire', 'Almost full moon' and 'For Life'
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE ARTISTES AND PRODUCERS YOU FEATURED ON THE ALBUM?
I've been blessed to work with great talents such as Kendra, Tizzy Tunes, D Truce, Paybac, Chxqs and Ifro Afro. I also was fortunate to work with very creative producers such as Viral beats, Jay Ahra, the legendary Teckzilla from stra8 Butta, Monkey beats, J Towns very own V'zar and of course the YouTube sensation Yondo beats.
WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
Honestly it's a sad situation, as you can see nobody is spared, the entire globe is suddenly became a real global village and for the first time the whole of humanity feels connected as we try to battle this monster threatening to stop us from our livelihood. It's rather unfortunate that the number of casualties would have been reduced to a bare minimum if countries had taken precautionary measures as soon as they heard about the outbreak but politics will not allow world leaders to think straight and act fast, they'd rather put human lives at risk. May God help us and put an end to this thing.
ANY THOUGHT ON WHAT YOU WILL DO NEXT IF THE LOCKDOWN LINGERS ON?
Honestly I've been thinking strongly about it, the situation is just so unbearable. People are really suffering and the government once again is failing to step in and take responsibility, they are waiting for anarchy before they will decide to act.lol honestly for now I am still thinking of my next move but as an optimist that I am, I strongly believe that the pandemic will pass away let's just hope and be alive to tell the stories. But I can guarantee you one thing for sure, that the world as we knew it will never be the same after this pandemic.
ANY CLOSING TAKE OR REMARK?
I will like to use the opportunity to thank everyone who's been supportive of my music; it's been a humbling experience making music for your consumption over the years. I pray God keeps each and every one of you alive and we shall link up in the nearest future when I come to your city on tour.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
Oh please the pleasure was all mine and thanks you for having me. God bless.