We caught up with Formz to talk about all things new music, collaborating with R14, anti-bullying and how the rapper will celebrate if Spurs win the league!
Formz Interview by Ben Farrin
Hey Formz, thanks for your time. Can you start by introducing yourself to those who don’t know you yet?
Hey, I’m Formz, a rapper from Hertfordshire with more fire in me than you’ve ever seen. I’ve built up a TikTok following of over 850,000 rapping about my life and the things I’m passionate about e.g. football and Formula 1. As grateful as I am for the platform I’ve built, I’m at the stage in my career where I’m ready for the world to see me as a rapper first, and a social personality second.
You’ve just released a new single “Keyboard Warriors”, how did the collaboration with R14 come about?
My A&R set the session with R14 up earlier this year. After a couple of hours in the studio, we caught a vibe and started making some serious music. He’s one of the most down-to-earth talented producers I’ve had the pleasure of working with and we’ve got even more tracks together dropping soon.
The single puts haters in their place. Why did you feel the need to do this?
Trolling is an online pandemic and I feel if more people understood the severity of the situation they’d stop. Whenever there’s a conversation around online negativity, there’s usually a victim mentality surrounding it. I wanted to flip the script and show people that you don’t have to be scared of someone who hides behind a keyboard. Most trolls do what they do because of jealousy. So instead of letting them knock me, I decided to double down on letting them know just how well my life’s going, highlighting everything I’ve achieved, making their opinions redundant.
It’s anti-bullying week in November. What in your opinion can be done to help combat bullying, and especially cyberbullying?
Bullies feed off retaliation. They want to know that they’ve hurt you. By ignoring negativity flying in your direction, you’re not giving them the energy they crave. It sounds so simple but by neglecting their actions, there is literally no place for them to go so eventually they stop.
The internet is a dangerous place, and the world is in a mess – if you could rule the world for a day, what would you do?
The world is a mess and social media is a contributing factor. I’d deploy a technology that releases every private detail about somebody if they troll another person online. That way, if you’re an online bully, there’s nowhere to hide and the world would see a major increase in positivity and less insecurity.
How do you keep your own mind clear, and mindset focused?
Everything I do is for my mum. She raised me single handedly since I was a baby so whenever I’m facing challenges I remember exactly who and why I do what I do. I’ve also come a long way in the past 3 years so whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I look back to where I started and how incredible the journey has been and that keeps me on the straight and narrow.
You’re getting lots of attention – how are you finding the fame side of things?
For me, being recognised in public is one of the most incredible feelings. The way I see it is there’s a complete stranger who knows who I am for doing the thing I LOVE. That’s a feeling I will never take for granted. Supporters are the single most important reason for an artist’s success so I will forever have the time for every one.
What would be your top 3 collaborations for new music?
- Stormzy – the reason I began showing people my music.
- Central Cee – arguably the biggest pioneer for UK music in the states.
- Lil Wayne – my goat.
Top tips for someone looking to get into the music scene?
Start writing and don’t look back, speak to as many people as possible and soak it all in, don’t let anybody dictate your future.
Let’s talk football – Ange Postecoglou has made a huge impact to the team. How do you feel about his management style and the fact Spurs have lost Harry Kaine?
It’s so refreshing to see exciting, attacking football back in N17. Ange has brought a sense of family back to the club I love and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Kane left Spurs on my birthday which will always sting but as it stands, it’s looking like we’re able to make up for the goals he took away with him.
What’s your prediction for the league this season: top 3 teams, and where do Spurs finish?
I reckon City, Liverpool and Spurs finish top 3 in that order
If Spurs win the Premier League, how will you celebrate?
An entire dedicated Spurs banger pending if Spurs win the league. I think I’d have to figure out a way to get permission from the club to use the stadium for a music video too, that would be sick!
Formz Interview
