INTERVIEW: APW drops new track “BETTA”

Originally hailing from Manchester and now based in London, APW is rapidly making his name known as an exciting artist in the modern music scene. This working-class, queer creative was raised on a diet of musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer and Kate Bush, which informed the vibrant fusion of R&B, soul, disco and pop influences felt in his music today.

His diverse background is reflected in his work, which combines smooth, pop-focused R&B aesthetic with dashes of jazz style guitar work, grooving rhythms and blissful harmonies. Already gaining attention from influential music platforms like NOCTIS, CLOUT, and EARMILK, who’ve dubbed him an “R&B Powerhouse,” APW has proven himself to be a singer-songwriter with a range that’s as expansive as his lyrical honesty.

His music showcases his ability to craft songs that are both emotionally compelling and musically engaging, inviting listeners into his world, offering up raw lyrical honesty wrapped in infectious melodies and anthemic hooks. Unveiling his unique sonic vision in 2021 via the debut single “Love I Never Had,” singles two and three followed over the next couple of years with “Junior Verde” and “Learnt Behaviour.”

Now he brings us his latest release with his brand new single titled “BETTA,” a shining example of what makes APW such a thrilling artist. Putting his distinctive vocal ability on full display, shifting in and out of falsetto delivery, “BETTA” highlights his songwriting talent and performance panache in spectacular fashion.

Opened by soft instrumental tones as a vocal sample echoes through, the arrangement tumbles into a grooving jazz-inflected jam capped by APW’s soulful vocals spinning bright melodic leads above. Drifting through moments of dreamy vibes and lush vocals, the beat ushers into a laid back rhythmic sway as the colourful instrumental flutters add vibrancy to the track as APW threads stunning vocals above.

Commenting on the track, he shares, “This was my routine to getting over that one shit relationship. EAT, SLEEP, SIGH, REPEAT. An slowly life became better and I reflected, not only on his issues but my own. It feels so funny to talk about now as I’ve moved on and grown so much since I wrote this… but I think it’s a track that anyone who’s had a bad breakup will relate too.”

With an instantly catchy chorus of punchy hooks and infectious rhythm, “BETTA” delivers a charming slice of APW’s memorable songwriting and soaring vocal flair. Presented in a slick sound that’s impossible not to love, the artist’s new single offers a stellar sound that’s accessible yet thoroughly original to confirm the hype that surrounding his rise.

We caught up with APW to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “BETTA” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with APW below.

Hey APW, how’s things?

Hey, things are great… very busy with projects and live shows which is exciting… how are you?

Great thanks! What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music is listening to Stevie Wonder, “Songs in the key of life” Singing. Then writing lyrics and making ups tunes on caravan holidays when I was 7/8 years old.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Again, Stevie Wonder is always in my mind when I’m writing a melody or lyrics. He has the most beautiful way of explaining a feeling with imagery. Then especially for this next single, artists like Lauren Hill, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, the no bullshit lyric writing is definately something I connect with.
Im from Manchester originally, and saying your mind and not mincing words is in my DNA…for better or worse.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

By living honestly. Going to parties, putting myself in new situations and actually having conversations with people. London’s so fast paced and competitive that just smiling or saying Hi to someone can start up a connection you weren’t expecting.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

The amount of talent! There are so many incredibly talented musicians, writers & performers that’s its always exciting to do a new gig. I recently met a new mate, and now collaborator at a show we were both playing.

Do you feel it differs between Manchester and London?

For sure. There’s definitely a closer community feel to Manchester as it is a smaller city, but London feels like there are more possibilities.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

In a reclining chair, on a balcony overlooking the city as the sun goes down.
Or
Directly in a mirror of your bathroom cabinet, saying every single word like your life depends on it!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’ve started to lean into soul and jazz chords a lot more, which I feel is the roots of my musical journey, we love a minor 7th. Also I feel like I’ve found the way I tell a story through music, I’ll read lyrics and feel, if you heard someone else singing it, you’d still know it came from me.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

It has, when I started I didn’t have a clue. I worked with producer/drummer Craig Sellar and artist Eden Lole to co-write. Slowly becoming more and more involved in the process to now creating the project myself, which feels like a massive accomplishment.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Am I allowed to say Stevie wonder again? Or Chaka Khan. But also would love to collaborate with EZRA Collective, Kaytranada, Childish Gambino, SZA…the list goes on. OH MOBY!

How did you find making your new single “BETTA”?

In terms of writing, very easy. I wrote nearly all the lyrics before any music was involved. Musically, it become more challenging… I think this is the 4th version that I wrote.

Originally writing it with a guitar loop, which evolved and changed to become basically a finished track.
I remember listening to it with Craig and saying “its not right.” And we scrapped the whole production.
Then we sent just the lead vocal stem and metronome track to Barny Jones (an amazing keys player) and all 3 of us discussed inspiration, references and he came back with some beautiful ideas which we chopped and spliced, which became BETTA.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Honestly, its about feeling awful after a breakup and realising that you’re going to be ok. I remember feeling like the world had ended & in a way it had. A past version of me was no more so I was mourning the death of the relationship and that version of myself. BUT, it was my anthem to get up and move on…EAT, SLEEP, SIGH, REPEAT.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Recently… Mrcy, Ezra Collective, Sophie Faith, Jazmine Sullivan, EDBL, Kaytranada, Rochelle Jordan, Asha Gold… The list goes on!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want them to connect, relate and enjoy the falsetto runs.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Any performance where the crowd sing back my lyrics still feels mad. I performed recently at Birmingham Pride and that felt really special. Singing about a queer relationship so openly and having people sing the chorus back to me, very special!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Yes. Learn to produce asap. Become as self sufficient as you can, so you can collaborate without relying on people.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

So after this single, I’m literally just finishing the next project with producer CAM WARD(August Charles) & BELLA. Which is a jazz/house EP. We’ve had the best time creating it and I’m so excited to share the sound and having everyone not be able to get the hooks out of their head. I’m also writing and giving vocals to lots of projects, one with KDA & WARDBOY, so I’m very excited to see what happens in 2024/25!!

Listen to BETTA below