Departing from their roots in kwaito and hip hop, the genre fluid Mx Blouse introduces a mesmerizing lo-fi RnB feel, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of self-love and acceptance. With poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, "Learn to Love You" serves as a poignant reminder to embrace stillness and rediscover the beauty within oneself.
On their latest single, “Learn To Love You”, Mx Blouse alongside Amarafleur’s soulful refrain, identifies a new chapter in their story that’s still being told. In the wake of their new release, we were privileged to have a sit-down with the artist.
• A lot of us have come to know you as a kwaito, hip hop and somewhat genre-fluid artist - in what ways did your approach to your sound change with your new sing “Learn to Love You” and your upcoming EP?
MB: I had not intentionally boxed myself as a kwaito or hip hop artist – it’s a sound that audiences identified in my music. I consider my sound genre-fluid. With “Learn to Love You” and my upcoming EP, I had begun experimenting with amapiano and house – but, I quickly realised that the sound no longer reflects where I’m at. This single is largely influenced by RnB and Lo-Fi sounds which reflects my current state – immersed in stillness, more introspective.
• Where does this single fit into your journey as a musician and artist?
MB: This year I’ve made a decision to be still and rediscover myself – and this has led my approach to the EP. I’ve quit my vice and invested in my introspection and really focused on becoming the person I would desire to fall in love with. “Learn To Love You” is a super personal single that reflects my learning and unlearning of habits, trauma and rituals to learn how to love again.
• What was your personal creative process for the EP?
MB: My creative process involved a lot of isolation – I needed to turn inward to build my relationship with myself. I returned to writing – I would journal as a ritual for gratitude and introspection. I left social media for a while to immerse myself stillness.
Social media often creates an environment where we compare ourselves, and it becomes easy to forget why you create music. Remove yourself from social media – check in with yourself – return to yourself – and appreciate your gift.
• Did you have any musical inspirations going into creating this song and EP?
MB: Yes. One of my favourite albums is “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” – I admire how she created an offering that is so personal and resonates with so many, transcending through time. I also drew inspiration from Thandiswa Mazwa’s latest album, “Sankofa”. I’ve found similarities in our trauma, and I appreciate how she’s allow them to shape her while carrying a message for the social landscape that we’re in.
• What would you want audiences to take away from “Learn to Love You”?
MB: Healing. “Learn To Love You” is a mirror to themselves, encouraging them to love themselves – become the person you would want to fall in love with. This song was a letter to my higher self to accept myself, and I hope that audience learn to do that for themselves too.
• When can we expect the EP?
MB: You’ll have to wait and see.
In a world often fraught with external pressures and societal expectations, "Learn to Love You" emerges as a beacon of authenticity and vulnerability. With poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, the track serves as a poignant reminder to embrace stillness and rediscover the beauty within oneself. As the ethereal soundscape envelops listeners, Mx Blouse invites them to delve deep into their own psyche, confronting insecurities and embracing imperfections with grace and compassion.
Mx Blouse's artistic evolution in "Learn to Love You" not only showcases their versatility as a musician but also underscores their commitment to authenticity and personal growth.