Interview With Toronto-Based Supergroup No Tourists | THHGURU
Interview by: Pema Phurpatsang
No Tourists
Collectively made up of five artists and two producers, Toronto-based supergroup No Tourists explore and bend the genres of hip-hop, R&B, house, dancehall, jazz and funk. The group’s forthcoming single, Like Lava, is out now along with its fun, energetic, DIY video, which is filmed and directed by one of the group’s vocalists, Kafayé.
Like Lava’s airy synths and heavy 808s, courtesy of producers Abdullah and universes, set the scene for a set of distinct verses from vocalists Kafayé, Keynes Woods, Lan’do, and Deelo Avery.
Lika Lava is the second single released by the group in 2021, following their debut EP Guerilla, which came out in summer of 2020. The lead single off that project Dumbo was premiered in the FADER, while the project was covered by Complex UK, COLOURS Studio, and Exclaim!, among others.
Who is No Tourists, what is No Tourists and what does No Tourists stand for?
"What is No Tourists: No tourists is a brotherhood. We are all very different people from different backgrounds, but tied together through our passion for the art we create. By working in the studio with each other we are constantly growing and expanding our skills and learning from each other."
"What does No Tourists stand for: Good music, at the end of the day we want to create quality content, and to push each other to be better artists"
Kafayé (@fathermelanin)
What’s the influence behind the group name No Tourists?
" There are too many people who are in the music game without any actual investment in the craft or community, they just see it as something to piggyback off of without giving a shit about the actual artform. Those people are tourists to me cause they're just here for a week to get pics for Instagram. It's easy to chase trends, it's hard to dig deep and make something no one has ever heard before."
universes (@universesuniversesuniverses)
How was the group constructed and speak more on the relationship amongst the members?
"It basically came together by accident. No Tourists was supposed to be the name of a one off mixtape and morphed into a full on group cause we just never stopped making music together. To me it feels like a family and that's what made things come together so organically. We all want to see each other succeed and push ourselves creatively and that can only happen when everyone is riding for each other. "
universes (@universesuniversesuniverses)
Who are some musical influences for each member?
“Young Thug, Oneohtrix Point Never, Billy Woods, Pi’erre Bourne, Earl Sweatshirt, Novelist”
universes (@universesuniversesuniverses)
“Kanye West, Frank Ocean, James Blake, Timbaland, Pharrell, Tyler, the Creator, Brockhampton”
Abdullah (@faroukocean)
“Ye and Tyler”
James Wesson (@jameswesson_)
“Growing up I’ve always been inspired by the power of soul music. Artists like Nina Simone, James Brown, and Sam Cooke. They truly made soul music, they told you stories, gave you chills, and commanded your attention.”
Kafayé (@fathermelanin)
“Ty Dolla $ign, Kendrick, Kanye West, Jodeci, James Blake.”
Lan’do (@lando6ix)
“Kanye West, Andre 3000, and Drake”
Keynes Woods (@keyneswoods)
When people hear your music what do you want them to feel?
“Something.”
Kafayé (@fathermelanin)
“For real though, like it should invoke something in you.”
Lan’do (@lando6ix)
What does your process look like from beat selection to finish product and how do you guys approach each studio session?
"There's always beats playing at the crib. I usually just follow the feeling and if that feeling is not there then I move on. If it's there then I see where it takes me."
Keynes Woods (@keyneswoods)
What are some goals you guys are looking to achieve?
“Trying to increase our network and visibility is definitely a huge goal of ours. Being Canadian artists can be kinda difficult when trying to achieve that because it feels like you’re being boxed into a certain space, which is unfortunate because our music has an inherently international sound to it. So if we had a larger network, I think it could help us achieve that visibility we’re seeking.”
Abdullah (@faroukocean)
How has this ongoing pandemic affected your journey and process?
"This pandemic forced me to work from home so it's helped me be more independent in my music making."
Keynes Woods (@keyneswoods)
What does this year look like for no tourist and how are you guys applying pressure?
"We're just trying to drop dope content with crazy visuals. The music will speak for itself"
Lan’do (@lando6ix)
How does being a hip-hop group from Toronto that focuses on substance and art form over shock value aid in differentiating you from the rest of the Toronto hip-hop scene?
"We're just doing what comes natural. No nonsense, no gimmicks. I feel that's something people can respect and something that lots of people are looking for within the culture."
James Wesson (@jameswesson_)
Would you rather blow up (overnight sensation) or come up (through trials and tribulation)?
"I think it's too late for us to blow up overnight lol. Having to go through trials and tribulations makes you not take anything for granted and lets you truly figure who you are as an artist and as a person, which is more important than almost anything."
universes (@universesuniversesuniverses)
What is the end goal for No Tourists?
"World domination"
Abdullah (@faroukocean)
