Words can’t express my excitement to present this interview with rising Canadian indie star Malcolm. After discovering Malcolm. and his music, I was immediately drawn in by his lyricism, production, and the overall excitement behind his artistry. With his immediate success, I wanted to present Malcolm. in an interview format so you can learn more about him and become a fan; just like I did! Before I get started, I want acknowledge one of my new, all time favourite lyrics: “What the fuck did I do?”

S: Thanks for taking the time to interview with Sparky today, please tell us who you are, what you do, and a little bit about yourself?

M: Thanks for reaching out! I’m Malcolm. And yes the dot’s a part of the name. I’m an independent artist based in Calgary, AB, but I’m originally from Prince George, BC. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and everything else that has to do with making music. I love sitcoms and comedies, and always carry a variety of useless facts.

S: Loved your new single "Closure," please share with us your story behind the track!

M: I had one of those nights where I couldn’t sleep because of something that happened back when I was fifteen. Not anything traumatic, just a relationship that ended out of nowhere that’s always left me confused. The next time I was in my studio I thought it would be fun to vent about it on a super upbeat guitar part. If you were caught off guard by the early ending, that was on purpose. I just thought it would be hilarious not to give the listener closure either.

S: You provide an original sound to the indie genre with your hits like “ADHD,” “Jim & Pam (Goddamn),” and “Nobody.” Tell us what influences your sound/drives you to think outside of the box with your production?

M: Thank you, I think the most important thing in my sound is the focus on rhythm. I will usually build my songs off the bass and drums. A lot also just comes from my habits as a musician and sound choice. I’m a huge fan of 70s tones, from super dry drums to trippy guitars and everything in between, but structurally and lyrically I’m a lot more influenced by more modern genres like alternative hip hop, R&B and bedroom pop. Some of the most important influences for me being Anderson .Paak, Childish Gambino, Harry Styles and Miguel.

S: Is "Closure" a one off single, or will this be a part of a bigger project?

M: “Closure” is actually the first single off my EP I think I’m ok. It’s definitely not a serious project lyrically--my next song has a kazoo solo. But, musically I still put my all into it. It’s definitely going to be a fun project to share

S: Tell us a few artists who you would love to have featured in one of your songs?

M: This is always difficult since I dream of working with so many artists. Based on music I’ve listened to in the last year, Genesis Owusu, Yebba, and Little Simz are definitely stand outs. But to name a few more, Asher Roth, Duckwrth, anyone from Brockhampton, Dominick Fike, Remi Wolf and every other artist mentioned in this interview.

S: Any trends in the industry that you like or stick out to you that might become bigger in the coming year?

M: I think artists fusing genres is only going to get more prevalent, a lot of rappers are starting to make rock and alternative music. And with artists like Steve Lacey blowing up, DIY style production is also going to start showing up a lot more in pop music.

S: What's the best piece of advice another musician has given to you?

M: I can’t think of any direct quotes but my old guitar teacher, who was the first to show me how to write a song, was always there to remind me that if it works it works, and not to stress over what someone else says is correct.

S: Any upcoming live performances we should know about? What is your dream venue, festival, or artist to perform with?

M: No upcoming shows are planned at the moment, but if I get some opportunities I’ll definitely take them. I’d say for a dream show it would be amazing to do something similar to Woodstock. And for an artist to perform with, I’d have to circle back to Childish Gambino, playing songs off Awaken My Love specifically.

S:Give us a little playlist of what you're listening to right now?

M: I’ll try to make it as diverse as I can without lying. Song one would be “Gorilla” by Little Simz, “Secular Saints" by a band from my hometown called Crones, “Orange Moon” by Erykah Badu, “Same Thing” by Genesis Owusu, and “Fye Fye” by Tobe Nwigwe & Fat Nwigwe.

S: What's next for Malcolm? Where do you see yourself at the end of 2023?

M: I don’t think this is my year, but I think it’s the year that I put in the groundwork to make a big step forward. I have at least two EPs I’ll release this year, and once I feel like I have a decent following, I’ll release the album I recorded last winter. And I don’t know where I’ll be by the end of the year, but I’m going to roll with any good opportunities that come my way, and hope for the best.

S: Thank you for taking the time to interview and good luck! We all look forward to your upcoming EPs!
Be sure to check out Malcolm. on all streaming platforms and social media; but be sure to add the period at the end of his name! Continue the conversation with me on Twitter: what song did you gravitate to? Any artists that you would like to see featured? Tweet to me @jaake_cooper