In this frank cover discussion, Loyle Carner delves into the cyclical aspects of fatherhood, his headlining performance at Glastonbury, the significance of collaboration, and the positivity that infuses his latest LP.
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During the first week of June, Loyle Carner brings a cheerful vibe to the set of the CLASH cover shoot, connecting with his inner child while riding the pedals. This represents a continuation of the world he's creating with his fourth album, ‘hopefully !’. “I feel a bit bashful in front of the camera,” the South Croydon artist admits at the start of our interview a few days later. At this stage in his life, everything is progressing swiftly for Loyle: he’s juggling studio sessions, rehearsals, and weeks of filming. He is in harmony with his creative process, allowing his life experiences to shape the success of his art. “I’m trying to be less serious about myself and focus more on the moment rather than the result,” he expresses.
A lot has transformed for Loyle over the past ten years. Making his debut with the 2014 EP ‘A Little Late’, a young Loyle presented a distinctly British perspective on rap, influenced by the indie sounds that filled his childhood home. His early works were also shaped by a Soulquarian influence, blending his authentic flows with laid-back, boom-bap rhythms. The central theme of that self-released project was loss, particularly the passing of his stepfather Nik. What stood out early on was his talent for storytelling inspired by his musical idols: Mos Def, Jehst, and Common.
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“I never really considered myself a pure rapper,” he informs CLASH, explaining that he views his work as a more fluid expression. To audiences, his verses strike a chord, despite their personal nature. Rapping offered a way to commemorate life's struggles; a channel for expressing bottled-up feelings. “I didn’t grow up around many men, so I was exposed to environments where expressing emotions was common,” he elaborates when asked about his innate talent for conveying deeper sentiments. “I believe I was fortunate to witness various situations with my mum, my grandmother, and their friends in our home. I learned how to navigate life by being around them.” While he recognizes the benefits of his upbringing, he warns against oversimplifying it. “It’s not as straightforward as that,” he reminds himself.
In discussion, Loyle tackles the world around him thoughtfully and with the same skilled touch that characterizes his music. His appreciation for the album format has grown over time, viewing it as a puzzle-like endeavor that marks each phase of his artistic journey. For Loyle, ‘hopefully !’ encapsulates a transformative time in his path to fatherhood, providing him with a new perspective for conveying his truths. “This is the first opportunity I’ve had to truly be myself,” he admits.
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Now a father of two, Loyle is nurturing a young family in East London, reflecting on the similarities and contrasts between his upbringing and the evolving responsibilities of parenthood. “It shifts from being the main character in your own story to becoming part of an ensemble. It empowers you to outgrow those self-centered tendencies. For the first time, I was able to see things clearly. It was easier to be truthful,” he explains. Consequently, ‘hopefully !’ thrives on the stability Loyle has fostered in his personal life, which is evident in the album's simpler sound, a contrast to the dense, orchestral vibe of its predecessor – the Mercury Prize-nominated ‘hugo’ – transforming into a gentle mix of strums, plucks, and soft chords.
Where ‘hugo’ explored themes of anger and turmoil, engaging with Loyle’s relationship with his estranged father, it was permeated with social and racial tensions reflective of his mixed heritage. “Creating it was incredibly challenging, and I underestimated its reach,” he reflects. Ultimately, ‘hugo’ represented a pivotal moment in his career, a defining record that opened new doors and revealed a more complex narrative beneath his earlier works.
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Loyle is eager to clarify that he doesn’t see himself as a technical vocalist, but rather as an approachable one. “All my favorite singers aren't technically great,” he says with a smile. “They resonate with me because their singing feels relatable.” Singing emerged as a natural evolution for Loyle, who sought a more nuanced form of expression. “Trying to articulate how much I love my son in 16 bars felt excessive because I could convey it in just two words, or even with a hum. I was discovering how to express more with less,” he adds.
The song ‘about time’ offers a breezy, confessional glimpse into balancing family life with echoes of past experiences, showcasing tender interactions between father and son. Overall, ‘hopefully !’ thrives on narratives about youth, intertwined with the playground escapades of
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In this open discussion on the cover, Loyle Carner contemplates the cyclical aspects of fatherhood, his experience headlining Glastonbury, and the strength and impact of