We caught up with the one and only Example to talk about his new Bangers & Ballads mixtape, career highlights, festivals and a whole lot more.
How did you first get into music?
I’ve always been into music ! Aren’t we all? I mean I never thought it was a career choice when I was younger. It wasn’t until The Streets & Dizzee Rascal blew up that I even considered something to “get into”. I’ve kind of just made it all up as I’ve gone along really. I take it all very seriously but music is best for me when it’s effortless.
Three artists you had on repeat when you were younger?
Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg & Nirvana
Where and when was your first ever set?
I was on stage in school at age 13 and on pirate radio when I was 16. In terms of live sets it’s hard to remember exactly as it was so long ago. I think it was an open-mic night in Leicester Square to about 300 people. I forgot my lyrics. Nerves. Around the same time I performed in a pub to 11 people. Then a few weeks later I was in a theatre performing to worried-looking parents. That era was all a bit hazy to be honest
What has been your most memorable set to date?
Glastonbury when we headlined the Other Stage up against the Rolling Stones on the main stage. We still pulled a large crowd. My parents were watching from the front of house (sound desk) and that’s considering my dad is a huge Stones fan
What’s been your career highlight?
Either selling out Earls Court, my local venue growing up. Or back to back No.1 singles then a No.1 album
Who’s your favourite DJ to watch live?
Andy C is one of the greatest. Either him or EZ, Carl Cox, Eats Everything, too many to mention actually!
If you could collaborate with another artist past or present, who would it be?
Present I’d love to work with Raye. Love her vibe. Past I’d say Kurt Cobain
What song have you got on repeat at the moment?
Ay Curumba by Fredo, Young T & Bugsey
What’s your guilty pleasure track that nobody else knows about?
Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles
Have you got any new music out at the moment?
You serious? A whole flippin 9 track mixtape, BANGERS & BALLADS!!
How did the collaborations with Rude Kid & Bowzer Boss come about?
Rudes I just chatted to online for ages and he finally sent me a beat he thought I could f**k with. I freestyled it in the studio and we went with that take. Bowzer I met at a Streets gig backstage and we were in studio a few weeks later
Have you played any festivals this summer?
About 20 so far. Have another 10 to go I think. That’s a chilled one. Have done 65 in a summer before
If you could headline any festival in the world, which would it be?
Sziget festival in Hungary. It’s like Glasto but even more magical
What’s your favourite thing about playing festivals?
The energy. The backstage shenanigans. The catering. The weather (rain or sunshine it’s vibes). Having massive crowds sing back your lyrics
Where can we see you playing next?
All sorts. SW4, Ministry of Sound and Victorious festival in Portsmouth this weekend alone, Summer is nearly over. Hopefully a tour soon as people seem to be loving the new tunes
How do you spend your time away from music?
Family, cinema, cooking, running, yoga, cars !
Drink of choice on a night out?
Pale ale to start the night. G&T to finish the night
Favourite TV series / Film?
TV series easy, Boardwalk Empire. Film is tough – one of Leon, Aliens, Casino, True Romance
Who’s going to win the premier league?
Man City. Be nice if Liverpool won just to mix things up a bit
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Adam Sandler? Dunno lol
Dream girl?
My wife!? But she wouldn’t mind if I said Amber Heard or Olivia Munn I don’t think
Finally, words of wisdom for those wanting to make a career in music?
Wow. How long you got? Could talk all day. Be patient. Be humble. Only make music you love. Constantly question everyone and everything.
Make sure you checkout the new mixtape here.
