The Rolling Loud Festival is renowned for its roots in hip-hop, but for those with a deeper appreciation of music, it becomes evident that it encompasses much more. The festival provided us with the opportunity for this interview, offering a peek behind the scenes of exceptionally talented artists and shining a spotlight on those who deserve recognition. I had the unexpected opportunity to interview Uneek. Our discussion underscored that some artists defy categorization, with their genre often being overlooked, despite seamlessly blending rap, rage music, RnB, and Funk. How did the interview go, and who is this rising star? Read the full interview with FAB.
Arrival and First Impressions:
Still drenched and with muddy shoes from being at the front stage for Ice Spice in the rain, I made my way to the main house. After a brief wait, he arrived. Tall, with incredibly blue eyes—that’s how anyone would describe him upon first meeting him live. Alongside him were his Bully Crew and his collaborator and friend, Cledos.
Uneek’s Background:
Davidson, known as UNEEK, is an American underground artist. In 2022, he dropped his first single, “Serious.” He then joined F1LTHY and Gab3 on their 00RAV3 tour. His EP “Bully” was released in August 2023, which propelled him further into the spotlight, especially on TikTok. A quick look at YouTube and Spotify prominently features “Red Cup,” a 2024 collaboration with UFO 361, blending rage music with German & English lyrics.
Musical Style and Evolution:
Uneek’s tracks hint at his experimentation with multilingual lyrics. His vocals seamlessly blend into the melody and riffs. I’m writing this while listening to his music, and the harmony between his voice and the beats is striking.
The Interview:
As we settle into the interview area, our conversation begins. My first question revolves around his collaboration with Cledos, not realising that the Norwegian artist is seated right beside him. After a few exchanged smiles, Uneek points out Cledos and the Bully Gang, prompting him to ask Cledos about the origin of their collaboration.
Uneek Flow recounts meeting Cledos in Helsinki, where their connection sparked almost instantly. They playfully dubbed their collaboration “Helfreaky” (named after Uneek single), impressed by each other’s artistic styles. Uneek recalls feeling an immediate synergy upon hearing the track, knowing it was a perfect match within just ten minutes. This was the moment when their collab single “Vika“ was born. A track that combines Finnish and English lyrics.
Performance at Rolling Loud,
Regarding his performance at Rolling Loud, Uneek Flow expresses excitement about engaging with his vast European fanbase and creating an unforgettable experience. He eagerly mentions that Cledos and his Gang will join him when he steps out on stage at around 10:30 on Sunday, a detail that unfolds exactly as planned. Check Playboi Carti, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott make the most of Rolling Loud 2024.
Sidenote: The Rolling Loud Festival buzzed with energy exactly as Uneek described during our interview. On stage, he commanded the spotlight, bringing his entire crew with him to deliver an electrifying performance that left the crowd roaring for more.
We had touched on so much earlier: He says that his upcoming album is going to be titled “Love versus Fear,” a deeply personal narrative woven through soulful melodies and top-notch production. Plus, he took his time writing. Thinking about my question about why he chose exactly this topic, he tells me that he sees love stories as universally gripping, almost cinematic in their ability to connect.
Reflecting on his recent experiences, he shares his impressions of Vienna city centre, finding it beautiful, quiet, and calming, although he couldn’t tell about any fashion statements among the tourists he mingled with. But from going out, he can tell that the girls here are more into fashion.
Our conversation delves into the origins of the Bully brand, which began before the fashion brand, evolving through collaborations with fans and other brands, making waves even at Paris Fashion Week events. Uneek is now dipping his toes into modelling, expanding his creative reach. Setting up DJ´s at Fashion Week Paris, going out to the runways, and starting with photoshoots.
Musical influences
Discussing his musical influences, the artist emphasises his openness to diverse inspirations, blending elements he resonates with into his distinctive sound. And I quote:
“I am open to being influenced by everybody; if I like it, I am going to use it. I am going to make it my own. Somebody’s shirt can make me want to make a sound, and vice versa.“
When asked about his current music preferences, Uneek reveals a deep affinity for his own music and that of his collaborator, Cledos, often listening to each other’s tracks.
In the studio, his creative process unfolds organically, drawing from life experiences and shaped in collaboration with his producer Neon. He finds joy in freestyling and recording but prefers to take breaks before revisiting his work, allowing time to unwind.
Creative process
When asked about his creative process, Uneek emphasises the importance of inspiration and living life without the pressure of recording. He shares that after recording, even his engineer, Jaleel, notices his intensity when playing back his music. Once he steps out of the studio, he craves relaxation, often preferring not to immediately listen to the songs he’s just created. Instead, he opts to unwind with other music first.
Genre-wise
Genre-wise, Uneek refuses to be boxed in, exploring a fusion of Rage, RnB, and Funk to meet the varied tastes of his loyal fanbase. “We utilise a genre.”
In addition, he cherishes the connection with his supporters, actively engaging with them both in person and online, valuing their feedback and support.
“At the airport, a fan came up to me, asking if he could talk to me. After that, I put him in a Bully Jacket, and we had the same flight. I gave him a ride and took care of his stuff.“ His ice-blue eyes sparkle while he says, “I love my fans, because they are really my fans and know what I am doing.”
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Uneek envisions a lasting legacy in music, aiming for a career that sustains him into his later years while also expanding his fashion brand’s global footprint and exploring new opportunities around the world.
“I just started doing music. I have been a fan of music my entire life and watching people’s careers. I know I am on a timeline: I got probably 10 to 15 years, if it goes well. In my last years, I want to be comfortable and just tour one time a year and also release a great album after that, contribute to the culture, and put other people there.“
Asking him about his future plans in other countries, he responds that at the moment he just has less than 24 hours in a place.
This interview highlighted Uneek’s talent and potential, and it’s clear that he is a rising star in the underground music scene, as his name already says: he is Uneek.
I am sure we will hear more about this young and motivated artist, and with this in mind, we take a group picture and say farewell.
Artists IG: https://www.instagram.com/uneekflow
Brand IG: https://www.instagram.com/helfreakibully
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uneekflow
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkmpEoLly5KGeQ02TajhVzA
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/UNEEKFLOW
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/1tRXkp26XI3YLM5Vp2VSiA
