IAMREBELWILL is Hot Blooded
2 Oct 2020.

Photographer is Tobi Osobu | Insta Handle @olutobiloba 
Clothing by: L'Uomo Strano by Mic Carter | Insta Handle @Luomostrano

His hair is teal. That fact alone might make IAMREBELWILL the most interesting Canadian music artist of 2020. He’s also a member of the queer community, and a fine singer. Captivated by his unusual and pleasant appearance, I contacted him with some of my dopiest questions, which he was nice enough to answer. 

Tell me about your new single.
"Hot Blooded," which is released October 2, is simply an anthem on being free spirited. I spent a huge portion of my life afraid to be myself and this upcoming project, Rebel Futurism, allowed me to finally be authentically Rebel! My ultimate goal is to use my voice to challenge the stereotypical perspective in mainstream pop music and help empower the underrepresented LGBTQIA+ and POC community to be fearlessly themselves.

How did you get into making music?
My answer is so cliche but I have always had a relationship with music. My whole family is musically inclined in one way or another but when my father passed when I was 12 years old, I used music and art as coping mechanisms and a means to still stay connected. 

Who are your big influences?
My biggest influence would have to be Janet Jackson. From her impact on pop music to her stances and support of the LGBTQIA+ community, she’s been my blueprint. Musically and style, my sounds are very influenced by Pharell Williams and Andre 3000, both innovators and fashion icons in their own right. Andre 3000 is one thousand percent fearless; growing up a black boy and not having representation, Andre 3000 paved a path for the alternative black boys. They both made it ok to experiment with alternative sounds and eclectic fashion.

Is it difficult to be gay in the music world?
I definitely think there are challenges being gay in this music industry. We still live in a time where people ask you to hide your true self. It stifles your creativity and for me it questioned if this was truly something I wanted to pursue. I had to reflect and hone who I was and what I stood for. I have definitely found solace in the queer music community. Thank goodness for social media and the internet where I am able to find my peers and other music lovers who truly appreciate the art form.

Why blue hair? 
That’s the exact question my grandmother asks me everyday! Lol!  Honestly, my teal hair is a direct reflection of where I am at in my life.  

Where can we find "Hot Blooded?"
Right now I have the pre-save link for the release on Friday: https://backl.ink/142819197