Some people like to spend quality time with their partners to show how much they care. Some buy them flowers, take them out to dinner, or surprise them with a nice gift. But if you’re Malo, you write an entire EP about the one you love the most. His latest project, Love Is Written In Cursive, is a touching sonic scrapbook that documents the beginning stages of his relationship with wonder and excitement.
“I have been sitting on this project for almost two years so it feels good to finally put it out,” Malo tells TREMG. “Getting to revisit all of these memories of when me and my girlfriend got together is a great feeling.”
Many artists over the years have taken inspiration from their romantic pursuits for their music, but part of what makes Malo’s take on it so unique is that he had his actual girlfriend join in on the songs to really document their love for each other and their connection. It takes the project from a tribute to a celebration, giving it new dimension and energy.
“I am overjoyed that I got to do this,” Malo shares. “It’s not something a lot of people have had the chance to do, if any have done it before. I was hesitant to put this project out because to me it sounds dated, but I knew it was something I had to do. This project isn’t for the people like how Hollywood was. I put this project out for me and her.”
And, of course, we had to ask which song was her favorite! It’s “blk,” the EP’s opening song – Malo explains, “I think it’s funny because originally she wasn’t on the song. I made ‘blk’ before I had any recordings of her so I had put somebody else on it because it fit the vibe. I obviously couldn’t release the song with them on it, because the songs wouldn’t be the same without her. I think she fits better at the end of the day anyways.”
In a time when the world is moving endlessly fast and everyone’s minds seem to be swirling a mile a minute, it feels like a nice pause of sorts to hone in on one specific feeling or situation like Malo does. Love Is Written In Cursive is a focused exploration of one of the most thrilling things anyone can ever experience and it’ll have you falling in love with Malo’s music.
“At the time of creation, I wasn’t [sonically] influenced by anyone particularly,” he admits. “I was more influenced by the feelings I felt when I met my girlfriend. I was in love for the first time in my life and it helped me make the best music I had made in my career at the time.”
You can find the Love Is Written In Cursive EP on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Malo on Instagram and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our interview with this fast-rising star.
Congrats on your new EP, Love Is Written In Cursive! How does it feel to finally share the project with the world?
It feels amazing! I have been sitting on this project for almost two years so it feels good to finally put it out. Getting to revisit all of these memories of when me and my girlfriend got together is a great feeling.
Is there a certain lyric in each song on Love Is Written In Cursive that you’re most proud of?
“Just got pulled over, I say ‘sorry ma’am, I just fell in love with your daughter,’ I’m tryna go get her, I feel like Vince Carter” from “fiji.” At the time, my girl’s mom was a cop, and this was before we had told each other “I love you,” I used to play this song in the car to try and drop hints but she would never catch on.
Which song on the EP means the most to you?
This one is a hard one to answer for me. On my last project, I could tell you easily which one means the most to me, but for this release, all of the songs mean the world to me. To me these aren’t just songs, they are memories.
Who were some of your influences on the EP’s sound?
At the time of creation, I wasn’t influenced by anyone particularly. I was more influenced by the feelings I felt when I met my girlfriend. I was in love for the first time in my life and it helped me make the best music I had made in my career at the time.
Which songs on Love Is Written In Cursive took the most and least amount of time to make?
All of the songs on the project, with an exception of one, were made in a 24-hour span. I was so motivated by the feeling of love that I had to find a way to express it. “Inlovewitme” was made within ten minutes. I think the one that took the longest was “fiji.” I had to go back to that one to add a second verse.
In addition to your own vocals on the project, Love Is Written In Cursive has some guest appearances from your partner, who the EP is dedicated to. What was it like to get to immortalize your connection through your music like that?
I am overjoyed that I got to do this. It’s not something a lot of people have had the chance to do, if any have done it before. I was hesitant to put this project out because to me it sounds dated, but I knew it was something I had to do. This project isn’t for the people like how Hollywood was. I put this project out for me and her.
Which song on the EP is your partner’s favorite?
When you sent this list of questions I asked her that question. She responded with “the one that I’m on.” I think it’s funny because originally she wasn’t on the song. I made “blk” before I had any recordings of her so I had put somebody else on it because it fit the vibe. I obviously couldn’t release the song with them on it, because the songs wouldn’t be the same without her. I think she fits better at the end of the day anyways.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with your music already, which of your songs would you recommend to them to get a feel for who you are as an artist?
That is a hard question to answer. With every drop I have had, I always change. I always try to keep advancing in music. The songs I am making today are nothing like this project or my last one, and my next project won’t be anything like the one that follows. If I really had to pick one, I would say people should listen to “Momma Told me” off of my last project. I think that song really captures me as a person.
We at TREMG love getting to know new artists who haven’t gotten the success or attention they deserve. Who are some of your favorite underrated artists at the moment?
Willie Manic is an amazing artist that I draw a lot of inspiration from. I have never seen someone tackle music the way he does. Marion IV is one of my personal favorites. He hasn’t dropped music in a while and I can’t wait until he does. Last but not least, Carky is getting ready to drop an album. He is a very talented artist that I’ve worked with in the past.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that the questions didn’t touch on?
I think all of these questions were perfect. A lot of people don’t understand this project. I can tell by your questions that you really took the time to listen to the music, and for that, I truly appreciate this opportunity.
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