With his debut album, A Different Frequency, out now, we took some time to hear from R3b3l I. Read below to learn more about R3b3l I, the story behind A Different Frequency, and what’s to come.

Hi R3b3l I! Let’s start with how did you choose your moniker?

The name, R3b3l I, came from the idea of staying true to yourself. The “Rebel” aspect isn’t about being rebellious for the sake of it. It’s about questioning expectations, thinking independently and following your own path. The “I” represents identity, self-awareness, personal responsibility and of course, Ijah. Together, it reflects the journey of becoming comfortable with who you are rather than who others expect you to be.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m from London and still based there today. Growing up and living in London has exposed me to an incredible mix of cultures, sounds and perspectives, which naturally influences the music I create.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

Music was never really a decision as much as something that was always present. I’ve always experienced life through sound, rhythm and patterns. Creating music started as a personal outlet and gradually became a way of expressing thoughts and emotions that were difficult to put into words. Over time, that creative process evolved into something that I wanted to share with others.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe it as a blend of lo-fi, jazz, soul and contemporary instrumental music. At its core, it’s music built around feeling and atmosphere. I focus less on fitting into a specific genre and more on creating emotional experiences that listeners can connect with in their own way.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I enjoy writing, exploring ideas around personal growth and spending time reflecting on life experiences. Creativity often comes from stepping away from the studio. Sometimes the best ideas arrive during a walk, a conversation or a quiet moment of observation rather than when I’m actively trying to create.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

My influences come from a wide range of artists across jazz, soul and instrumental music. Artists like Robert Glasper and Yussef Dayes have inspired me through their ability to blend technical skill with genuine emotion. More broadly, I’m influenced by any artist who creates music that feels honest and timeless.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d love to collaborate with Robert Glasper. What I admire most is his ability to move between genres while maintaining a strong sense of identity. His music feels both sophisticated and deeply human, which is something I always aspire to in my own work.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Releasing A Different Frequency is definitely one of them. Not because it’s a debut or because of any particular milestone, but because it represents a body of work that feels genuinely authentic. It’s the closest I’ve come to creating something that fully reflects who I am as an artist.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

The biggest lesson has been to trust the process and trust yourself. It’s easy to get distracted by comparisons, trends or expectations, but the most meaningful work often comes from creating something that feels true to you rather than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success.

Now onto your release, A Different Frequency. What inspired this album?

The album was inspired by a personal journey of growth, self-discovery and creative freedom. Over time, I realised that many of the pieces I had written were connected by similar themes, even though they were created at different stages of my life. Bringing them together revealed a larger story about finding your own path and learning to trust it.

What is the overall theme of A Different Frequency?

The album explores the idea of finding your own signal amongst the noise. It’s about identity, growth, purpose and self-discovery. Each track represents a different chapter in that journey, but together they tell the story of someone learning to tune into what genuinely resonates with them.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for A Different Frequency?

The cover was designed to visually represent the album’s central idea. The image suggests a transition between different states of awareness and perspective, reflecting the journey that unfolds throughout the music. I wanted something that felt open to interpretation while still capturing the sense of movement and transformation present within the album.

What was the creative process like when making A Different Frequency?

The process was unusual because the album wasn’t written from start to finish as a single project. Many of the tracks were created independently over time. The creative challenge came from recognising the connections between them and carefully shaping them into a cohesive narrative. Once that larger story became visible, the album began to take its final form.

How long did it take to complete A Different Frequency?

In one sense, it took several years because some of the ideas existed long before the album itself. In another sense, the final stage of bringing everything together, refining the sequence and completing the artwork happened over a much shorter period. It was a gradual process of discovery rather than a single concentrated recording project.

Is there a specific song on A Different Frequency that speaks to you the most? If so, why?

That’s a difficult question because each track represents a different part of the journey. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Ancestors. It carries a sense of perspective and gratitude that feels important to the album’s overall message. It reminds me that none of us travel our paths entirely alone.

What do you hope fans take away from A Different Frequency and your music in general?

I hope people take away whatever they need from it. Some may find motivation, others reflection, peace or inspiration. More than anything, I hope the music encourages listeners to slow down, reconnect with themselves and trust their own journey.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

Right now, my focus is on sharing A Different Frequency and seeing how listeners connect with it. Beyond that, I’m interested in continuing to explore instrumental storytelling and creating music that invites people into their own interpretations. There are definitely more creative projects ahead, but for now, I’m enjoying this chapter and where it leads.

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!