"Although I didn't write this song, it spoke to me in a way that made me feel as if it was my own story,” Brandon said. “I found myself playing it over and over again in my bedroom, remembering situations that I've been through.”
Check out the video for yourself below.
"Playing in other peoples bands, you have to learn how to adapt and support someone else's vision which at times overlaps with your own, but often not," the duo explained over email. "No matter how talented someone else is, if there is something you want to get out and aren't, you start to get frustrated."
It's no coincidence, then, that the lyrics of "LOMO" repeat over and over: "You're still living on your own / you're still breathing on your own," a message emphasizing the peace that comes with accepting, and embracing, your singularity. "We hope that the song evokes for listeners what it evokes for us, which is essentially a sense of equanimity."
The track is a lo-fi, dark acoustic number that can be kept on repeat without becoming redundant, a breezy reminder of "understanding your relationship with yourself." Because in the end, you're all you have.
Listen below.
How did you come up with the name Siimba Lives Long?
Siimba Liives* Long lol. Siimba was a nick name my homies called me and my last name is Long. So I just threw a “Liives” in there and called it a day, it used to be my Facebook name then I just made it my rap name official.
How did the concept come about with ‘Hooked’?
I was thinking about it for a long time. I had a song with an intense underlying message and I wanted a visual to match that. I eat fire and that community is linked with the suspension community. I was scared to do it but that’s kinda why I wanted to. I’m all about pushing myself and doing things I’m scared of.
Was there any training involved with the piercing hanging in your video? If so, how long did it take?
No training.
What can we expect live on Tuesday?
A sick show. Imma fuck it up. It’ll be one of the craziest shows of my life.
What current art trends would you say you follow or inspire you?
I’m not hip to the trends. I just appreciate art and I’m inspired by everything I see.
What is your pet-peeve within the art world?
No pet peeve in regards to art itself, my only pet peeve is snobs, I think sometimes people get so involved in music or art to where they think their taste is better than everyone else’s and forget that art is fundamentally expression and people are free to do it however they want.
Ethiopia, New York, South Africa, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey to name a few places you’ve lived. How has this shaped you?
Living in different places gives you a broader perspective on life. It’s important. Changing your environment is one of the best ways to guarantee learning something new and keeping your mind open. I think it allows me to relate to a lot of different types of people.
Growing up with hip hop as one of your favorite genres, who would you say is your favorite hip hop artist out right now?
Kendrick.
Does it differ from your favorite performance artists?
I’m not hip to a lot of performance artists, I open to learning about some though, I think it’s tight.
In reference to rapping with lions, eating fire, and being hooked: what is something you’re afraid of?
I’m afraid of all those things, that’s why I do them! I wanna inspire people not be to fearless but to be brave. You have to be scared in order to be brave.
What the most painful experience you’ve had?
Emotionally when my dad died. Physically, when I ruptured my eardrum.
Is there any meaning behind the white clothes worn in your music videos?
I’m Ethiopian. I wear traditional Ethiopian clothing but I have my own sauce to it. I was inspired by the old school Ethiopian Kong’s. If you look up Menelik I dress similar to him. I don’t think I need to subscribe to this western standard of what fashion is and I think the clothes I wear are beautiful, so I gotta kill these lames everyday with it.
What are some misconceptions about you?
That I’m like this holy or super righteous dude. Very false. People come up to me talking about which crystals do I think they should get to raise their vibrations and I’m like, “Nigga I don’t know, I’m drunk” haha. I believe in spirituality but I have my vices and my demons and I don’t try to hide them.
What’s your greatest advice you can give to someone who listens to your music?
Express yourself unapologetically, love yourself, take risks, embrace the fear, be brave, help people, listen to your heart, and understand the more you do these things the more people probably will not like you......and that’s okay, because you’ll be happy and you’ll connect with the ones who accept you and love you for who you really are. #RIPTOTHELAMES
From "New Yorker," a song that pays homage to the more manic side of NY, emerges "Sarah's Alright," premiering today exclusively on office. As the name suggests, the candid lyrics and romantic visuals capture something every New Yorker dreams of, despite all its modesty. What it captures is the quiet and uncelebrated moment a human realizes they have survived the narrow squeeze through the chained gates of city living. To Hill, "Sarah’s Alright" is a song "which is about growing up in a big city from a young age. The lyrics and character are an amalgam of my growing up here in NYC and stories others told me along the way of their experiences. NYC is a strange and beautiful place." When asked who Sarah is, Brian was not able to give a definite answer. Maybe there is no Sarah. Maybe it's him.
Yes, we know. Life is easier for some than others. However you've managed, though, "Sarah's Alright" is as good of a listen as it is a visual affirmation.
