After teasing listeners with the raw and resonant single ‘Stallingg’, Bristol-based artist Hanztheman returns with ‘ENDORFIENDS’, a bold, self-produced EP that pulls no punches. Fusing R&B, rap, and alternative sounds with a raspy, emotionally charged flow, the project captures the highs and lows of life in the underground, from late-night indulgence to hard-earned reflection.
So in this interview, we dig into the making of ‘ENDORFIENDS’, the journey that shaped it, and how Hanztheman is building a new wave from the ground up, one fearless verse at a time.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I’ve been blessed to have been exposed early to various genres like reggae, country, makossa, afrobeats and so on, from my mother (big up mums), but my first start in music was as a drummer in the choir at about 5. Then singing followed shortly after.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
There’s a lot, but a few would be Buju Banton, Burna Boy, Kirk Franklin, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
It had always been a dream to make this a career. I couldn’t see what else I’d feel fulfilled doing.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
It’s usually a mixed bag; most collaborative songs are made in the moment, probably after discussions concerning the theme. When the energy is right, I can feed off my collaborator and deliver in a short time frame. Single, take more time. I make the beats, then experience life around me, and usually, there lies the inspiration I need to write the song.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
From life. An artist’s art needs to reflect their time and reality. I am inspired by emotions, the reality of being a black African in these times, speaking up for those who might not be able to or lack an audience to listen. Inequality, mental health, struggles of the matriarchy, colonialism, and so on.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
The easiest way to put this would be in the wise words of Ab-Soul: “love is the only law”. To know you are not alone, to understand the perspectives of people from my world. Lastly, to be vulnerable.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The usuals, I do not focus on the problems. I know what they are but I won’t give them the pleasure of naming them hahaha.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Just watching people enjoy, understand, and feel the messages of the song. Being able to have a positive impact on the listener is amazing and a blessing.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
By surrounding myself with people who keep me grounded. I’ve also refused to kill my inner child; I feel the excitement I felt from the first time I picked up an instrument. Learning and developing my skills have only made it better. Lastly, remembering the journey it took to be myself, why lose all that now?
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
New music very soon, I’m learning, studying to be better and it will be evident in the product.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
PERFORMING AT THE MOBOs.
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Listen to Hanztheman’s new project ‘ENDORFIENDS’ below.
