Launching his new EP “Bikes Are Bikes” with a show at London’s Meltdown Festival, rapper Barney Artist is one to watch. Alongside photos from the event, Barney also tells us about falling flat on his face during a childhood performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and dreaming about dance offs with Usher at the Great British Bake Off. Rap meets jazz meets comedy - it’s all in a day’s work for Barney.

What did you do on your last day off?
Went to the cinema on my own. I like going to the cinema on my own, it’s my safe space.

What's your greatest ambition? 
To create a boyband with Simon from Blue, Bradley from S Club 7 and Lamar and do a pub tour called “ Mandem in Tandem”.

Do you have any phobias? 
People who chew with their mouths open!

Who do you most admire?
Easy, my family.

Favourite show you’ve ever played?
Probably Glastonbury, but this Southbank Show was definitely a really special night.

What's your greatest ambition? 
To create a boyband with Simon from Blue, Bradley from S Club 7 and Lamar and do a pub tour called “Mandem in Tandem”.
 

Best place you’ve ever been for a gig?
Seoul in South Korea! Absolutely loved it! Beautiful people, food and clothes.

The funniest moment you can remember from a show? 
I don’t know if this counts but in secondary school I got the lead role in “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” and whilst saying my first line I fell flat on my face. I stayed on the ground for ten minutes and my friend who was narrating the show proceeded to laugh hysterically into his microphone.

If you could do anything without fear of repercussion, what would you do?
Swim across the Pacific Ocean. I’m not a great swimmer but that would be amazing.

If you could ask anyone a question, who would you ask, and what? 
I’d ask Jon Favreau why he remade The Lion King...

Favourite film character?
Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight. What a G!
 

What's the last dream that you can remember having? 
That I had a dance battle against Usher to win an opportunity to date Mary Berry from The Great British Bake-Off. I lost...

One thing you can’t live without? 
My Mum’s samosas!

Favourite thing to eat?
You guessed it... my Mum’s samosas.

Least favourite thing to eat?
Brussel sprouts.. the devil himself created this demonic vegetable.

What was your first job?
Worked in a shoe shop in Westfield.

Where do you go for a good idea?
Wanstead Flats.. it’s opposite my house and is the place I have my most tranquil moments.

The best advice you've ever been given?
Be yourself.
 

Playlist:
Karma by Lucky Daye
Somebody Else’s Guy by Jocelyn Brown
In The Family by Splurgeboys
The Door by Alfa Mist
Free by Deniece Williams