Multitalented artist Ntokozo Totana, better know as Perp recently dropped a symphonious album titled Winters Alter Ego. The 17 track album is a prequel to his project, Beautiful Winter. Perp’s latest offering is an anthology of heartbreak – with themes of pain and sadness.
Winters Alter Ego features the likes of Mojo Woza – who also happens to be behind the production of some the tracks on the albums. The album is also produced by the KidsNextDoor, JohnyBasz, Tebxgo, Treih Earl Beatz, AGORDNOVA – as well as Perp himself.
808 PLUG caught up with Perp to talk all things Winters Alter Ego, and get to know more about his artistry.
For our readers who are just getting to know you, who is Perp?
Perp (short for Persistence Exceeds Real Passion) is a musician/ songwriter from the Eastrand, Katlehong. A musician that speaks on matters that affect his real life situations and matters that affect the youth. He is mainly groomed from rap but has grown his expertise through experiences and sings on songs as well. Perp has put out numerous projects – with the latest one being Winters Alter Ego.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Perp is short for Persistence Exceeds Real Passion. I was previously known as Perpetual Motion which meant never ending movement. But, most people used to call me Perp already so when a band from the USA tried suing me for using the name Perpetual Motion, I just switched to Perp. Because everything in my name has heavy meaning, I had to give Perp a meaning, which is why I came up with Persistence Exceeds Real Passion. The thought behind it was, no matter how passionate you are – there’s no movement for success if you’re not persistent.
What can you tell us about your album, Winters Alter Ego?
Winters Alter Ego is a representation of feelings that are felt by the youth with regards to relationships we have and how they shape the way we think of love, as well as the way we express our feelings.
What inspired the album and its title?
The album is inspired mostly by personal experiences and also fantasies I have about certain situations. The title is an indication of the difference between the album and its prequel Beautiful Winter, which was a lighter project compared to this one. Unlike Winters Alter Ego, Beautiful Winter is about love but not the dark days of love.
Which song from the album resonates with you the most?
I honestly can’t say, mainly because it’s all my feelings but if I could choose one, it’s The Need To Know. Reason being, it was made the quickest and that to me says I was in touch with my feelings the most when I made it, which is true.
What does your creative process look like?
It’s crazy how I first come up with project titles, song titles and then that’s where I go out searching for beats. It’s never “get the beat then work from there.” It’s always the other way round. It’s really what I feel is what I put out. I can’t write what I don’t feel.
Who are your biggest music influences?
Mostly Drake and J Cole but the list of artists I listen to is endless. Therefore, there are many artists I draw styles, techniques and so on from. But at the top of that list – Drake and Cole.
What inspires you to make music in general?
It’s mostly pain and joy, my emotions basically. I just write down whatever I’m feeling and that’s the way it goes 99% of the time.
Which artists would you like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with Drake. But right now, I’d like to see more unity in South African music especially the Hip-Hop/ R&B fraternity mainly because we need an increase in interest for those genres. I’d like to collaborate with more South African artists for that reason.
What’s next for Perp?
I’m planning out the release of a special project that I can’t announce for now but it should be expected soon. For now, it’s just the push of Winters Alter Ego and more visuals.