We featured you back in 2013 when you had just come into the game as a full time Music artist, tell us a bit about your journey from 2013 till now?
The journeys been a lot of hard work but definitely fun and memorable so far, it’s given me the artillery for this next leg of things, accruing a band a DJ and some super loyal core fans and supporters, I couldn’t have asked for a better entry, especially after my independent show and sponsorship from Playn Eyewear too which was literally a road block. We’ve all been working crazy hard to get to this stage and it’s only the beginning.
How did you come up with the TRIP concept?
The “TRIP” concept was born from a combination of things, firstly my own personal journey, having been knocked back in many ways as a kid, being bullied etc, I was always a “left wing” type of child in my early teens and even before that.
Secondly, when I started rapping/mc’ing I knew it wouldn’t be an easy thing for my friends or family to accept as a career path at first because the creative industry has a lot of stigmas on it.Â
 Lastly, I wanted something to live by that could remind me to stay motivated and faithful in my causes and having taken a lot of risks to even get to this stage I felt it was an extremely appropriate ideal that came to me in the form of that acronym.
 When you released ‘Level Up’ did you expect to get such a good reception?
To be honest I didn’t, I just looked at it as a catchy rap song with some clever lyrics, Â I was proud of at the time. Being so close to the child in me I always reference cartoons and fictional things in my lyrics/songs that I was into as a kid and some I’m even still into now.
One of our favourite tracks of yours is ‘Vaccine’ off of your 2nd project ‘The Black Flow’ E-Tape, talk to us about ‘the Black Flow’ and why is it was different to your debut Mixtape ‘Trilliingo’
The Black Flow E-Tape was a bridge project firstly, I felt like I wasn’t ready for an EP at that time so I wanted to create something that could show growth before I started focusing on an EP. The songs are a lot more conceptual, vibe inducing and musical all round. Story telling is a big part of my rap style, so tracks like “TFL Love”, continuing the “Letter To A Dealer” story and “Down Love” were enjoyable yet challenging to write as a Rapper writing hooks for singers.
In 2013 you performed at over 50 different venue’s including your own ten date tour, followed by another 50 performances in 2014, what is it like performing live? and how do the crowd take to an upcoming artist?
Performing live is one of the best things about being an artists for me, regardless of the venue size or crowd connecting with them and creating a memory is something we can ALL take away, not just them. There was even a time where my guitarist’s strings have snapped 20 minutes before show time and I abandoned the mic and performed the song raw to compensate.
 The crowds are always really welcoming to me and I appreciate that. Theres a stigma around new music and new artists but the reception me and my people get is always positive.Â
You consider yourself to be an alternative Hiphop artist and have done live performances with a band, yet you come from a South London council estate surrounded by negativity and Gangster Rap artists how do you continue to stay in your lane?
Despite my environment growing up, I spent a lot of time alone, so when the “peer pressure” type things did come into play in my latter childhood, it wasn’t hard to remain focused on what I wanted to do and achieve and it’s the same now. My friends from my area musical or otherwise, encourage my differences to them and respect my persona and music.
 After performing your own ten date tour how did that develop you as an artist?
It helped me understand how to connect with crowds from different walks of life, the tour was sponsored by a Charity that supports rehabilitation for Bulimia & Anorexia sufferers so some of my material I performed was catered to that having been bullied and teased about my weight as a child.
 Where is your perfect environment to write music?
Anywhere I can breathe.
You recently got approached to do a SBTV Freestyle entitled ‘Mausoleum’ which is a big achievement, for an upcoming UK rapper explain the process of getting onto such a big Media platform?
 I think it’s just a case of staying focused and creating a respect for what you do as opposed to what people might want from you. I’d caught Jamal’s attention numerous times before with my earlier music but my friends and core fans have grown with me, believe in me and wanted these things for me having witnessed the work rate both on and off stage.
‘Mausoleum’ incorporates a lot of creativity and forward thinking in the production and even the visuals, where did the inspiration and concept come from?
The track’s visual concept came out of and was taken from elements of my life growing up, to put it simply. You’ll hear and see a lot more of in future. It was a production from a rap duo based in the US I listen to called Audio Push who vocalled it originally. I just heard the beat and started writing.
 What Genres of Music play a part in your sound?
Growing up I listened to a lot of different genres. The ones that play a part now I would say are Jazz, Grime, Neo Soul R’n’B, 90’s Hiphop, Trap and some Dubstep.
As well as Music you have a love for skating and for fashion, how would you describe your style?
I’ve been a penny board skater for about a year and a half now. Living in the City it’s easy to take tight corners etc. Although I’ve always had a love for skating since I was about 12. Â
 My style caters to that somewhat and also to my love of the modern, conservative Japanese type culture. A cool statement piece or a simple button down shirt and a good baseball cap are never lost on me in any case.
You have put out your E-Tape  directed visuals, been approached by SBTV and gone on tour what’s the next challenge for Che Lingo?
I just want to do more of what I love, expect an album at some point, some skate link ups in London’s major parks and loads more live gigs with my band and DJ.
 If you could stand in front of an audience of school children from an inner city environment what advice would you give them?
I’d ask them all what they like to do in their spare time creatively and tell them to never let that go once they’ve developed a passion for it. Take that risk and invest your time in yourself. It will pay your bills as the hobby manifests itself into your job in future. It will keep you continuously growing into better versions of yourself and ultimately, keep you happy and inspired. TRIP.
Che Lingo’s E.P ‘The Risk is Proof is dropping real soon check out the artwork here. Follow his Musical journey on Twitter at @Che_Lingo
