Master Peace talks Stupid Kids and the Audacity of Misunderstanding in FAULT Magazine Issue 33
Master Peace X FAULT Magazine Issue 33 Preview
See the full shoot and exclusive interview with Master Peace – secure your copy of FAULT Magazine Issue 33, now available for preorder
Photography: Jack Alexander
Words: Miles Holder
Master Peace makes music for the misfits, the misunderstood, and the ones who were written off too early. With his new EP Stupid Kids, the South East London artist sharpens his genre-blurring sound into something louder, more personal, and more purposeful than ever before. We caught up with the artist to discuss his musical journey and his FAULTs.
What inspired the title Stupid Kids for this EP?
It’s about my childhood and me being labelled a Stupid Kid when I was younger but not really understanding why. We have all done silly, naughty, cheeky things as a kid and have probably all been labelled stupid at some point! But it also reflects me not understanding why I was naughty or cheeky or misbehaved sometimes, until later being diagnosed as neurodivergent.
You’ve described the project as being about growing up misunderstood. Do you feel your aesthetic is at odds with what people expect from your indie sound and if so, do you see this as an advantage or disadvantage to your craft?
I think it’s definitely misleading to those who conform to stereotypes. They probably don’t expect a young black artist wearing a durag to make this type of music, and ultimately I think that makes it harder to be seen and heard, but that feeling of winning people over is that much sweeter and in the long-run it will be my biggest asset and strength.
Collaborating with FAULT alumn Declan McKenna on ‘Fuck It Up’ feels like a meeting of two very distinct voices in UK alternative music. How did that collaboration come together?
I’ve always been such a big fan of his and so I just shot my shot haha. I’d written Fuck It Up as a one-take freestyle and was so excited by the track. But I knew I needed something different. I reached out to him on instagram and he replied! Next thing I know, he’s in the studio with me recording his beautiful verse!
Does Stupid Kids feel like the start of a new chapter or the culmination of everything that came before it?
I would say the culmination of everything that’s come before. Just wait and see what I’ve got coming this year!!
What is your FAULT?
That I’m too empathetic!! Haha