Grime Network Presents: An interview with Hedo

In our new 'Grime Network Presents' interview series, we are going to be delving into the world of a series of Grime personalities, finding out how it all began for them, what led them to Grime, and, what's coming next.

This week, we sat down with multi-faceted Hedo from Manchester, where we spoke all things music and his indie record label Jackinabox Records.

S: It’s great to be interviewing you! Perhaps you could start by telling us a little about who you are and what you do?

H: Hello, my name is Hedo, I get blocks together like Lego. I’m a bilingual MC and head of an independent record label - Jackinabox Records. I have a passion for mixing music under my alias LowCal-Lad.

S: Where did your love for music begin?

H: Early in primary school I decided I wanted to play the guitar. Then in secondary school took on electric guitar and began playing in a cover band. I came to UK when I was 19 and the guitar stayed back at home .I started off on Fruity Loops to fill the void, from there it was straight into the studio and I've never stopped since!

S: You’re a very busy person! You are an MC and you have founded your own record label. Could you tell us more about Jackinabox Records?

H: Jackinabox Records is an indie record label based in Manchester, UK, which I founded in 2020 as the lockdown strong-armed the globe. As a bilingual artist, I had the chance to meet a lot of MCs, DJs, and producers throughout the past 10 years of playing support acts across the UK. I’m quite open in communication around collaborations and often reach out to artists matching our labels' vibe. So far we have released 2 Eps, 1LP, and 3 Maxi singles on 10’’ & 12’’ vinyl featuring MCs like Merky Ace & Jendor.

S: You’ve worked with so many different artists in the scene. What do you look for in an artist to collaborate with?

H: As a label and an artist, I try to reach out to the artists who inspired me, at the same time I know plenty of artists who haven’t got a large social media coverage but are still on the same wavelengths. I always try to collaborate with someone who inspires me or thinks and works alike. That’s what makes these collaborations so special!

S: What inspires your lyrical content?

H: I like to practice wordplay, at a certain point it’s not just about the rhyme but the 2nd bottom of the lyric. A lot of the times I get a riddim off a producer and it already sets the mood for the song for me, usually go with my gut.

S: If you could describe your sound in three words- what would they be?

H: GRIMEY BILINGUAL VERSATILE!

S: If you could collaborate with any artist at all, who would it be and why?

Hmmm, this 1 is tough, if we talking GRIME then it has to be Wiley.

S: Finally, what is next for you? What can we expect to see in the coming months?

H: Bassbox LIVE event series every month and The Box EP on CD and vinyl. Plenty to come. A pleasure to chat, regards from Manny!

Follow Hedo on Instagram: @hedojackinabox

Written by Shan Selena