Lordin's new mixtape, Ascension, marks a powerful chapter in his musical journey, blending vulnerability with bold self-expression. Born from a period of personal struggle and growth, the project showcases both his creative evolution and emotional depth. Lordin has shared that he's especially proud of how honest and fearless the mixtape feels, highlighting tracks that reflect his resilience. At the same time, some songs were deeply challenging to write, forcing him to confront darker moments in order to find clarity and light through his music.

“Ascension” is such a powerful title — what does it represent for you personally and artistically in this EP?

When I was writing these songs, I didn’t know there would be a finished project at the end of it. I wrote the songs for the love of creating, for healing, for manifestation and to let go of past emotions and narratives - ultimately putting positive forward energy out there. Ascension means to ascend, to rise, to ‘go higher’. It felt appropriate for this project as life lessons have set me free - I’m focused on elevating. It represents doing what feels right for me regardless of how it’s received, the fear of being perceived, owning and knowing what I want and overcoming a huge transitional period in my life. 

Can you talk us through the creative process behind the EP? Was there a central theme or emotion that guided you from start to finish?

With music, I always want to be transparent and tell my story. When I look back on a project, it’s like a time stamp on a period of my life, where I remember how I felt and what I was going through. Songs such as ‘Love, Hard’, ‘See Me For Me’ and ‘Pay The Price’ are very personal as they talk about; my upbringing whilst I was on my healing journey (LH), relationship struggles (SMFM) and the life path of an artist (PTP). Songs like “Him Want”, “How I 888”, “Gimme The Money”, “Natural Riddim” are super fun and playful. They remind me of songs that I like to listen to, that uplift and remind me of my power (HI8, NR), manifest my future life (GTM) and create the music for spaces where I want to be celebrated (and hopefully in turn for the community {HW} ). 

Which track on Ascension felt the most personal or challenging to write, and why?

Challenging to write definitely Love, Hard. It was my first time on a drill song, so sonically that was an exciting challenge. The song told my story, and shared love helped me overcome so much adversity. I wanted to put my influences from the strongest figures as a reminder, like when I say “hear my Mum say boys be a leader”, similar how Beyoncé says “my Mamma taught me good home training,” in Flawless. That was really fun for me, but it can be hard to be honest about the relationship with my Dad. The most personal song is probably “See Me For Me”. In the past, I have struggled to feel fully seen, celebrated or accepted for all parts of me in relationships. It’s through trial and error now knowing what I want, what I deserve and not dimming myself down to make anyone feel better. Even though the song sounds super confident, when I wrote it I was in a dark place.  I wrote it to uplift myself and manifest how I wanted to feel. The second verse rap was also challenging to write but I had so much fun on it! One of my favourite verses on the project. 

You blend genre influences in really unique ways. What sonic direction did you explore on this project that felt new or different for you?

I wanted the project to be very versatile. Blending my Pop, R&B and Rap influences - to not be afraid to experiment and try something new. Songwriting is very personal and freeing, so I didn’t want to limit myself. I gave myself permission to be playful and silly. Early on in my music career; producers, engineers and even partners have laughed at my fun light hearted raps. It made me self conscious and box myself in to what other people wanted to hear from me (Pop/R&B). However, it’s a part of me and is my true expression regardless. Not caring what other people think and being authentic is the whole point of being an artist, and I wanted to take back ownership of that and my power back.

The production on Ascension feels rich and layered — who did you collaborate with, and how did those partnerships shape the final sound?

“Pay The Price” I co- produced with my long term engineer and producer Ashton Foster, the rest of the songs I went back to how I first started and bought the beats off YouTube. I have worked with many producers over the years; the process can be long, drawn out and very expensive. I wanted this project to have an experimental mixtape feel, and it was important to me that I wrote alone to gain clarity over my thoughts; almost like a diary entry stream of consciousness. In future, I’m really excited and ready to collaborate with new producers and writers. Ashton Foster did an incredible job engineering over the years with our half therapy half studio sessions, always making changes to make the mix sound super clean & professional. 

There’s a sense of growth and transformation throughout the EP. What kind of journey did you want listeners to experience as they move through the tracks?

That it’s important own all versions of ourselves - allow yourself to feel and heal. We’re not alone in our struggles, we’re all going through or have had similar experiences in different ways. If we’re still and listen to our intuition, I believe we’re guided exactly where we’re meant to be.

Are there any lyrics on Ascension that you’re particularly proud of — maybe ones that summarize what this project means to you?

I’d say, “You can do anything you put your mind to” - Intro. Hear my Mum say “boys, be a leader, just be yourself, don’t follow them sheep”. Best thing that could’ve ever been installed in me as a child. I believe I’ve been on an authentic path from a very young age despite it’s challenges because of my Mum, and I’m most proud of that. “Aim for the stars no excuse”, thriving to be the best version of yourself and connecting to your higher self; Ascension. Even when you think you’re going ‘down’ you’re going ‘up’. 

What do you hope fans take away from Ascension, and how does it set the stage for the next chapter in your musical journey?

I hope people take away you can create anything you want to. Whatever it is, create your own: day by day, step by step. Anything is possible, and you never know who needs to hear what you have to say. Your existence and truth alone is enough to help someone, so never give up on yourself.