Artist Talks: Ephraim

Artist Talks aims to delve into the minds and stories of creative souls who shape our world. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of inspiration that surrounds us, guided by the voices and visions of those who dare to dream, create, and inspire.

Ephraim, a 27-year-old also known as Raiden with the civil name Ephraim Duncan, was born and raised in London before moving to Denmark at the age of 16. He now resides in Copenhagen. ephraim is a multidisciplinary artist focused on storytelling, bringing his narratives to life through various outlets, such as his newly released single, "Narcissistic Tendencies," and the poems he frequently performs at select venues in Copenhagen. We meet him in Paris, where he is directing a production for one of his clients. He expresses his love for sharing and connecting with others, explaining that his stories take shape through this passion, with the medium becoming secondary.

"First off, congratulations on the release of your new single, 'Narcissistic Tendencies.' Can you tell us what the song is about?"

I made this song to help me embrace the process of change. I wrote it after realizing I didn't know how to take care of myself. Following my last relationship, I entered a period where I had to look in the mirror and accept that I had narcissistic tendencies. This song is about accepting that I need to take care of myself first. It's about change, and celebrating I can now accept myself putting me first, while acknowledging that it isn't always easy to do so.

"Do you consider music to be an outlet for expressing your feelings?"

Yes, I believe music allows me to express emotions I haven't always given myself the space to feel. Music, for me, is a diary in which I talk about my personal experiences; it helps me make sense of my world. It’s a way for me to understand and get to know the different sides of me, a way for me to process what's going on in my life.

"What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in music?"

I hope that by sharing how I feel, the people who listen will get to understand themselves a little bit better. Ultimately I’m sharing my story and I hope they receive a new perspective on their story which helps them continue to enjoy living life.

"Who is your inspiration?"

Right now, my sister inspires me because of the way she shows up for herself in her many different creative mediums. She reminds me that it's possible to live outside the box—the box of a single career path. Musically, I'm inspired by Kings of Leon because I love the way their music feels. It's instrument-based, and I'm a sucker for emotionally-driven pop rock. I enjoy combining rap and storytelling with that genre. Creatively I’m inspired by Childish Gambino because of the way he is so fluid in his forms of expression (music, directing, acting and writing) and lyrically I’m inspired by Lil Wayne because he seems to be constantly writing lyrics - I love when I am in a space where it’s almost as if the pen is using me to write.

"What is your guilty pleasure in music?"

“Love Story (taylor's version)” by Taylor Swift - it gave me the most unrealistic idea of love and I love it to this day.