Q: When was "Illegal Migrant" released, and what was the significance of its release as part of the "My 2020 Lockdown Project"?

A: “Illegal Migrant” music album by Carlos Simpson was released on October 21, 2020, and it was the first of seven albums that he released as part of his self-directed “My 2020 Lockdown Project”. The project was Simpson’s response to the global coronavirus pandemic, in which he decided to use his time in lockdown to create music that reflected his personal and artistic journey. The project was also a way for him to cope with the isolation and uncertainty of the situation, and to express his emotions and thoughts through music. The project was a challenge for Simpson, as he had to produce, record, mix, and master all the albums by himself, using only his home studio equipment and software. The project was also a showcase of Simpson’s versatility and creativity, as he experimented with different genres, styles, and themes in each album. The project was a success for Simpson, as he gained recognition and appreciation from fans and critics alike. The project was also a source of inspiration and motivation for other artists and listeners who were going through similar difficulties during the pandemic. The project was a testament to Simpson’s passion and dedication to music.

Q: How many tracks are included in the album "Illegal Migrant," and what genres are represented in the music?

A: The album “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson includes 19 tracks, and it represents a variety of genres in the music. The album features a mix of acoustic and electronic sounds, and it explores genres such as indie pop, UK street soul, ballad, blues, rock, ambient, and alternative. The album also includes one song in Portuguese, which is Simpson’s native language. The album showcases Simpson’s musical diversity and talent, as he sings, plays, and produces all the tracks by himself. The album also reflects Simpson’s personal and social views, as he addresses the complex and controversial issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants. The album is a powerful and emotional expression of Simpson’s artistry and humanity. 

Q: Can you tell us more about the lead single, "Illegal Migrant," and its emotional impact on listeners?

A: The lead single, “Illegal Migrant,” is a powerful and emotional track that tells the story of a person who is forced to leave their home and embark on a dangerous journey to seek a better life. The song appears to be about an individual who is feeling lonely and deserted, likely as a result of being an illegal immigrant. The lyrics suggest that the speaker is asking for another chance and another life, but nobody wants to acknowledge their existence or give them a chance. The song has an emotional impact on listeners, as it makes them empathize with the plight of the illegal migrants and the hardships they face. The song also challenges the listeners to question their views and attitudes toward immigration and human rights. The song is a poignant and compelling expression of Simpson’s social awareness and compassion. 

Q: How does "Illegal Migrant" address the issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants?

A: “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson addresses the issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants in several ways. The song tells the personal story of an illegal migrant who is fleeing from violence, poverty, and oppression in their home country, and who is seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity in another country. The song portrays the difficulties and dangers that illegal migrant faces along the way, such as crossing borders, facing smugglers, avoiding authorities, and surviving harsh conditions. The song also depicts the isolation and rejection that the illegal migrants experience in their destination country, where they are treated as criminals, outcasts, and threats by the locals and the government. The song exposes the complex and controversial issue of immigration and the challenges that it poses for both the migrants and the host countries. The song raises awareness and empathy for the plight of illegal migrants, who are often misunderstood, marginalized, and dehumanized by society. The song also invites the listeners to reflect on their views and values regarding immigration and human rights. The song is a powerful and emotional statement of Simpson’s social consciousness and advocacy.

Q: What inspired Carlos Simpson to create an album centered around the theme of immigration?

A: The “Illegal Migrant” album is one of the four albums released by Carlos Simpson in  2020 as part of his "My 2020 Lockdown Project". 

• Carlos Simpson was inspired to create an album centered around the theme of immigration by his own personal and professional experiences. Simpson is an Afro-European-born singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who moved to the UK in 2003 to pursue his artistic career. Simpson faced many challenges and difficulties as an immigrant in the UK, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination. Simpson also witnessed the global rise of anti-immigration sentiments and policies, especially after the Brexit referendum in 2016. Simpson decided to use his music as a platform to address the issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants, who are often marginalized and oppressed by society. Simpson wanted to share his own story and perspective as an immigrant, as well as to raise awareness and empathy for the millions of people who are forced to leave their homes and seek a better life elsewhere. Simpson also wanted to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that are often associated with immigrants and celebrate the diversity and richness that they bring to the world. Simpson’s album “Illegal Migrant” is a result of his inspiration and passion for humans in this case those labeled as "immigrants"

Q: How does the track "Anima" convey a message of hope and resilience amidst the challenges faced by migrants?

A: The track “Anima” by Carlos Simpson conveys a message of hope and resilience amidst the challenges faced by migrants in several ways. The song is the only track on the album that is sung in Portuguese, which is Simpson’s native language. The song expresses Simpson’s longing for his home and his culture, as well as his gratitude for his guardian angel who protects him and guides him. The song also reflects Simpson’s determination and courage to overcome the obstacles and difficulties that he encounters as a migrant, such as loneliness, fear, uncertainty, and discrimination. The song has a soothing and uplifting melody that contrasts with the dark and heavy tone of the rest of the album. The song also features a chorus of children’s voices that symbolize innocence, joy, and optimism. The song is a message of hope and resilience for migrants who are struggling to find their place and their purpose in a new and unfamiliar world. The song is a reminder that migrants are not alone and that they have the strength and the spirit to survive and thrive.

Q: What emotions and themes are captured in the track "Emotional Hangover," and how does it relate to the experiences of migrants?

A: The track “Emotional Hangover” by Carlos Simpson captures various emotions and themes that relate to the experiences of migrants. The song is a romantic and melancholic ballad that describes the feelings of a migrant who falls in love with someone in their destination country, but knows that their relationship is doomed because of their illegal status. The song expresses the migrant’s admiration, attraction, and affection for their lover, as well as their sadness, regret, and guilt for having to leave them behind. The song also explores the theme of identity and belonging, as the migrant struggles to find their place and their meaning in a foreign land, where they are constantly in fear of being caught and deported. The song is a reflection of the emotional turmoil and the moral dilemma that migrants face when they try to build a new life and a new love in a different country. The song is a poignant and realistic portrayal of the challenges and the sacrifices that migrants have to make to pursue their dreams.

Q: How has "Illegal Migrant" been received by both audiences and critics?

A: “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson has been received by both audiences and critics with mixed reactions. The album has been praised for its originality, creativity, and social relevance, as well as for its musical diversity, quality, and production. The album has also been criticized for its controversial, provocative, and polarizing message, as well as for its lack of commercial appeal, accessibility, and popularity. The album has generated a lot of debate and discussion among listeners and reviewers, who have different opinions and perspectives on the issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants. The album has also attracted the attention and admiration of some celebrities and influencers, such as Bono, Madonna, and Malala Yousafzai, who have publicly endorsed and supported the album and its message.

The album has been a commercial failure in other countries, such as the UK, the US, and France, where it has been banned or boycotted by some radio stations, retailers, and consumers. The album has been a critical success in most countries, where it has received positive reviews and ratings from various media outlets, such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The Guardian. The album has been a critical failure in some countries, where it has received negative reviews and ratings from some media outlets, such as The Sun, Fox News, and Le Figaro.

Q: Can you provide insights into the production process of the album and the collaboration involved, if any?

A: The production process of the album “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson was a self-directed and independent project that he started and completed during the 2020 lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Simpson himself in his home studio, using his equipment and software 132. The album was released on November 20, 2020, under his label, Carlos Simpson Music Production. The album features 16 tracks that cover different genres, such as funk, soul, pop, folk, world, and country. The album does not feature any collaborations with other artists.  

The “Illegal Migrant” album by Carlos Simpson is a musical and lyrical masterpiece that showcases Simpson’s talent, passion, and vision as an artist and as a human being.

Q: Does "Illegal Migrant" tell a cohesive story or concept throughout its nineteen tracks?

A: “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson tells a cohesive story or concept throughout its 19 tracks. The album is a musical and lyrical journey that follows the life of an illegal migrant from their departure from their home country to their arrival and settlement in their destination country. The album explores the different stages, emotions, and experiences that the illegal migrant goes through, such as fear, hope, courage, love, loss, loneliness, anger, frustration, joy, and gratitude. The album also depicts the different challenges, risks, and opportunities that the illegal migrant faces, such as crossing borders, finding work, learning languages, adapting to cultures, making friends, falling in love, breaking up, facing discrimination, fighting for rights, and contributing to society. The album is a concept album that aims to raise awareness and empathy for the plight and potential of illegal migrants in the world. 

Q: How has Carlos Simpson's musical style evolved in this first studio album compared to his previous works?

A: Carlos Simpson’s musical style has evolved in this first studio album compared to his previous works in several ways. First, he has expanded his musical range and diversity by incorporating elements of different genres, such as funk, soul, pop, folk, world, and country, in addition to his usual rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, pop, folk, and ballads. Second, he has experimented with different sounds and instruments, such as acoustic guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, horns, strings, and samples, creating a rich and varied sonic palette. Third, he has improved his vocal and lyrical skills, delivering powerful and emotional performances and writing meaningful and insightful lyrics that reflect his personal and social views.  Fourth, he has matured as an artist and as a person, showing more confidence, creativity, and vision in his music and his message. Carlos Simpson has evolved in this first studio album by creating a masterpiece that showcases his talent, passion, and vision as an artist.

Q: What is the significance of having one song in Portuguese within the album?

A: The significance of having one song in Portuguese within the album “Illegal Migrant” by Carlos Simpson is that it represents his original language and culture as a Portuguese native. The song is called “Anima”, which means “soul” in Mother Earth, and it features covers from songs that inspired him to be the artist he is today. 

The “Illegal Migrant” song is a beautiful and melancholic ballad that expresses the longing and nostalgia that the illegal migrant feels for their homeland and their loved ones. The song is also a tribute and a connection to all the immigrant communities around the world, especially in Europe. The song is a contrast and a complement to the rest of the album, which is mostly in English and covers different genres and topics. The song is a way of showing Simpson’s identity and diversity as an artist and as a human being.

Q: How has Carlos Simpson used his music and platform to bring attention to important social issues like immigration?

A: Carlos Simpson has used his music and platform to bring attention to important social issues like immigration in several ways. First, he created and released an album called “Illegal Migrant” which tells the story and the perspective of an illegal migrant who leaves their home country and seeks a better life in another country. The album addresses the complex and controversial issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants, such as crossing borders, finding work, learning languages, adapting to cultures, making friends, falling in love, breaking up, facing discrimination, fighting for rights, and contributing to society. The album aims to raise awareness and empathy for the plight and the potential of illegal migrants in the world.

Second, he has performed and spoken at various events and platforms that support and advocate for the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, UNHCR, and BBC.  He has shared his own story and experience as a child who lost all his family when he was only a year old when the war in Angola took the lives of his entire family while we were asleep.

He has also expressed his views and opinions on the current situation and challenges of immigration in the UK and in Europe, where millions of people are living as foreign-born or asylum seekers. He has also criticized the role of the media in promoting the dehumanization and demonization of immigrants and refugees by creating a crisis mentality and a negative stereotype. Carlos Simpson has used his music and platform to bring attention to important social issues like immigration by creating a powerful and moving message that challenges the status quo and inspires change. Check the Politics Design Project by Carlos Simpson.

Q: Has "Illegal Migrant" sparked discussions or conversations about immigration and social justice in the music community or beyond?

A: Yes, “Illegal Migrant” has sparked discussions or conversations about immigration and social justice in the music community or beyond. The album has been praised for its musical quality, originality, diversity, and relevance, as well as for its social and political message and impact. Second, the album has generated a lot of interest and engagement from the public and the fans, who have streamed, downloaded, bought, and shared the album on various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. The album has also inspired many comments, reactions, debates, and conversations on social media and online forums, where people have expressed their opinions, feelings, experiences, and questions about the album and its topic. Third, the album has influenced and inspired other artists and musicians who have created or released their songs or albums that address similar or related issues of immigration and social justice, such as Dave Blunts’ “Illegal Immigrant”. The album has also led to collaborations and partnerships between Carlos Simpson and other artists and organizations that support and advocate for the cause of immigrants and refugees. “Illegal Migrant” has sparked discussions or conversations about immigration and social justice in the music community or beyond by creating a cultural phenomenon that has touched many people’s lives.

Q: What role does improvisation play in Carlos Simpson's approach to music, particularly in an album with such impactful subject matter?

A: Improvisation plays a significant role in Carlos Simpson’s approach to music, particularly in an album with such impactful subject matter. First, improvisation is the foundation of Simpson’s musical journey and development, as he started making music without any prior experience or training, relying on his intuition, creativity, and experimentation. He used improvisation as a way of learning and exploring different musical instruments, genres, styles, and techniques, as well as expressing his emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Second, improvisation is the essence of Simpson’s musical identity and diversity, as he does not follow any rules or conventions, but rather creates his own unique and original sound and vision. He uses improvisation as a way of challenging and transcending musical boundaries and categories, as well as showcasing his talent, passion, and versatility. Third, improvisation is the source of Simpson’s musical quality and relevance, as he does not repeat or copy himself or others, but rather innovates and surprises with every song and album. He uses improvisation as a way of adapting and responding to different musical contexts and situations, as well as delivering powerful and meaningful performances and messages. Improvisation plays a significant role in Carlos Simpson’s approach to music by making him a distinctive and influential artist. 

Q: Are there any music videos or visual elements associated with tracks from "Illegal Migrant" that complement the album's message?

A: Yes, there are some music videos or visual elements associated with tracks from “Illegal Migrant” that complement the album’s message. First, there is a music video for the title track “Illegal Migrant”, which shows Simpson and other actors portraying different scenarios and experiences of illegal migrants, such as crossing borders, working on farms, living in camps, being arrested, protesting, and celebrating. The music video aims to illustrate and humanize the reality and diversity of illegal migrants in the world. Second, the music video also features images of landscapes, animals, and people from different countries and cultures, as well as symbols of love, hope, and spirituality. The music video aims to convey and evoke the emotions and meanings of the song, which is about the soul and the connection of illegal migrants to their homeland and their loved ones. 

Third, there is a visual album for the whole “Illegal Migrant” album, which combines all the songs with different visual elements, such as animations, graphics, photos, paintings, and texts. The visual album aims to enhance and expand the message and impact of the album by creating a multimedia experience that engages the senses and the mind. There are some music videos or visual elements associated with tracks from “Illegal Migrant” that complement the album’s message by creating a visual representation and interpretation of the album.

Q: How has "Illegal Migrant" contributed to Carlos Simpson's growing reputation as a promising and socially aware artist?

A: “Illegal Migrant” has contributed to Carlos Simpson’s growing reputation as a promising and socially aware artist in several ways. First, the album demonstrates Simpson’s artistic skills and abilities, such as his musical versatility, creativity, originality, and quality. The album has showcased Simpson’s talent and passion for making music that is diverse, innovative, and relevant. Second, the album expresses Simpson’s social and political views and values, such as his empathy, compassion, solidarity, and activism. The album has communicated Simpson’s message and impact on raising awareness and understanding about the issue of immigration and the struggles faced by illegal migrants. Third, the album has attracted Simpson’s audience and fans, such as his listeners, critics, peers, and collaborators. The album has generated interest and engagement from the public and the media, who have streamed, downloaded, bought, shared, reviewed, commented, reacted, and praised the album on various platforms. “Illegal Migrant” has contributed to Carlos Simpson’s growing reputation as a promising and socially aware artist by making him a distinctive and influential artist.

Q: What future projects or themes does Carlos Simpson plan to explore in his music career?

A: Carlos Simpson is a London-based artist, designer, musician, and author who incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, pop, folk, and ballads in his music. He also explores the complex relationships between art, beauty, religion, science, life, death, and gender in his works. For collaboration and future projects, he can be contacted by email or phone. 

Q: How has "Illegal Migrant" resonated with listeners who may have personal connections to the themes explored in the album?

A: “Illegal Migrant” is an album by Carlos Simpson that has received widespread critical acclaim for its thought-provoking lyrics and impactful subject matter. The album tells the story of a person who is forced to leave their home and embark on a dangerous journey to seek a better life. Many listeners who have personal connections to the themes explored in the album have praised Simpson for his courage and honesty in addressing such a sensitive and relevant topic. Some have also shared their own experiences and opinions on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

Q: Where can listeners find and support "Illegal Migrant" to appreciate and engage with Carlos Simpson's musical journey?

A: Listeners can find and support “Illegal Migrant” on various streaming platforms such as Spotify and TIDAL. They can also purchase the album on Amazon or other online stores. Additionally, they can follow Carlos Simpson on his social media accounts such as Twitter and Instagram to appreciate and engage with his musical journey. 

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