On a hot and muggy September afternoon, situated at Roc Star Studios in Humboldt Park, Anai Akuei, a South Sudanese singer/songwriter and model based in Chicago, soaks the vibrations of the city.

Anai is back in Chicago after eight months away and freshly reunited with two very talented Chicago native creators: Blake Davis, a singer/songwriter who was born into a musical family surrounded by Southern Gospel, Blues, and Soul roots, and Blank Face Villain, a multifaceted producer and instrumentalist, and artist classically trained since the age of 5. Listeners describe Anai’s style as light but playful, sweet yet sultry, and full of riddles; Blake has always had a natural ear for melodies, harmonies, and tones; and Blank Face fuses rap, R&B, and electronic music to create a seamless blend of uniquely personal production. Combining the talents of these three distinctly different musical talents, TheLoveofPpl. is a contemporary neo-soul group at its finest.

I was blessed to sit down with the trio to paint a picture of their journeys. After eating snacks & playing an intense chess game that still needs to be finished (be scared Blake I’ve been practicing), we ended up talking for almost two hours, and boy did it fly by. Smiles and laughter filled the air, contrary to more serious prevailing tones of humbleness and reflection to how we, as humans, need to love more.

As we dived into their project, in the first two singles, “Rate Race” and “Tiptoe,” we discovered that it taps into the colorful nostalgia of the late ‘60s and ’70s, emanating soul groups like the Chi-Lites and the O-Jays. This Chicago trio keeps it fresh through smooth 808s and genre-spanning drum arrangements. The crisp and refreshing vocals of Anai Akuei and Blake Davis playfully spar across the tracks as Blank Face’s production circulates a jazzy and distinctive presence on a record that feels just as classic as it feels entirely fresh. Ending the Chicago soul trio’s debut project with “Tongue Tied,” they tap into their tight creative chemistry, proving any song by the Chicagoans is pure, unadulterated R&B brilliance, steeped in luxurious soul bliss. With savvy, and class, the group creates vibes effortlessly. If you are a fan of Kaytranada, James Blake, or Amaarae, stick around to learn more about the next upcoming Chicago soul group…

How did y’all originally start making music?

Anai: Cuz we’re friends…

Blake: Straight up man, authentic connections come through.

Anai: I met James (aka. Blank Face Villain) at an open mic, and he performed and sounded really cool and different, so I go up to him and say hi… (in a soft shy manner) I like your music, will you please make music with me? Then my boyfriend introduced me to Blake Davis and we became friends, so one day he randomly came by and I showed him a song. He goes, Wow this is good!” (Blake laughs as she imitates him). Really, haha, wanna be on it?, (produced by James) he started humming and it all sparked from there.

After the group assembled, what were three core values that allowed the group to grow?

Blake: I think being consistent with each other, being open with each other, and being honest you know what I'm saying… because we all wanted to pursue further (music) since it was easy going and see how far we can take it by following that. You know since it’s hard to connect and get together with people and truly connect.

Anai: It felt really easy, everything been easing working together from coming up to melodies, lyrics, whatever

James: Yeah I agree, I feel everyone’s ability to contribute in each stage regardless of which point we are in the process works the flow a lot nicer, we got the google doc open

Since Anai lives in California, what have been some of the difficulties with creating away from one another?

James: It’s a little bit more shaping lego pieces together it feels like… I'll be working on stuff in my room and I’ll put it in the group chat and Blake comes into the booth to record vocals, then we wait for Anai to come into town or send some vocals.

How did TheLoveofPpl. get created?

Out of the chaos of 2020, we had an oasis of recording sessions, huddled in a small living room on the Southwest side of Chicago. TheLoveofPpl. was born from a time of pain, disappointment, and uncertainty. But at our core, we found that we shared a mutual affinity for clean production, poignant vocals, and nice, fat joint. The group is a call to simplicity, and a toast to those close to our hearts.

So as a collective, where are you gathering inspirations to collaborate?

Anai: It’s more if its’ sonically pleasing like I can hear four chords and instantly start writing.

James: I think that’s the beautiful thing about this group since we all have our different influences like personally I can be inspired by watching anime. So “Become what you hate” was actually very much inspired by Attack On Titan…

Blake: ‘Cause Eren hated the titans right, but he had to become one to defeat them

James: Not only does he become a titan, but he also becomes a person who destroys town and cities that's ironic to season one (Eren hated titans that destroy towns)

Are you connecting & lifting other creators?

James: I mean as a group we are really open with collocation with other people… for future project’s we’re already working with Jstro (social handle @jstro.wav), and G. King (@g.kingx), another rapper… me personally I’m part of a different collective called, @100fold, filled with a couple of producers and vocalists. So we’ve been really open and developing a multitude of our own and others' sounds to mold a melting pot of genre-bending songs. That’s why this group really means a lot to me because I find a little bit of everything with the people around me.

Anai: As I said earlier I don’t care for genres’ its more if it just resonates

Thank you for coming! Is there anything else you would like to leave our readers with?

This project is a record of our honest perspective. From head turning bops to bittersweet moments, we hope you find a small lyric or melody you can take with you. Cheers, to those close to our hearts 🥂. Thank you for having us, and I wish you all a great rest of the holiday season.

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Keep up with TheLoveofPpl. on Instagram & Spotify