When it comes to emojis, there's a dictionary worth to express just about any point. They're colorful, playful, and there's a wide variety. The same could be said for Blak Emoji's music. New York musician Kelsey Warren isn't constricted by one genre in the way emoji themselves aren't restricted to strict definitions.

There are club tracks, just as there are uptempo ballads. There are melodies alive with electronics and songs built off undeniable acoustic guitar chords. And just as elements of pop, electro and funk all swirl together, Warren's catalog of songs not only traverses genre, but decades and eras too. Certain songs will embody the assured '80s, while others employ riffs reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz, and you could see Seal charting with more than one. 

Earlier this year, he released his latest EP, Intro. Its five tracks are a polished kaleidoscope of compatible styles, fused together in a very Blak Emoji way. We caught up with Warren to talk about the influence of Prince and Nine Inch Nails, how he crafts his songs from voice memos to finished tracks and the story behind his name. Hop to the next page to read the full interview.