18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
There’s an undeniable pressure that comes with growing up in the spotlight. As part of one of the world’s most globally recognised families, Cruz Beckham has had the tabloids’ eyes on him since day one. Yet, in October 2025, Beckham began carving out his own musical identity with his mischievous debut single ‘Optics’ and its B-side ‘Lick The Toad’. Since then, a string of promising tracks have arrived throughout 2026, alongside a run of live shows with his band, the Breakers. With each release, the 21-year-old’s artistry has continued to take shape, offering gorgeous slices of alternative rock and groove-heavy ’80s and ’90s sonics reminiscent of The Stone Roses.
Now, Beckham is sharing his debut six-track EP, Wear & Tear, out today. Produced by Justin Raisen and Lewis Pesacov (Kim Gordon, Joji, Charli XCX), the songs were selected following feedback from fans during his recent tours. It’s a “completely authentic” offering from the emerging talent, and one that feels refreshingly straightforward. In a world where aesthetics and carefully constructed narratives can be pushed to sell records, Wear & Tear feels uncomplicated in what it wants to be: a seriously fun EP made by a music lover wholeheartedly enjoying the artistic process. With forthcoming slots at Reading and Leeds, it’s a vibrant introduction to his world.
In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Cruz Beckham takes on our 18 Questions feature, delving into Wear & Tear, his dream dinner party guestlist, and how growing up around his family has shaped his creative outlook.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I released my first ever EP, so I think that’s an easy one to answer.
What was the last thing you read?
My setlist! I had to add a few surprises for my festival sets over the next couple of weeks didn’t I!
Favourite memory growing up?
So many but musically one of the most memorable was listening to Thriller head to toe for the first time on the way to school.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
I’ve literally just finished up my first headline tour across the US and Canada, it was pretty incredible.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
The boys constantly make me laugh on the road. It’s one of the best parts of touring.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Well my favourite thing on tour was to get back to wherever we were staying, have some food with the boys, shower and watch all the show videos in bed. Literally as soon as we finish a show we just want to relive it.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Michael Jackson, Dave Chappell, Keith Richards.
Favourite quote from a film or TV show?
“We travelled halfway across the world in the wrong direction!” – Dumb and Dumber
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘I Am the Walrus’.
Favourite item in your closet?
We’ve been doing a lot of vintage shopping on tour, most of the shirts I wear on stage are 60/70s vintage finds. Any of those really.
What were your favourite moments from recording Wear & Tear alongside producers Justin Raisen and Lewis Pesacov?
The whole process was incredible to be honest. Whilst writing the songs, some of which I started almost 3 years ago, I was figuring out who I wanted to be right now, musically. I went back in last year after touring and re-recorded everything too after playing live. That was a whole other side of self discovery and what works in the real world.
What is the main thing you hope the audience takes away from the EP?
From my peers I’d like to hope it’s the first in many steps to credibility and respect for my musicianship. I’m proud to say I wrote the songs and I play several instruments on all the songs. And maybe the main take away from an audience perspective would just be I hope the songs bring them a little joy.
And I do hope they dive deeper in the entire conceptual world. What Wear & Tear means, learning to understand me as an artist. We’ve put a lot of thought into every detail, including the visuals for each song.
How have you found navigating growing up in the spotlight and then having such attention on your first EP release?
To be honest it’s two different things. I understand that I’ve grown up in a situation different from a lot of other people, and I also understand that some people will always judge and have preconceived ideas. But ultimately I know that this EP is completely authentic to me and I’m really proud of it and that’s all that matters.
And also these songs are the ones that the crowds chose from the gigs – it’s really been a process between me and the audiences – so I hope they love this EP too because they were such a big part of making it.
Tell us about how you’ve progressed as a musician since your first ever gig to your most recent?
I think the gigs get better every time. I learn so much from the band and experience is everything. Which is why I wanted to play and tour even before having a catalogue. Practice makes perfect.
It feels like 1883 alumni Luke Pritchard of The Kooks has taken you under his wing. What does the support from such established and respected musicians like Luke mean to you?
I have always been such a huge fan and looked up to Luke. Not only for his music but for the wonderful person he is. I just feel lucky to call him a friend.
What’s next after the EP, how many projects before a possible album, and what would you like to explore thematically on a full length record?
I grew up on albums, I’m an album guy. So I’d love to say that’s what I’m working towards now. It always has been. I love being in the studio and I’m always writing so I have a lot of material recorded. But I’ll be giving you that debut record only when it’s perfect.
Your family has worked across so many different creative fields, from music and fashion to photography, sport and modelling. How has growing up in that environment shaped your own creative outlook?
How hasn’t it? I’m so lucky to have two success stories as role models who let nothing stop their dreams. Their work ethic was always instilled in me so when I began doing this I wanted to do it the right way, I wanted to put in the work and learn and play live and fuck up and learn from it all.
Any creative industry is scary but seeing them navigate it and having the support around me that I do is the biggest inspiration.
Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?
I wanna manifest the ability to do this forever.
Cruz Beckham’s debut EP Wear & Tear is out now. Listen below.
Interview Cameron Poole
Photography Gabriela Grafolin
