How do you define what kind of music you make?
I find the concept of genres to be less applicable in the modern day. Let’s take rap for example. Even in one of the major subjects of rap, such as melodic or lyrical, we can break it down into a million sub-genres almost individualized per artist. Thus, I’d summarize my personal mix of genres as such: anything between a blend of synth-based melodies with dozens of chopped samples to a simple drum loop under some keys or guitar strums, all topped with catchy lyrics and layered vocals.
What do you have in the works, and what can we look forward to with future tracks?
It’s been hinted with “more than yk” and “lookmeintheeyes”, but my style of music has truly changed since my first album Niruedo. On one end of the spectrum, I’ve got raw acoustics over a simple beat and a focus on vocals, while the other stretches into hours of sample chopping backed with layers of synths. Honestly, I’d say look forward to nothing and everything. Because I truly believe the tracks I’m making will take people by surprise.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
I love this question because it changes regularly. Two months ago it would’ve been Dominic Fike without hesitation, but as of late I’ve been leaning into Fred Again… and the lighter discography of Skrillex. But in terms of artistry and creative genius, all controversy and external factors excluded, I’d say Kanye. He’s truly pioneered what a plethora of modern music looks like today.
What would you be doing right now if it wasn’t for music?
Currently, I’m a student in college working towards getting a degree in Computer Science. I love programming and find it to be one of the most fascinating and entertaining things in the world. For example, having the power to write a program to automate notifications for myself rather than constantly set reminders is crazy. There’s a million small tools I can develop to make my life a little bit easier. But aside from that, the main reason I love programming is I find it very similar to music. Whether it be chords or lines of code, both programming and songwriting have the ability to use these small little building blocks to create something greater than myself; they create something listened to or used across the world and enjoyed by millions.
Who are your biggest inspirations when creating songs?
Asked this question a year or two ago, my answer would have been entirely different. It would’ve looked something similar to a slew of names, from Kanye West and Isaiah Rashad to BROCKHAMPTON and BTS, and enter a discussion of the myriad of musical influences I would fail to resist copying from. Nowadays I find the answer much simpler. In the late 2010’s Fay-Z dropped a song with a lyric that loops through my head regularly: “I write songs ‘cuz I like what I listen to”, and it’s as simple as that. On the other side of the spectrum, I’d say the people around me. My emotions and viewpoints on life on a smaller scale tend to fluctuate regularly with what’s happening around me. I’ll feel for friends with rough breakups to avid and feel dedicated love and appreciation for the friendships and connections in my life, or reminisce over my previous mistakes or burned bridges and struggle with accepting that I’m just human, and lyrics will just come to mind.
How did you form your creative process?
I turn to making music in all sorts of times, whether my entire life is in disarray and I need to vent out, or I finally have some free time and I feel inspiration around me. Because I approach my music from so many angles, I feel that there is no one-size-fits-all process. It’s all freeform. When I sit down at my DAW, I usually don’t have a concept in mind, whether that be a lyrical or musical one. I’ve got a dozen melodies I’m waiting to record in my head, sure, but I don’t sit down and choose just one. My central inspiration is just feeling. What do I feel and how can I evoke that emotion in someone else through something as common as words and sounds? If it’s anger I bring distortion to my synths, if it’s sadness I leave an emptiness and some sort of abstraction in my keys, and if it’s joy I comb through a million samples to chop together the dozen that can harmonize perfectly.
How do you feel about the current state of the music industry?
Tired. I think most music nowadays lacks diversity and the entry-point is honestly at fault for that. The main way artists nowadays get popular is through social media, which is a curse and a blessing. The smallest artists can rack up millions of streams off a single hit, but it often ends up being their ONLY hit, even when that isn’t the case. You end up with concerts like d4vd and Steve Lacy performing at concerts where the audience only knows the chorus for Here With Me and Bad Habit. But then let’s take it to the next step. Artists tend to blow up off a particular sound, then spend 4-5 albums recreating the same genre, vibe, sound, and lyrics in different ways with just a little bit of mutation here and there. And obviously, this isn’t applicable to everyone, but in my eyes the vast majority. It’s why I adore artists like Post Malone who pursue different sounds in their toolbelt, whether that be the more melodic rap songs in Beerbongs and Bentleys or his entirely acoustic and straight guitar album from this summer Austin. The same goes for artists like Doja Cat, Bad Bunny, or Troye Sivan. Ultimately I think social media has destroyed individuality and creativity. I even find myself getting concerned over “will this song blow up on tiktok” when I’m getting ready to release a new track. The social media to fame pipeline just encourages monotony, pop trends, and 15-second audio clips versatile enough for a trend.
If you could watch one artist in the studio, who would it be?
Travis Scott. From his production style to watching clips behind the scenes of his work style during Astroworld, he just brings an infectious energy to the studio. When he goes hard he goes HARD, and I think that’d be fun to work with. I could also definitely say the same for artists like Tyler, the Creator or Kanye too.
What inspired you to begin making music?
My brother. I remember the first time he came home and told me he was doing music. He sat down at my laptop and said “I want you to produce for me”, and in my reluctance bought me the full license to Logic Pro X to force me into that role. From there it took off. I was producing (very poorly tbh) for 2 years before I first recorded my voice on a track, and it took another 2 years for my first single Starstruck to hit platforms.
What inspires you to create music?
Music. Every time I get stressed out with my craft, hate the stuff I make, burn my ears out, or I’m reluctant to touch a mic, all I need is a good song to reiterate how powerful music can be and how much weight it can have. From tough times to working out to a bus ride on the way to class, I’ve always used music as a power to remove me from wherever I am and transport me to a different world for a bit, and I really want to have the ability to make others feel the same way.
