Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your album “X I V” and how it reflects your artistic journey up to this point?
I’ve wanted to release an instrumental project for quite some time. My intention with this project was to showcase my versatility and range as a producer while maintaining a cohesive and consistent sound throughout the entire album. By doing so, I created a unique listening experience that highlights my artistry and demonstrates my ability to craft various instrumentals that will appeal to a broad audience.
“X I V” seems to be a departure from your previous work in terms of style. What prompted this evolution, and what kind of message or emotions were you aiming to convey through this album?
On the contrary, my project is not limited to any particular style or genre but rather represents a fusion of various types, feelings, and moods that come together in a cohesive and captivating way. By incorporating a diverse range of influences and inspirations, I created a truly unique listening experience that will leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Could you walk us through the creative process for “X I V”? How did you approach songwriting, production, and collaboration on this project?
I have to give a lot of credit to @Splice. I’ve been using their loops since 2019. I started experimenting with loops and sounds from different genres, all in the same key but with varying tempos. With the ability to time-stretch these elements, I dove into a world of endless possibilities. As I wove them together, I unearthed a captivating symphony that seamlessly blended genres, exuding a surprisingly engaging fusion of vibes and emotions.
The title “X I V” suggests a connection to the number 14. Does this hold any significance for you, and if so, how does it tie into the album’s overall theme or concept?
X I V, the Roman Numeral for 14, embodies a mere numerical representation and a powerful emblem of fresh starts and transformative shifts. Its profound karmic essence encompasses obstacles to overcome and opportunities to evolve and flourish. This number holds a remarkable resonance in my journey, intertwining with addresses, meaningful dates, birthdays, and significant occurrences. Remarkably, the number 14 consistently weaves its presence into my life’s tapestry, prompting me to embrace it as the perfect choice for the title of this album—an homage to the profound impact it has had on my path.
The album artwork for “X I V” is visually striking and intriguing. Could you shed some light on the visual aesthetics and symbolism you wanted to convey through the artwork?
Thank you. I appreciate that. I also do graphic design & logos. I wanted a simple background based on the font I used for the artwork. The lighter strip in the middle reminded me of a Roman-style pattern, so it felt perfect. Also, I didn’t want anyone to know what to expect. I wanted to create some intrigue.
Many listeners have noted the diverse range of musical influences on this album. Can you share some of the genres, artists, or experiences that played a role in shaping the sound of “X I V”?
As a proud 70’s baby, I was fortunate to grow up listening to various music genres, including soul, funk, rock, pop, gospel, blues, and whatever the adults around me were playing. My passion for scoring and composing music led me down a path that eventually led to DJing. My production style amalgamates all these experiences and draws inspiration from many sources. I attribute some of my production style to Timbaland, The Bomb Squad, Dr. Dre, and many other legendary producers who have influenced my craft.
Musically, “X I V” has a cinematic element to it. Where does your love for composing and scoring come from?
As a child, I was fascinated by how music in movies could evoke specific emotions within the viewer, whether it be fear, excitement, sadness, or nostalgia. My love for music grew stronger as I began playing trumpet in concert band, and I was drawn to the strings and violins due to the unique tones and tensions they could create. As I matured, I began to understand that music is all about frequencies and energies that I can manipulate and transform into any form imaginable. This realization has influenced my approach to producing music, and I strive to create compositions that resonate with listeners emotionally.
Collaboration often brings unique elements to an album. Were there any featured artists, producers, or contributors involved in “X I V” who significantly impacted the final outcome?
Felix ‘Big Fee’ Slaton, the talented mixing engineer on the project, made invaluable creative contributions throughout the mixing process. One of his standout ideas was to pitch down the segment on Justin Timber, which had such a profound impact that we couldn’t resist incorporating it into the final product. It was so disruptive we had to run with it.
Music has the power to evoke emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level. How do you hope “X I V” will resonate with your audience, and what kind of impact do you envision it having?
X I V is a tapestry of diverse vibes, moods, and energies that will undoubtedly resonate with each listener uniquely and personally, resulting in various emotional impacts. The listeners will be transported back in time and experience a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously being delighted by the unexpected twists and turns the music offers.
In today’s fast-paced music industry, how do you see “X I V” contributing to your artistic identity and setting you apart from other artists in your genre?
I create music to stir emotions and evoke feelings that resonate with listeners. I achieve this by seamlessly blending various genres and styles, creating a unique and dynamic sound. The DJ in me takes pride in pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” and constantly strives to offer something unexpected and flavorful.
Streaming platforms have changed the way music is consumed. Did you have a specific sequence in mind for the tracks on “X I V” to create a cohesive listening experience, and how important do you think album sequencing is in the digital age?
Wow…I was discussing this the other day with my guy Bashir!
Every artist needs to understand the importance of sequencing. Consider your favorite albums – if ‘Song Cry’ was to kick off ‘The Blueprint’ instead of ‘The Ruler’s Back,’ it would be an entirely different listening experience. The sequencing of tracks is crucial in creating a specific flow, a ride, and, ultimately, a journey for the listener to embark on and enjoy.
Reflecting on the entire album creation journey, what was the most challenging aspect you faced while working on “X I V,” and how did you overcome it?
While there were many things to consider during the creation of my debut album, I didn’t encounter any significant challenges. Of course, there were important decisions to be made regarding the direction of the album, sound selection, and potential collaborations, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process. As my first official release, it was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to showcase my artistry and share my unique sound with the world.
As an artist, growth is often a continuous process. How does “X I V” mark a progression in your musical career, and where do you see your artistry heading in the future?
X I V is my first official release, and I couldn’t be happier with the final product. This body of work is truly a labor of love, and I believe it will resonate with listeners across a wide range of media platforms, including TV/Film, Ads, Sports, and Digital Media. I plan to release new music quarterly, with each project showcasing a unique sound and style. My next release will be a Lo-Fi EP that I can’t wait to share with the world.
If you could choose one song from “X I V” that encapsulates the essence of the entire album, which one would it be and why?
One song that stands out from the rest is ‘Salam.’ Its unique, bouncy rhythm and blend of RnB, Drill, and Trap elements make it an exceptional listening experience. The hook has a distinctive Oriental essence that adds an extra layer of intrigue. My production style is fusing different genres and techniques; Salam is a prime example. A close second is ‘What Is Soul I,’ which boasts a soulful, funky, and bluesy vibe that will captivate any listener.
