Hi Cypher Unknown, can you tell us about your background and upbringing?
Well my upbringing was not normal really. I grew up in Nottingham with my brother Hugh and sister Rachael caring for my parents. My dad had grand mal epilepsy and my mum had schizophrenia. They met in hospital and tried their best to raise us. My upbringing definitely defined my music and how I see the world. Sometimes I can’t always express myself and it’s hard for others to relate to what my family has been through.
What was the defining moment when you realized that music was your true passion?
The real world at the age of 13 was not fun at all. I needed an outlet and I discovered metal. It was a complete outlet, a fantasy to take me out of the reality I was living in. I was obsessed with the artwork, lyrics and the blatant fuck you to the world. I grew my hair and looked like the metal dude from Stranger Things. I found other metal heads of my age, hung out and head banged, good times. The only problem was we got bullied by the local meat head jocks. Then one day my friend showed me a video which was a live recording of Minor Threat. It literally changed my life and the next day I shaved my head, became a hardcore kid and non of the jocks fucked with me again. Then it happened again years later with hip hop.
The name “Cypher Unknown” is intriguing. How did you come up with it, and does it hold a special meaning for you?
So Cypher Unknown is a lyric taken from the rapper Vast Aire from the influential hip hop band Cannibal Ox. When I heard them it literally took me back to when I first heard Minor Threat. Both bands have that same integrity and urgency. So I realised there was another world of hip hop that was not mainstream. Vast Aire also gave his blessings for me to use the name, so full on props to him for that.
How would you describe your journey in the music industry so far?
A bloody chore hahaha! cuz I’ve always been diy and lazy. No on a serious note, I’m ready now to join a label. So if you’re a major label and you want Cypher Unknown, then I want a black 1969 Chevy Nova parked outside my English semi detached house. Damn straight. Then we can talk paperwork hahaha.
Take us through your songwriting process. How do you typically come up with lyrics and melodies?
I write all of the lyrics and beats on my phone. I find this helpful because I can write anywhere at any point of inspiration. I can just get it down in the moment before it’s lost. The lyrics usually come from a subject matter that touches me. So for example, the song This Division came from a story I heard of a homeless man in Nottingham who died of starvation. It’s that starting point that creates the song in its entirety.
Was there a specific inspiration behind the creation of ‘House Party’?
It was our government and their handling of the pandemic. In the UK we had lots of sunshine and everyone was at home having their own individual house party.Then when stories came out about MP’s breaking their own laws that they have enforced on the public, it broke me. Now the government is on trial for their own illegal house parties. This is the fundamental difference between the rich elite and the poor in the UK. I couldn’t have done this song without Dave from The 7 O’clock Gun who is a good friend with an amazing voice who shares the same views. I guess it’s our protest song.
Are there any interesting anecdotes or stories from the recording studio that you can share?
Well the LP was recorded at The Moot Group studios by my good friend and Mentor J A Carter. We call the studio the clubhouse hahaha cuz it’s an awesome chill out area away from shit. There are so many random things hanging on the walls that bands that have recorded there have left. I left a packet of Lucky Charms because DUKE01 from Last Sons insisted on them before the recording, rock n roll right! Hahaha, that’s how we roll!
How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the current music streaming landscape?
Well the streaming thing in music is good for unsigned artists like myself who haven’t got the funds for pressing and it’s available to anyone anywhere. The only problem is getting noticed because thousands of songs are being uploaded every minute. You have to do your best to promote it yourself and try not to worry about the money, which is very little. When I look at my Spotify account though and see people from the USA, Australia and even Kenya listening to my songs, that makes me happy, it’s worth it.
Outside of music, what are some of your hobbies and interests that might surprise your fans?
I love film big time. When I was 12 years old watched Seven Samurai which is a 4 hour Japanese epic, that was a mission hahaha. I’m also an artist in my day job in fashion. I’ve always been into art at an early age which has helped a lot with the music.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your music?
Well I’m writing new songs at the moment for my next LP. It’s the best part of writing, the beginning, watching it grow into something from nothing. I’m making some changes to how I write and planning it more. I’m looking forward to next year, more shows but most importantly writing the new songs. The next LP will definitely be a lot darker and experimental. I’m not holding back for my next release so keep in touch.
