A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH JTVION

      

JTVION is a young, influential rapper from Sandusky, Ohio. His music melds together different musical influences, from metal to punk rock, into his unique Hip Hop style. Although JTVION is still on his sprint up the mountain, his music is close to any professional caliber. Recently, he’s been strolling through Twitter and collecting believers. His music and his message are so good, they’re hard to ignore. After seeing his work as an outsider, I wanted to know what’s behind his discography and enthusiasm. He’s one of those artists that make everything seem a bit too easy.


Where did your musical career begin, what materials were at your disposal and what kind of person were you?

JTVION: When I first started making music I had got really into pursuing it as a hobby after X passed away. It hurt losing an artist that helped me through so much so I wanted to step up to the plate and be somebody others could look up to. At the beginning I didn’t have any equipment except GarageBand on my iPhone, some Apple headphones and a scrap car that I recorded in. So because of only being able to record with low quality equipment I made loud aggressive screamo style music


Did you ever dabble in music before XXXTentacion’s passing? How did it change after he passed?

JTVION: Yeah I would rap in freestyle everyday when I would walk around when i was little up until I wanted to start taking it serious


How do you think you’ve evolved or improved since then?

JTVION: Since then I think I’ve improved drastically. To the point where if I showed you an old song you wouldn’t even believe it was me lmao


How has you faith helped you as a person and an artist?

JTVION: My faith in god carries my career and my ability to prevail. If it wasn’t for the strength god gave me I would’ve stopped pursuing music a long time ago! As a person I’ve completely changed my life around. My whole life used to revolve around drugs and getting High off pills, weed, coke basically whatever except the crazy stuff, if it wasn’t for god and music idk who or where I’d be


How do you approach song concepts and the message you convey now? Is it hard to stick to a style or overall image?

JTVION: I don’t really have a certain way I approach song concepts I just create what I’m feeling at the time. I think sticking to a style is easy once you’ve landed how you you want to sound I guess, I wouldn’t say I have a singular style but you could hear anyone of my songs and go “oh, that’s JTVION”


It’s hard being an independent artist. Who or what motivates you the most?

JTVION: Some things that motivate me the most are having an impact on those I come across. Allowing people to see my journey in music and my faith as an example that anything is possible through hard work and faith. I’m also motivated by how far I can go with my music and the life I can create for myself! I really just want to prove to myself that I can change my life. Oh and I want to prove people who thought little of me that I’m more than what they thought o ever could be.


If you could pick 2 of your own songs and 1-2 of your favorites to direct to people that went through a similar situation as you, what would they be?

JTVION: LoveUAlways and Midnight off my album Young Lost Soul. Bounce Back by 17dreams, Fire by Seji, Change the Climate by Lil Xavy and Runaway by 6VIB3Z.


Although COVID is still a factor, do you have plans for more immersive audience experiences?

JTVION: Yeah totally, I wanna do some sort of “virtual” concert this year and put on a show for my fans through a livestream of some sort! I think that’d be pretty cool


What are your plans for this year? Are more collaborations in the future?

JTVION: Some of my plans for this year are to drop another album/project toward the summer! Along with getting the Seji x JTVION tape out. I also wanna work with some more artists I’ve connected with here on twitter. Like Yung Gosse and Babyface, etc. there’s really so much I want to get done!

Click here to listen to JTVION anywhere!

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH LIL SAD BOI

Lil Sad Boi lets his emotions flow, and puts all of that energy into his music. He takes situations and circumstances that leave many numb and allows them to channel into his art. His latest single “Naruto” mellows the storm of anxiety that many across globe feel each day. His goals seem set and his focus on simply creating music for those similar to himself have already carried him far. In this interview, I sought to understand what brings him the confidence to be emotional, vulnerable and honest while still maintaining balance and privacy.

Has music always been your passion?

SAD: No, basketball was my passion for the longest time from like 5/6th grade even thru high school. But everything changed my sophomore year when my cousins asked me if I wanted to make a song. I was like what you mean and they had a little studio setup in their room. We made a freestyle and after that day I wanted to keep making music. It was like my calling. So my cousin was friends with an artists named teammate markus from my hometown and I met him. I recorded my first tape at his house a couple months after making that freestyle.

As you’ve grown up, how have you and your style changed?

SAD: I’ve changed a lot. When I was first making music I was just rapping. I was listening too a lot of g Eazy at the time and I wanted to be just like him. Then as my music taste started to branch out, my style changed. I was always a big drake fan and I noticed how he’s like the best and why is that. Well he doesn’t just rap he sings too. Once I could see that that’s when my style changed. 


Is there a story behind “Lil Sad Boi” and why you chose it?

SAD: Well my first name was cole train and my cousins gave that too me. Then when I was starting to get more serious I changed it to 9 9wl (nine owl). I just wanted to be different and my name was inspired by 6 dogs. The music I was making wasn’t really fitting my name and I started to get inspired by peep a lot. And i want to make a big impact just like him. I was also very sad at the time and I was thinking of changing my name to lil anyways so I was like why not just change it to lil sad boi. 


How important is it, to you, to have support from your hometown?

SAD: It’s very important. It’s where I’m from. It means a lot. They’ve known and seen my grown since day one.


What do you want people to take away from your music?

SAD: What I want people to take away is that there not alone. I want to help them thru my music. Depression and anxiety or whatever problems you are dealing with, I want my music to help them thru those rough times. Although my music can be sad and dark sometimes I still want to spread good energy and love to my fans and the Haters. 

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects?

SAD: Right now I’m working on something. I’m making a lot of music with my bro gvrci. We’ve got a lot of music together so we might drop a collab tape. But I’m Working on a project tbh I’m just creating and creating tons of songs at the moment. 


What sub-genre of hip hop do you believe will be the next big thing and why?

SAD: Emo rap. It kind of already is the next big thing but what peep did was so impactful. Then juice came along and had a huge impactful as well. And I think the next big artist to do the same will be iann dior. I feel like I’m apart of the emo rap genre and it’s just so impactful to the people who listen. I love making music for myself because it’s my passion but I love making it for others.

Click here to listen to Lil Sad Boi on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH ROKU

A calming ambience and a hazy room must be the set inside of recording artist Roku’s mind. His music provides this exact aesthetic, it’s ideal for an immersive experience, a friends-only kickback and perfect for a study session. His rhythmic and somber style pairs well with hip hop influences. Roku is skilled at finding the peace in anything. His latest single “MiddleMan”, produced by 2thousan9, pushes these skills to the foreground. He balances his flow’s energy with low tempo instrumentals well. His music may sound sad to the untrained ear, but Roku has found his niche in this balance. All of his supporters know this from experience, whether through music or his social output, he’s one of the chillest personalities out there.

How long have you been making music? Has it always been your passion?

ROKU: I’ve been making music since seventh grade but really taking it seriously since I was about 18/19. I’m 22 now. Music and creativity has always been my passion. I used to want to be a director before I started making music. 

What was your first recording session like? When did you step into your first official studio?

ROKU: My first recording session was really dope cuz it was just me with my computer and a mic and I could experiment and take as much time as I needed. The first professional studio I went to was when I started going to audio engineering school and I got to use the studios there. But I’ve always been my own engineer and recorded myself even to this day. I just keep upgrading all my equipment.

Since you gained knowledge for your musical career from college, do you have advice for artists that are in school/college that may feel dropping out is their best option?

ROKU: Well I’m not gonna lie I actually didn’t go to college either. I took a year long course at a recording studio so it wasn’t like school at all it was like an apprenticeship fr. But as far as kids in school I would just say stay in school until you feel real traction. And then when u really feel like people are listening I would drop out and go head first. People put way too much of a stress on school you don’t need it. But it def helps some people.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

ROKU:  I draw my inspiration from my everyday life and the struggles/successes I go thru. And just being able to say something that connects w people. I also draw inspiration from the people around me, and my inspiration musically comes from my favorite artists and my friends who make music. 

Do you think where you’re from has held you back or pushed you forward?

ROKU: Where I’m from has helped and held me back. It’s held me back just cuz I’m not in LA or NY and that’s where the actual music BUSINESS is. But it’s helped me so much more cuz there’s so many talented artists around me who bring good energy. The scene in the DMV and in Maryland especially has so much goin on rn.

What adversities do you feel you’ve overcome since you’ve started your career?

ROKU: Some adversities I’ve overcome is remembering to be patient w everything, as well as getting out of my own way fr. Every artist is their own worst enemy. 

What critical aspects of your artistry have changed or evolved in the last few years?

ROKU: I stopped trying to write bars w hella metaphors and double entendres and started just speaking from the heart and talking about my everyday life. I also switched up what kind of beats I like to jump on as I’ve grown as a artists.

What can fans expect from you this year? Any project coming in the next couple of momths?

ROKU: 2020 I’m boutta go crazy. I got hella videos coming in the next 2 months plus at least 3 more projects. And I’m always boutta flood my soundcloud with singles. I’m also tryna get sum behind the scenes videos going. Just be on the look out for Roku 2020. Love y’all

Click here to listen to Roku on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH 3 MILES

3 Miles, AKA 3M is a vibrant artist with plenty of punchlines for anyone that might cross him. He's an artist on the rise, and any of his 1,600 SoundCloud followers can tell you he's not stopping. With over two dozen tracks in his discography, his progress and evolution are prominent. He's fearless, whether it's using a beat out of the left-field or adding effects to his vocals that many wouldn't touch. I asked him a few questions to understand what molded him into such an open-minded creative.

Where are you from? Where you into art growing up or did it develop later?

3M: I’m originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota but right now I’m living in Atl, I’ve been writing music since I was at least 10 but I started recording myself at 14, I  was always a big fan of artists like The Dream, The Weeknd, and Young Thug. People who manipulate their voices in interesting ways.

“lootdat” is your first song on SoundCloud and it’s much different than your latest song “onlything”, are you proud of your musical growth and what sparked the transition?

3M: Really all of fisheye was just an experiment I just wanted to see if I could expand what I felt I was capable of. I had felt boxed in my auto tune a little bit and I just wanted to show how versatile I really am.

What’s the message you want to convey or the mood you've created for Staricide?

3M: The message in STARICIDE honestly revolves around accepting your own feelings. It’s okay to not want to be in a relationship or to be on your own shit. It’s okay to not feel guilty about doing you. It’s okay to want to be alone.

Collaboration is huge in the underground, do you have the best memory of a studio session, video shoot, etc. with another artist?

3M: Honestly, 2 weekends ago I had one of the best studio experiences in my life the day after the IcedOutAngels show. It was actually like some sound cloud avengers shit. Everyone there was on there own wave but it worked so well. That night will definitely go down in history for me and when the music made there is released it’s gonna shake a lot of shit up

You have tens of thousands of plays under your belt, what’s the next goal on your vision board?

3M: The next goal is getting all my streaming numbers up. And moving everything up a level in terms of creating visuals. Music. Marketing. I’m just preparing to make the most out of 2020 and shock a lot of people in the process

What’s your favorite way to unwind or cure writers block?

3M: Smoke weed lol or honestly just experiencing life going out and doing shit being around people and interacting wit them really  inspires me. 

If there’s any call-to-action or advice that you could give to your listeners, what would it be?

3M: DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Click here to listen to 3M on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH SORRY X

Sorry X is a female artists exploding within the underground. Her music, based heavily on her angelic vocals and her transparency, has reached thousands of people. Though still young in age and her career, she has managed to release thoughtful projects and singles that connect herself and her audience. I wanted to capture the energy and mindset behind her art as she takes these next big steps in her career.

How did it feel to release your first song on SoundCloud? Did you tell anyone beforehand?

SORRY: I only told a few friends when I first started posting on SoundCloud. At first, I didn’t really want anyone I knew to find my profile because I didn’t want to put limitations on what I could write about. I received a lot of positive feedback on my first song which was really incredible for not having an established name yet and also for how bad it was lol. I think people were excited to have a new female artist in the underground!

Your music meshes angst and honesty together, how did you choose the type of music you want to make?

SORRY: With all of my musical projects in the past, I always found myself writing about darker subjects because it would make me feel better to write out my thoughts. I was once told by a member in one my previous bands that I couldn’t keep writing sad music all the time because they “didn’t want to be known for that” so I decided to start my own solo project on SoundCloud where I’d hoped that my honesty might be more accepted.

Your music references the pains and anxiety of growing up, you even dedicated an entire EP to growing up. What does losing your innocence and growing mean to you?

SORRY: Honestly, this is a topic that I still struggle with. It’s really hard to accept that I’ll never get to be a carefree kid again. I’m constantly in a battle with myself trying to find the balance between my inner child and my adult self. I’d hoped that by writing about such an apparent topic in my life right now that I’d eventually come to embrace it. I think I’m getting there!

How did your family react to you beginning a music career?

SORRY: Most of my family is actually extremely supportive. They believe in me and want me to follow my dreams. They trust that I’ll make the right choices for myself more than I do sometimes lol. 

How has your experience been in the underground, as a female artist?

SORRY: There are positives and negatives that come with it. It gives me an edge that allows me to stand out which I am grateful for, but it also seems like it’s harder to make friends in such a male-dominated genre. There’s less opportunity in the sense that a lot of established people in the scene forget that there are awesome female artists here too!

How do you loosen up to become so emotionally open when recording?

SORRY: My best writing comes when I am starting to feel really emotional about something. Naturally I begin to record because it makes me feel better to work through my feelings and turn them into art. Once I’ve finished a song, it’s therapeutic in the way that it feels like I can move on. I can only hope that when others listen to my music it’ll so the same for them.

Will there be a project from you before the end of the year?

SORRY: I’m always working on something! I haven’t made any announcements yet, but I’m currently working on my second music video and EP. That stays between us and everyone reading this though (;

Click here to listen to Sorry X on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH ANT FLOW

Ant Flow is an up-and-coming artist with a talent that’s long in the making. His music captures that calming energy a lot of us are looking for when escaping life’s stresses. He works hard for his craft, but his listeners may not know much about the mind behind the magic. I asked him a couple question about how his beginning in music came about.

What was your first experience with creating music

ANT: My first experience with creating music was when that Drake and Josh movie came out. And I kept watching it over and over. And I remember asking my dad could he teach me how to write a song. And he did lmao. We used the same melody as the song in the movie “make me happy”. Shit was like crazy to me. It’s like my mind was exposed to another realm of creativity. I was just hungry for more.

How has your hometown affected your sound?

ANT: I think it’s the mysteriousness of how lowkey it is. Like Waldorf, Maryland is out the way. Not a whole lot going on but it’s definitely a vibe where we all hungry for something to happen. Like when we throw a show with little to no effort of promo people come out bc it aint shit to do. So when it comes to my sound, I get that chill vibey shit from the emotions that come from all the late night car rides and them moments where it’s just nothing but thirst for that chance to do something memorable for yuh city.

Does musical talent run in your family?

ANT: Yea music is definitely something that runs in the family. Shit my Dad played trumpet in high school, played congos for a gogo band and used to sing. My mom used to be in a church chior. She used to do competitions against Mary J Bladge’s choir back in the day. My lil brothers all play instruments too. And it’s a lot more people in my family that do music too.

Who was your first supporter?

ANT: I would say my first supporter would be my homie Kamal. Like when i first started taking my craft seriously he was the first one pushing me to be better. Like he was there when I dropped my first song and the shit was only playing in the left ear lol. I mean don’t get me wrong I had a lot of people in my corner but this nigga was a fan too. he was passionate bout my shit. so big s/o to Mally Mal.

Do you see yourself venturing into different genres?

ANT: 5. Yea as I continue to grow I tap into different genres bc I’m so open and inspired by different sounds. Like it’s crazy how comfortable I can be listening to something outta my comfort zone and instantly get inspired. And I feel as tho no great musician or artist sticks to one genre they whole career that’s boring lol.

Click here to catch up on Ant Flow’s music and journey.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH DON GADY

Don Gady is an artist in every sense of the word. He’s passionate about his form of expression and isn’t afraid to stand alone. His music is his release and a time capsule of his life and its lessons. His genre is energy and it’s ever-changing, Don’s catalogue is sure to resonate with you at some point, keeping his listeners on their toes. I asked him a few questions to learn about where he gets his honest, dedicated demeanor and what manages to keep his interest, all while being a rising artist.

Where are you from?

GADY:  Ok so to answer your first question I was born in Baltimore, Maryland & when my parents had split, I was like two or three, my mom got my dad sent to prison & she took me to live in New Jersey along with this other dude she began seeing & eventually married & had my stepsister a couple years later, it wasn’t until April 2008 (when my mom had gotten a job offer from APS for an administration job) that we moved to Atlanta. (She was working as a teacher for all that time but looking to get promoted but never received it, basically felt cheated on that so she was looking to move). So yaa after I graduated high school at 17 I got kicked out & I ended up meeting my dad & that side of the family like it was the first time forreal forreal in Charleston. & after running the streets for awhile I ended up getting a job stocking shelves & realized that wasn’t for me neither & then I decided to go to SCSU this HBCU in the next town over. It was cool, it was really partying & bullshiting, until I couldn’t pass the mandatory math courses they set out for me to do my sophomore/junior year there & on top of that, I went to quite a few of the parties & when I refused to go to this one, one of the homies had gotten shot dead & it really messed with my head. So I ended up dropping out & moved back to Atlanta with my girlfriend in 2016.

Have you been into creating music since you were a child?

GADY: I wrote my first rap in 2007 when I was like 11 or 12. I was going thru a lot at the time & I didn’t feel like I was being heard. I recorded myself rapping for the first time in high school of 2011 while I was on probation for the first time. My first mixtape “Da Balance” came out in 2012. Mostly because I believed the conspiracies that the world might end & I wanted to leave something beautiful behind lol but it was rushed af & should have never dropped lmao if I knew what I know now I would’ve worked on it way more but I was just into Raw lyricism back then & that’s all that project was.

Your music is vibrant, from the bells, buzzes and other noises in your beats to your cover art looking a bit like an acid trip. What do you think inspires that?

GADY: What inspires that feel I’d have to say that my grandpa John, he exposed me to a lot of older music that was really dope such as Metallica & Jimi Hendrix to name a few to put it in perspective & I never heard anything like that, he had a library of music that he would choose from every night when he’d get home from work & start painting as we smoked weed in the garage or back room or outside or in the car lol - we actually grew our own weed for awhile too lol -I remember the first trip on shrooms with my grandpa John lmao we had took shrooms when my grandma was away for awhile one time (because she didn’t approve of what we did nor did anyone on my moms side really) & he played my favorite Jimi Hendrix album: Are You Experienced? & I slick began to actually see sounds & feel colors!! I believe that really moved me to change up the music I was making to take people on a trip away from the ordinary, I noticeably began to make more conceptual art afterwards definitely.

You’re great at collaborating with other artists online, have you ever had a collaboration go wrong? 

GADY: Yes, I’ve had collaborative projects go wrong before only because people who I was working with wanted the shine on them more then the actual result of the project, if that makes any sense..? Like I’m all about making music & making something dope & original, but a lot of people don’t see it the same, some just want the clout and/or the money that MAY come from the result of making music & don’t actually put in the work on their part to make something great, they just expect it. Feel they are entitled to it or something, when that isn’t & shouldn’t be the case at all, forreal.

What mainstream artists would you want to collaborate with?

GADY: I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Travis Scott and/or Playboi Carti - I have always been a fan of Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa since I began smoking in 2009 I heard that How Fly & knew I wanted to be up with them bwoys in the studio one day! I really would’ve loved to collab with Mac Miller & X before they passed, rip to them legendary young men. I have just now really gotten into Rico Nasty which to me is like Kari Faux & X had a baby & that combination to me is so fucking dope I love her music & her as a person she slick is like my spirit animal hahahaaa so yaa I would definitely love to make like a whole collab album with her or two lmao.

What keeps you inspired?

GADY: What keeps me inspired is everything in life, I am just so grateful to be alive, everyday life inspires me to just go harder than the last. I’m just at that point in my life where it’s like, this is what I want & let’s make it happen, right now, let’s go goddamn. Fuck all that talking about it nighas wanna be doing in groupchats & forums & allat, I’m out here on my own working on it every fucking day. Learning more & more. Leveling up. I won’t rest until I do. That hustle is just within me. Music is my outlet for that drive that I always had. Because I got my outlet thru music I feel alive. Creating new soundscapes / Coming up with new looks & concepts / Performing at shows / Recording in the studio is all such a rush to me!!! I wouldn’t want it any other way! & I have all my supporters to thank for pushing me along the way. Thankyou so much, one love.

Click here to listen to Don Gady on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH KIDSSYKO

SoundCloud always has a way of throwing out gems as soon as you were about to give up. That’s how I happened across KIDSSYKO, a young talent from the south. His latest single, In My Eyes produced by Nicholas Allan, is nearing 20,000 plays on SoundCloud only a month since it’s release. After filtering through his discography, I felt this guy’s fun, genre-bending sound and online presence are intriguing enough to dive deeper.

Where are you from?

SYKO: I’m from New Smyrna Beach Florida.

When did you first get into music?

SYKO: I first got into music almost 3 years ago. just wanted to do something different then what i usually do and really lil uzi made me want to rap

You recently transitioned from Stendo to Kidssyko, what does the transformation mean to you?

SYKO:  i wanted a more timeless name something i could stick with and something that no one had!

What inspires you creatively, especially when you have writer’s block?

SYKO: what inspires me is seeing people i love struggle it pushes me to keep going to try and get where i need to be.

What was that big moment for you that made you realize you could do this as a career, even for the rest of your life?

SYKO: when i did my first show and i had the crowd rocking with me i was like oh yeah it’s up from here.

Is there anyone who’s always been with you through this journey?

SYKO: yeah my boys grezy nightlen and 3.0

What can your listeners expect next form you?

SYKO: they can expect some crazy fucking music that is going to shock the world!!

Click here to listen to KIDSSYKO on SoundCloud.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH TRAP LIVES MATTER

Trap Lives Matter is a new streetwear brand mending the streets and fashion together. The brand, although somewhat new, has been seen thousands of times online with its bold color ways and it’s memorable Trap Lives Matter logo. Here’s a few questions to give answers to where this brand came from and where it’s headed. 

What first sparked the idea for the brand?

TLM: What sparked the idea of my brand was growing up in the hood everybody was hustling and trapping. I seen many people get locked up for it, including myself. The name basically explains itself u got people out here that can’t get a 9-5 and that don’t wanna get a 9-5. They rather feed and provide for their families with hustling their lives matter to everyone isn’t perfect so that’s why I choose the name Trap Lives Matter.

Have you always been into designing clothing and accessories? 

TLM: Yes I’ve always been into designing clothes. I’ve been designing since I was in middle school. I just finally got that push I needed to start doing my own thing. Now I got my own equipment making my clothes in house.

What was your first experience selling your clothing? When did you decide to make a website?

TLM: My first experience selling my clothes was at my cousin’s tattoo shop. I gave him a shirt and then a couple minutes later he was calling like, “Bring the shirts pull up they want them ASAP”. I made the website the second month after I started cause I was getting people from all over on my dm asking about it and asking when the website was coming.

You’ve done vests, satchels and strap bags, what are your plans for future accessories? 

TLM: One of my plans for the future is watches and purses. That’s all I can give out right now the other stuff low key y’all just gotta wait around and see.

Will we see more original designs and graphics in the near future?

TLM: Yes, in the future I will see original always gotta keep the OG around, but I got like 3 more logos coming soon.

How could someone reach out to you for a custom piece?

TLM: For custom pieces all u gottta do is dm me the colors u want and ima create a buss down fit for u.

Do you have any plans on hosting a pop-up shop or store?

TLM: Right now I’m planning a book bag give away. I’m not really pressed for pop ups shops rn I like to give back, but I will be doing some pop up later this year. And about the store, I do have something in the works now just waiting to see how it plans out.  

Any plans to collaborate with other brands down the line?

TLM: Yes, I plan on doing a collab with my brother ty and his brand RÈUSSI y’all go check him out. He really putting in work out here and Tatted Tone we got a collab coming FOREVASTR8 x TLM.

Click here to view the Trap Lives Matter website.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH DONALD $LUMP

Donald $lump arrives as a new sound within the underground. His ride in popularity in only comparable to his rise in skill and potential. His image is captivating, to say the least, but it’s his music and personality that binds him with his listeners. I asked him a few question to get to know the guy behind the image a little better. 

Where are you from?

SLUMP: I’m from Arizona. I grew up in Mesa and Chandler and went back and forth between my mom and my dad, but I lived in a small town till I was 6 years old.

How has your childhood affected your creativity? Do you often gain inspiration from your environment? 

$LUMP: I would say my childhood has definately affected my creativity in a positive way more than a negative way. I didn’t have many friends so that left alot of time for learning to play instruments and writing songs. Just being alone in my room gave me endless time to be creative and nowadays i gain most of my inspiration from things that happen in my personal life.

How did your name come about and what gave you the confidence to pursue a career in music?

$LUMP: It’s kind of a weird story: One day I was sitting there and I just dropped a song and I was sending it out to everybody showing everybody and nobody was really f☆cking with it so I felt that I was the rap game Donald Trump because nobody really liked me at that time. The fact that nobody was liking the stuff I put out really gave me the push to say hey if I wanna get better and show these ppl that I do have what it takes then I need to keep pushing the hate from the people who always gave me confidence in a wierd way.

How did your family and friends respond when you started?

$LUMP: My mom and dad have always been supportive of me pursuing music. I’m very blessed that they have been at mostly every show and even to this day my mom gives me feedback on songs before I drop them. My freinds have always supported me too. Shoutout my homie, Og Wilikers.

What do you think is unique about you and your listeners’ relationship?

$LUMP: I love my listeners and what I think is unique about our relationship is they keep it real with me, you know. If they dont like something they tell me and they always show me nonstop love I like to connect with them directly so lots of days I’m just in my dms directly communicating with my listeners/supporters. A lot of ppl just expect the streams/plays to come organically but you have to actually get out there and interact with ppl because your personality will take you a long way.

Do you see yourself venturing outside of music in the future?

$LUMP: Yes! There is no doubt in my mind that eventually I will venture into other areas. I would like to have a clothing line, get some shoes out, maybe a cooking show or something like that. I like to do many things and I hope music opens up some doors for me.

What’s a misconception you run into on the Internet about yourself?

$LUMP: A big misconception I run into alot is because my name is Donald $lump ppl tend to think that I support Donald Trump wich is not true. Another box I get put into a lot and I hear a lot is that I look like Lil Peep so ppl tend to pass me off as a Peep copy. Which, I don’t really mind because I love peep, but our music is very different. RIP Peep.

What are your hopes for the rest of 2019?

$LUMP: My hopes for the rest of 2019 are that I will continue growing exponentially and hopefully hit my first 10k views on Youtube on my most recent music video. Also I would like to collab with some of my idols before the year is over.

Click here to listen to Donald $lump’s SoundCloud.