All Saul, All Good

It's a pleasure for me to introduce this next artist on the Producer'sVoice, I've been following Saul's music for years. He used to go by "Treason," and has many features with other rappers in both Australia, and Scotland. I do not really even want to say much about how to quantify his music, or what one might enjoy about it, because that might require a spoiler alert. Just prepare yourself, and then go listen to Saul's older and newer music, it is complete with a music video catalog, and much to discover on YouTube, as well as all the regular streaming platforms. He will bring out your spirit with his driving vocal melodies and thoughtful lyrics, he will make you call upon your inner humanity with his meaningful emphasis. It is time to see what he had to share when I asked him a few things about his story...enjoy:

You recently returned from a trip to Scotland, what was that like? Did you have a good time? Do you have a big family?

I’ve actually now moved back to Scotland, it’s been brilliant so far just need to get used to that cold weather again. 

A return to Australia will happen in a year or so, just felt it was the right thing to do for the moment. 

I don’t have the biggest of families and we aren’t all that close either but I know who my real ones are! 

Did you face a lot of challenges growing up?

I had a great upbringing for the most part, moving away to Australia at 13 was crazy but I feel it’s just helped build the person I am now. 

I’ve definitely had battles with my demons and still struggle sometimes, but that’s why I’m super thankful I found music and channeled my emotions into it. 

Do you have a favorite instrument or sound?

My uncle is an entertainer, so I got into playing guitar through watching him perform with my auntie as a kid, guitar is definitely one of my favourite instruments and sounds. 

Loyalty is an important value to you, what does it mean to you?

Loyalty is a must- in friendships, relationships, and day to day things. I think through problems I faced as a youth made me value it a lot. You know who has you, and who doesn’t after going through some shit. 

How long have you been singing? Do you remember your first inspiration?

Again I’d say it comes back to my auntie and uncle being entertainers, I loved watching them perform and the vibe of the music and how people connected with it. Think I started properly trying to sing when I was 11 or so, playing guitar and jamming with my older brother. We would write cheesy pop punk tunes so that was mad fun. 

Do you write your songs/melodies with your guitar first or what is your process like? 

I tend to write to instrumentals, I can’t seem to hold on to a tune when I’ve produced the instrumental myself.. I’m always ready to be working on the next song. 

Definitely a song writer more than a producer that’s for sure. 

How do you find strength during tough times?

From being a tough Scotsman! haha!!

Nah, I find strength during tough times by not letting my mind get the better of me. Turning negatives into positives if I can. It's all in the mind, you've just got to tell yourself you can get through anything, and you will...the human brain is amazing.

I've trained as a boxer for years so that helps relieve stress and anger. Making music definitely helps me get rid of any negative emotions too. Just got to find ways of keeping busy during hard times.

When did you and Hails first link? 

I can’t remember the exact date but it was after he had come to a local gig I was performing at back in 2015.

He hit me up after, we caught up and started working on songs together. 

That’s the Goat right there, Chris Hails is a legend of a dude. 

Who does your instrumental production, do you work with more than one producer? 

Tend to find instrumentals through binge listening to loads of producer's catalogues. I’ll hear something, vibe to it, and normally start just freestyling and writing down the favorite lines I’ll say. Melody definitely just comes from the mind, and however I resonate with a tune. 

What goes through your mind while you're recording? Where do you do your recording?

Nothing goes through my mind apart from making sure I’m hearing what I want to hear- 

That the tone is right, the melodies are right, and that the vocal projection is spot on. 

What do you enjoy most about making music?

I enjoy that it’s a free way to express yourself, that’s so dope. You can literally capture a vibe through music and listen to it again and again. 

It’s just straight up fun. The whole process is what I live for.

There are contrasting themes on the album with songs like "Savour,"  "Lights Out," and then more somber songs like "Drive By" and "Paranoid," can you talk about why it was important for you to have these songs on Ironically Misunderstood?

I just wanted to make sure there was something on there for everybody, no matter what mood or setting they are in. It’s a short and sweet project but I’m super proud of it. 

How often do you write lyrics? 

I write lyrics quite a lot, if I think of anything throughout the day, I’ll open notes on my phone and write it down before I forget. 

Other than that it’s when I’m listening to instrumentals. I can’t force the writing process, it’s got to come naturally. 

Can you talk about the message in the opening song "Paranoid" on Ironically Misunderstood and what this album title means to you?

Paranoid was I suppose just needing to speak about the shit in my life that brings on those emotions, I’m super in tune with how I’m feeling, really self aware and I think it’s important to reflect on things. Paranoid was actually going to be deleted when I first recorded it.. my dad heard it after recording at home and said that’s a good tune son.. so I finished it and decided to keep it. Was worried about making music showing that vulnerable side to myself but I’m human and I know others will resonate. 

The title “Ironically Misunderstood” came from moving around and over seas when I was younger. I’ve always been the odd one out wherever I am, people never really seem to understand me. To be fair being different is wicked though, too many clones around these days! People really just need to be there genuine selves. 

Do you have releases coming up? 

I’m currently working on an album that I plan on releasing mid 2021. 

Also got a few singles releasing very soon that will feature on the project with artists like Chris Hails, Nelson Dialect and Verbz. 

Any message for your supporters?

Thank you to each and every single one of you, I see you! 

More new music is always on the way so stay tuned and keep checking in.

Find Saul online at:

insta: @saulvision

youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7avgL_pkRC0Pf07ylLv26w

spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uF4Czozf70tMZXRwzEL6v?si=hSOj-KpESpGkwztaBILORA

Best Served Kold: Talkin' shop with Kold Blooded

 Many of y'all may not have heard of Kold Blooded, and honestly, that's a bummer. Kold Blooded has been releasing music with some of the undergrounds most renowned producers for years like CURTIS HERON, MR. SISCO, STILL, PURPDOGG, JGRXXN... the list goes on. Dive into KB's youtube and discover a most favorable library full of music videos and audio. He has a long history of turning up crowded and bringing out the good, bad, and ugly of people at shows, causing havoc and bringing the stage into the crowd itself. He's flown under the radar for far too long, he's got long verses, catchy hooks, and cadences that will captivate any audience. Content varies from scary to sonnet, with heavy doses of South West/bass heavy sounds and a suprising amount of japanese inspired tones and visuals as well. His writing speaks volumes to his character, not ever following pop trends or making overserved references to guns, shitty overhyped clothing brands, or other basic wannabe topics. Instead, expect lyrical mastery with smoky and often fast vocal delivery and a big beat slapping backdrop. I've been scratching my head wondering, why is everyone missing the Kold Blooded train? I found no answers, but I did find myself asking the man himself a few questions that I thought would be worth answering...here's what he had to say:

You're soundcloud says you're in Los Angeles, what part of L.A. do you like most? Where are you from originally? 

Actually, I'm in Las Vegas, but I was born and raised in Downtown L.A.. I visit often, but I prefer to have a place I can lay low and be undisturbed. 

What do you like about Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, well, I met my girl here, it's very low-key and off the grid. You can disappear here.  Anything you need is all in one concentrated area, but it's also a huge trap on the mind and the soul. I'd live in Cali if I could, just can't at the moment.

How long have you been writing and when did you decide to start recording your music? 

I have been writing my entire life. Ever since a kid, I always memorized and performed my favorite songs in the mirror, which eventually led to me writing my own songs and performing at talent shows and parties.

Your last video/song is a banger called "KOVID". How is life for you during this pandemic?  

Las Vegas got hit really hard due to it being a tourist spot. In "Kovid" I'm trying to spread awareness by highlighting that while we may not show symptoms, we could in fact be carriers. This whole thing has affected a lot of us artists, because social events are a regular practice for us.

You have a song called Sacrificial Blunts, is that your preferred smoking method?

All day everyday. I prefer blunts because they just hit a certain way, and are easier to manage. What you do is your choice, but if it's not found in nature, then it's probably going to affect your mind and body in ways beyond simply being stimulated. 

Why Kold Blooded?

I have a few definitions, but in short:

The game is a cold one.

A long enduring journey filled with broken promises and disappointments that wil constantly have you on the edge of sanity, trying to fulfill this never ending hunger. 

How does your family view/feel about your music?

Most of my blood relatives are either dead or distant. The people you see me with or around me are my family.

You released a dynamic 20 track album entitled "Wicked Heart," can you speak on the inspiration behind it, do you have a follow up in the works?

Wicked Heart is a combination of everything I represent present and past. At first, I wanted it to be a slower, more melodic project, but then I found myself over 30 songs and only kept the 20, the rest were accompanied by an EP I released called "Shadowclones". Influenced by Japanese mythology, the overall theme of the project is sacrifice.

I don't really want to get in the habit of dropping sequels to full albums, but I may re-release it again in full as a double album/limited edition or something like that.

What makes a beat stand out to you?

Great question. It's kind of what got me started. I just listen for what speaks to me. I don't have a preference really behind me curating certain samples or drops, it just has to hit me.

You have beats with some epic producers like Mr. Sisco, Curtis Heron, STILL, Chris Ray, just to name a few, how do you choose who to work with when you know so many good producers?  Do you have a preferred producer that you find easier to work with?

Deep down, I wish I had more patience for producing. So I respect producers/beatmakers just as much as I respect myself. They are literally half of what we do, and if they mix or engineer, they're more than that. I have been blessed to know literally the best producers in the underground, and I strive to continue to work with as many I can, to push both my sound and theirs. Off the top of my head, Mr. Sisco and JGRXXN have worked with me the most, and definitely have taught me to bring the most out of my sound. I could go on dropping names forever though, it's never an easy choice. 

Do you have a favorite munchie/snack?

7-11. If it's there, I prolly fuck with it. 

Craziest concert experience, performance or attendance...

Too many to name, maybe I'll talk about more of these later in a video or something like, but we could start at Schemaposse breaking tables and broken noses, or Doubt Me Now tour caving in ceilings or causing drunk people to fall out of windows at house shows...

I have to ask, falling out of windows??

lol, in New Mexico, at a house show, while touring with OmenXIII and JGRXXN, we had this older drunk dude bugging us most of the night. It was turnt, alot of people were drunk, but somehow towards the end of the show, this dude and another guy got into it, started boxing eachother and next thing you know they both falling through a living room window.

What challenges have you faced in the past with your music career?

I used to struggle with my image and how I wanted to portray myself. For some reason this would cause people to completely ignore the fact I even made music. 

What challenges do you face now?

Recognition. No matter how much I've accomplished, I still feel ignored by the overall community I have spent so many years supporting. It's just weird how so many people, artist and supporters alike, will tell you to your face how "talented" you are, how "legendary" you are, how your music goes "so hard", yet they never mention your name when it counts or when it could potentially help that other person. For example, time and time again, have I done big performances, free of charge, and had the whole crowd rockin' more than a "bigger" named artist, yet these same venues and promoters rarely post pics of my performance, or book me for their next event. It's all just handshakes and fake smiles..... 

How has death and violence affected you and your music?

Very much. 

I lost my mother when I was 17, forcing me to be homeless for almost 2 years.

since then it's been a constant back n' forth between deaths and hardships...Losing my grandfather to cancer, losing friends to drugs, growing close and building friendships with fellow artists, just to have them end up the same way (Loboloki, Lil' Peep) , losing friends to police violence. It's all fucked sometimes....

How did you get off the streets?

Selling weed, mix CDs, and pawning random shit. Went from LA to Vegas to North Hollywood , back to Vegas and stayed with some friends til' I got back on my shit.

What do you think about face tattoos?

I only have 3 tats, so I definitely admire someone who can make up their mind and stick to it, I'm too picky.

Any upcoming projects or collabs?

Currently I'm working on 4 projects and a few eps with various artists and producers. I'm really excited about this project I'm working on called R.E.D. and I'm finally dropping a full album produced by Mr. Sisco soon called "Az Real Az It Getz".

Any message for your fans and followers?

Stay true to yourself.

Don't let anybody or anything deter you from your instincts, and while you may face many obstacles, you always end up where you should be.

FOR MUSIC, VIDEOS, and more by KOLD BLOODED:

Youtube.com/koldbloodedmusic

soundcloud.com/koldbloodedmusic

IG/Twitter- @KoldBloodedMC

The Latest Lore With Lord Lawrence

Is it Pop? Is it Emo? Is it Dance? Is it RnB? Is it Rap? WHO GIVES A SHIT?! IT'S LORD LAWRENCE! Lord Lawrence has a sound that is pleasantly familiar but does not resemble any artist I've heard before. The content has this negative yet positive feel. It's upbeat, but it isn't, yet it still isn't contradictory. His tones and cadences are all over the map, soaking in fresh melodies and autotune, but more in a T-Pain way, where you can tell he has a fantastic voice. Expect amazing production quality both in the music and visuals as well. Lord Lawrence builds an eclectic universe with a vast range of sounds, from pop punk acoustic guitar chords and 808's, to EDM beat drops and everything in between. All those things aside, Lord Lawrence himself has an extremely interesting, entertaining and intriguing performance style. My advice, check out his videos and music for yourself, because its fun. His charismatic persona paints the backdrop for the stories within his music. Each song builds and is structured to keep attention. It might lift you up, it might make you think, it might make you dance and jump around, so do yourself a favor and put it on so you can find out. I had a chance to speak with him about his music and experience, here's what he had to say:

Even though you write about serious topics, why are you always smiling?

I think my worst days are behind me. I love to laugh. I don’t really know. I think it just comes naturally. I do have dark stuff that I feel and think, but I don’t want to walk through life swinging my baggage at people and ruin anyone else energy. That’s why I put it in my art.

You have a very melodic tone, do you have a vocal background?

I’ve played in tons of bands, ranging from melodic hardcore to pop/punk. But other than that no. I didn’t take any lessons or anything out of the norm. Actually, just tons of singing in the shower. That reverb slaps. Crying in the shower while “Marvin’s Room” stayed on repeat is the real training I had.



You used to have super long hair, what made you cut it?

Well, as a self proclaimed popstar, it was only fitting I had a mental breakdown that ended in me shaving my hair off. Also, I was so sick of it making my neck sweaty. Your boy already runs so hot.

How do drugs influence your music? 

My last EP entitled My Apologies speaks a lot on that. I recently just lost a very close friend of mine to drugs and that was enough for me. I won’t ever judge someone for their choices, but my time with all that is done. I want to be better. If anyone is truly interested in how being hooked on uppers affected me, I’d just ask them to listen to that EP. We taking ginger shots and getting rich all 2020.

Are you collaborating with any clothing designers for merch or doing it yourself?

Not at the moment. I’d really like to, but I’m trying to focus budget and energy on content right now. I think by summer I’ll probably have the ability to make more things happen like that. Huge shout out to @highlxry tho. They’ve shown love since like 2017 and they absolutely make incredible streetwear.

When do you like using pitch corrections, and when do you not like using pitch corrections?

I’m probably just now getting more comfortable with my natural voice. So I’ve been dialing back a little here and there. However, I think autotune is still widely misunderstood. I like to think of it as distortion on a guitar. It’s a tool. It’s fun. But you still have to have a grasp on melody to make it work. I’ve for sure been around artists that use it as a crutch, and trust me... it doesn’t work.

How do you feel about the music scene in the northwest?

I think we have such incredibly talented artists in this area and I’m really proud to be from here. I’ve seen so many sides of the NW from being involved with different genres and it’s cool to see the common hunger everyone here holds. Kinda like we all have something to prove.

Do you draw inspiration from love, or rage/anger?

All of the above, baby. Whatever I’m feeling. Art is subjective, You know? I think I read a tweet one time that said something like that. Maybe it was in tumblr. But, I think it’s important to be honest, so I don’t like to force something if I’m not currently in that mindset.

Tell us about how you feel when you are writing...

I guess it depends on the environment I’m writing in. Studio writing is always fun. Feels like I’m doing what I was born to do. Forgive me for the cliche, it just feels right. I love it. Trying to write when alone always feels much more therapeutic though. It feels like a weight has been lifted when I finish a song.

Could you talk about your latest release "These pills won't crush"... story behind your inspiration?

Man, just needing space. Time to breathe and really figure out what my needs are in order to be okay and fulfilled. It’s so easy to get caught in a toxic cycle. Weather it’s drugs or shit relationship. I just don’t want to drain myself and waste my energy when I could be using it for good. The song is ultimately about wanting to be a better person and believing that eventually I will be okay.

Are there producers you like recording with more than others?

Of course! But everyone has had their own strengths. I’m always just appreciative of the fact that someone would allow me in their space. I’ve been lucky enough to meet people I vibe with heavy. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working with CallGirl and BILLYRO5E. They are both so talented. I highly encourage any artists to look them up and try getting in the work.

How do you feel about buying instrumentals from producers vs working with friends in the business?

When I was primarily making pop music it was kind of difficult to find someone I knew that was making what I was looking for. So I’d have to look online. However, I just spent 5 days with BILLYRO5E and we have 6 songs that he made on the spot with me. I really hope that solidifies me never having to use YouTube type beats again....

What tattoos do you have on your face? What was it like getting them?

I have my daughters middle name “Daylight” and her birthday as well. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. Honestly, the neck was the real torture.

Why do you make music?

I have been through a lot. It’s weird to just say it like that, but it’s true. I’ve always gravitated towards music because it made me feel special. I want to feel loved, I want validation, I’m still that lost little kid who got placed in foster care. Life is weird and music is the only thing that has ever made since to me. Shout out abandonment issues and self doubt.   Most importantly and why I continue to do this, I don’t want to tell my daughter to chase her dreams if I’ve given up on mine.

What can we expect from Lord Lawrence in the future?

A lot. I have something really special in the works that I can't talk much about. I hate it when artists say that.... but it is what it is. Genuinely super excited for this year and what’s to come. I promise big things.



For more LORD LAWRENCE:

soundcloud.com/lordxlawrence

or find lord lawrence on all streaming platforms
and check out his music videos on youtube.

Search: "lord lawrence these pills won't crush"
or "lord lawrence my apologies" for his most recent visuals

A Show of Hands with KENSHO

A lot of names get mentioned on Producer'sVoice...one day, someone needs to draw a huge police style string thumbtack corkboard thing connecting everyone. The reason I say this is, because producers are sneaky, and open minded. Producers that carry the correct mindset will collaborate, and gravitate, toward the best of the best. KENSHO does, KENSHO is a music maker who is expanding the expectation of his listeners every time they put on their headphones. From dark to dreamy, dreamy to dense, from dense to sparse and minimal, it's there. KENSHO builds and breaks the audience with suspense and calculated change among well spiced digital production. He's worked with some of the best of the best. Here's what he said in our interview:

What’s the most rewarding part of the music for you? Why do you do it?

       It would probably be all the people & connections i’ve made thru music. So many dope individuals that i never thought i would meet or let alone consider my friends.

Who are your strongest supporters?

         My closest circle of friends, no doubt. They have helped me in so many ways, giving me endless rides to shows, letting me borrow equipment that i need, or just pushing me to go further when i’m at my worst. I have no idea where i would be without them.

How does your process begin?

       

Light an incense, dim the lights, & try to grasp whatever inspiration i’m feeling at the time

How do you know what critiques to ignore and which to embrace?

        I try my best to keep an open mind when it comes to criticism, because i’m always trying to better myself. So there isn’t really any bad criticism to me.

So you like your day job? What has been your favorite find? 

    

 I love my day job, but it’s like any other day job. I would’ve quit a long time ago if it weren’t for all the cool vintage that i find.

My favorite find would probably have to be those vintage anime tees I found. Like bruh, you just cannot find those all at once like that anywhere.

How do you decide on samples? Are they cleared?

         

Movie soundtracks or anime OST’s are usually what I dig through. They’re not really cleared, but most of the time i alter the sample so much you couldn’t really recognize it after. 

So artists ask you for specific type beats or do you just give them only what you decide?

      

 Sometimes they ask for a specific vibe, but for the most part I just send a pack and they can choose between the ones I send. Or they’ll hear something off my story and ask for that one hahaha.

How long have you been doing this? 

         

Ever since Senior year, so almost 6 years i believe.

Who were the first people you collaborated with?

      

My LSP brothers of course. That’s who i started this music shit with.

What can we expect from Kensho in the future? 

      

Clothes, movies, and more projects hopefully.

Do you have issues with other artists using that name? What’s the best way to hear your music? 

Not really, but there’s this Japanese account on IG with that handle that i want. If y’all want to report his account feel free! @kensho

Any shows on the way? 

     

We got something in the works, so stay tuned!

freshtwofresh, not frozen.

Fresh represents those good days off one's dayjob, a chance to get away from music's absurd ups and downs, and fame's ever haunting presence that seems to snuff out pioneers and creators. freshtwofresh to me appears as a music/production sponge that is continuously soaking in knowledge, culture, weed, and maybe a little bit of hot cheeto dust, and in return wringing out amazing tracks, beats, and content for all of us to enjoy. He's got this intangible charisma and built in humor, while also injecting flavor and clever musical ad libs and edits that are very hard to find anywhere else. Fresh has a fresh outlook on today's music creation and how he is shaping his sound, here's what he said in response to my questions:

Can you explain the story behind your name?
I had just started learning how to use FL Studio and made some really dumb songs while I was high as fuck (skip to 18:50 in this mix to hear them! https://fresh2fresh.bandcamp.com/album/ancient-shit ). It was pretty much the first music I actually "completed". Because the songs were so silly and dumb, I tried to come up with the dumbest possible name. So that's the story behind fresh2fresh. I've always been pretty bad at naming things, but I'm getting better now. People take it seriously and think it's cool but I actually went through a phase of really regretting the name because to me it had always just been this thing I made up really fast to be extremely dumb. And it's a pain the ass to have an all-lowercase name. People always wanna capitalize it in ways that make it look even worse. Don't even get me started on spotify restrictions. Once I got into social media a little more I started spelling it freshtwofresh and I think that's a little more aesthetically pleasing but either way is technically correct.



How long have you been making music?
I had a really cool music teacher when I was a kid who would arrange the kids into rock/punk bands and have us learn songs and jam together. We could switch off instruments whenever we want. Problem was, whether it was that or middle school band class, I refused to practice with a metronome or play along to a recording so to this day I cannot play anything in-time. I sorta kept playing guitar just as a thing to occupy my hands with when I was bored. Then around 2013-14 I started getting really into rap music. I fumbled around trying to figure out what to learn/do and eventually settled on making beats. I've always been into computers so the skills translated naturally. Eventually I learned how to record vocals with a lot of help from the other V@PEBOI in my autotune-crooning side project V@PEBOI SYNDICATE. I kept slowly improving the process and now I do a lot of work engineering/mixing other people's vocals for their own projects. So to answer your question, I'd put it around 6 years.


Do you have goals within music?

Yeah, to get heady for a moment, my goal is usually to generate a personal feeling of excitement or deeper conceptual interest in what I'm making. I'm almost always motivated by my own experience rather than where it may or may not go after I put it out. It's a pretty broad thing. It could be that I hear some sort of production style/technique that really stands out and holds my attention and go "woah thats fucken tite" and I want to explore it and see if I can pull it off. Or it could be trying to make something that's weird in an interesting or funny way to entertain myself. If I can sit down and make something where each step of the process naturally prompts more ideas, that's the best. Everything going smoothly and never getting stuck because you don't feel that positive reaction you want when you hear it. Also, there have been times I've done vocals on songs over the years and that's always an exercise in trying to create something that I won't hate later on. When I'm writing words I'm a lot harder on myself and I always try to create a balance of sounding cool, being original/clever, not over-doing it, and hopefully sneaking in a few legitimately emo things without being cringey. I have about a 20% success rate on that lol, so I mainly stick to production.

On another level, I also hope to use music as a way to make friends and build personal relationships, and I love doing shows so it would be great to be able to play live on a regular basis.




Do you get annoyed when people ask you to describe your music? How do you respond to them?

Not really. I just say, "I make beats and if you wanna hear them, here's a sticker."

You and CATXSCAN were running a live DJ webcam type thing, how did that begin?Actually I started that with my friend @slashcalislash. He made up the name 18/f/cali a long time ago and we kinda treated it as a fake label and eventually started doing this live DJ stream with different guest DJs that was also a podcast. Most of the episodes are still up on youtube (with some songs removed for copyright violations). It never did numbers but we had a good time. At one point we promised to smash an XBOX 360 Kinect on stream if we got 10 concurrent viewers. We did not achieve that goal. I think that really drove people away. It's on hiatus for now. BUT: near the end, 18/f/cali released a compilation tape with 4 new V@PEBOI SYNDICATE songs and a bunch of remixes and stuff we worked on and I'm really proud of it! Please check it out!!! (https://soundcloud.com/18-f-cali/sets/18fcali-the-mixtape)


There's a video of Ed Sheeran listening to one of your songs (I think it was a CATXSCAN song with one of your beats) in his studio, the look he gave was priceless.... gotta hear the story behind that clip.Pretty crazy right? That's not my beat, it's by jeraymakeswaves, but I recorded/mixed CATXSCAN's vocals on that one and put the song together. We got the chance to work at a modest pro studio in Hollywood once. The guy who owned it owed CATXSCAN a LOT of money. Ed Sheeran, being the man of the people he is, was booked for studio time at this hole-in-the-wall place after us and we might have been going a little late. He reluctantly agreed to sit down and listen to the song before we got out of there. I guess he wasn't too impressed by the autotune falsetto, but hey I still think he's a cool guy. For some dumb reason, CATXSCAN thinks he can't release the song now just because one world-famous superstar didn't approve. I heartily disagree.



What do you think about the PDX music scene?I live in Eugene, but I go up there sometimes when there's something cool to get involved with. I've never really felt fully "included" in any particular music "scene". I'm not opposed, but it seems like sometimes the people organizing stuff don't think I'd fit in because I perform with a DJ controller. At least that's my guess. Maybe I just don't have enough "buzz" or I'm not close enough with the right people socially. It's unfortunate, because I'd love to open for any band, rapper, or DJ show, as long as I can afford the travel.



Excited about any of your upcoming music releases?

I actually don't have anything lined up at the moment. I put out a tape called "make light" a few months ago that I put a lot of time into and made sure it was as good as possible. So I want to take that same approach with whatever's next. It might be a tape of phonk beats or it could be more sample-based hip-hop type shit. Definitely gonna be dusty tho.



What do you enjoy about music the most?
I like how every aspect of it is this little infinite world where you can create whatever you want and so can everyone else and you can continue to be surprised and interested. I love how even if someone's a small-time amateur rapper, they do it because they love it, and act like they have a full-blown career. But most of all, I just like being entertained. I enjoy original ideas and I love it when the absurdity of a song makes me laugh, even if it's meant to be serious.



Would you rather have 100k fans or $100k?

Well I gotta say I've always been pretty broke and I hate working so if I had $100k I could probably invest it wisely and live worry-free for the rest of my life, which means more to me than any music career. At the same time, if the 100k fans could provide me with enough resources to live comfortably, I'd be happy.



What's your favorite meal of the day, what do you eat?

I'm really fucking bad at eating. Most of the day these days I have no appetite (and NO, it's NOT the weed! stop saying that!). It sucks because I'm miserable when I don't eat. Real catch-22 shit. I do like a good smoothie though, and I'm a big fan of Subway. BRING BACK THE $5 FOOTLONG YOU IDIOTS!! For some reason Subway always ignores my requests for a sponsorship.



Does insomnia affect your music?Not really. I stay up really late and that's when I'm most comfortable. When I don't sleep enough it's because I wake up too early and that sucks for trying to use my brain that day. But truly being unable to sleep is usually caused by some way bigger issue, and I don't even think about music at those times.



Where can we get FRESHTWOFRESH merch and music?

At the moment I have one small hoodie left. You can DM me for it. I just got a new run of stickers, and they are SICK! I will give them out for free if you see me in-person, or you can send me a small donation and I'll mail you a few. So yeah just hit me up.




My music is available mainly on soundcloud and bandcamp. Soundcloud has a lot of random one-off tracks and collabs as well as a few solid beat tapes/projects. And bandcamp (my favorite platform!) has the full catalog of all my tapes nicely organized and available as pay-what-you-want downloads (pro tip: enter $0 to get it for free). A bunch of my shit is on youtube too. Fuck spotify, it's really dumb and I hate that everyone uses it. It's a long story.

Any message for your people?

Hey guys, remember, its OKAY to make BAD music! Someone's gotta make the bad music, so stop worrying about it! If your music is bad, you can turn it into a positive thing and make it entertaining and/or funny by not taking yourself too seriously. And in the long run, as long as you keep it light-hearted and don't think you're some major flexer cool kid on the block, accepting and even enjoying making bad music will benefit your mental health and creative process.

FOR ALL THE FRESH INGREDIENTS:
https://soundcloud.com/freshtwofresh
https://fresh2fresh.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWPWzqAUAh6r_iJF33gTpdA