See Notes With Cansino

This is a tough one, Cansino is hard to define...and that's a good thing. His music totally blows my mind. Give his latest release, "Killjoy" a listen and dive in. If i had to assign this album's sound to a color, I would choose a dark violet or midnight purple. Slow, hypnotic bass parts with trippy, breathy vocals with a mild pitch correction. A tasteful assortment of spooky deep synth with just the right amount of distortion. You can tell he values each decision on his editing and sound choices, the production of his entire music portfolio is exquisite. Cansino has emotional yet also hard lyrics at the same time. His drum choices are unrivaled and will literally send chills across your entire body on the track, "Hollow Point." 
His projects have huge amounts of variation and you will never get bored listening to his dynamics and sound choices. 
Take a walk in his shoes for a minute while you read the answers to a few questions I asked Cansino...

What moment made you decide to pursue music? 

I kinda just ended up doing it more than other things.

How long have you been working as a producer?

It's been about 8 years now, I'm still ass it's crazy.

Do you have a favorite rapper/producer or artist that you enjoy working with most? 

Imma have to hit you with 5: King Yosef, Toxic, Fifty Grand, DONTLOVEJACOB & Hector Vae, working with these mfs is always fun, always learn something new.

Do you ever get annoyed when people ask you about your gear and DAWS? 

It's fine at first but when they keep asking what I use and all that it gets a bit annoying. It's not about what you use it's about how you use it.

What’s your favorite type of meal or cuisine?

Honestly, I just love all food.

Cats, dogs, or something else all together?

I definitely fuck with dogs more, but i love all animals, they're sick.

Do you like to be sober when you work in music? If not, what helps you ease into the vibe?

I'm usually never not sober, it's gotten bad. I just go off whatever I'm feeling in the moment, best way to find your own sound in my opinion.

What were you like in high school?

I was the quiet kid that always slept or read in class, never really paying attention. I also never went/ditched whenever I could, and went to three different high schools.

How do you feel about police?

Fuck the ones that be power trippin'.



Do you believe in drawing direct influence from other artists, or are you only doing 100% original material?

It's cool to be influenced, but you shouldn't be set out to do what they're doing. Mash one thing you like from them into your stuff, but do it in your own way so it makes your stuff more unique. I personally don't listen to music for days before I start a project, it helps a bit with the whole originality thing.

How do you feel about sampling and beat “flips”?

Sampling is sick, you can do a lot with it. I did it on a few tracks for Toxic and Tytuus. If you're going to flip a beat, it deadass better not be the same as the original.

What’s your opinion of modern Hip-hop and music vs. past generations?

The progression is kind of cool, a lot of it is repetitive though. 

Where do you see yourself as an artist in a year?

Doin' the same shit just bigger with a more evolved sound.



What’s next for Cansino?

I got a few projects coming out soon: a song with King Yosef, another EP with Toxic, maybe another solo EP, and an EP with DONTLOVEJACOB and Hector Vae, which is some of our best work this year, it's called "Killjoy" (OUT NOW). Stay tuned for all these, they're all really sick.

Any advice for people just beginning in the music game?

Don't do what anyone else is doing, do you, don't let someone tell you how you should make your sound. 

Soul Searching with Souletica

I met Souletica in Atlanta, Georgia during the summer of 2013. I was traveling for the first time to the South to meet Vann, Ni Houstonn, and Souletica, after hearing their music on SoundCloud. Infinite Souls Music was searching for a producer that was willing to help build original and creative unique instrumentals, so I immediately bought a plane ticket and was on my way. 


The three of them picked me up from the airport and before we had even dropped off my bags at their studio we were blasting local bangers and bonding over new music they were creating. They introduced me to Prince Scooter (also part of ISM) and before I knew it I was wrapped up in creating beats live and watching all three of them writing and rapping like I'd never witnessed before. Lyrics pouring out over each measure, the cup had runneth over... 

Each member of ISM has their own brand and area of expertise, their own niche of Hip-hop. My impression of Souletica is that of justice, power, and creative love of music, women, love, art, and poetry. Souletica knows the art of wordplay, the delicate intricate subtleties of cadence and energy. Sultry and inspired his voice hits every line with bright light and dark robust flavor. Souletica is here to do two things- make you think and make you groove...

What's your favorite aspect about writing music?

 My favorite part about writing music is the fact that it’s yours. It’s your thoughts and your imagination. It’s self expression. 

What bothers you the most about the process?

Sometimes writers block affects the creative process. Though there’s always something to talk about, there’s moments where it’s difficult to express the thoughts. 

Was it you who first came up with the idea of Infinite Souls Music?

ISM was created by myself, and my friends: Vann, Ni Houstonn, and Jon “Byrd” Jaros. 

How do you know the other members of ISM? how did you meet them?

Me, Ni, and Vann met in high school and we’ve been best friends ever since. Jon is Vann’s cousin and he moved from Boston to help bring the vision to life. 

How do you compare "Nü Jive" to your first album "Poetic Mind"? 

When I released my first project, “Poetic Mind”, I was very new to creating music. I was still finding myself as an artist.  “Nü Jive” was my third project after my “Nectar” project, so I looked to develop my sound. I learned how to incorporate different genres into my music. 

You used to go by Sean Poet, why the name change? 

I didn’t want to be boxed in as an artist. When you hear Sean Poet, you draw conclusions as to what type of artist I am. When you hear Souletica, you don’t know what to expect, I wanted to rebrand myself. 

What's the most important part of music to you?

The most important part about creating music is the fact that you have a voice. You can change lives through your words. 

You have a lot of lyrics involving social justice, and equality...do you feel it's important to include these themes in all of your songs? 

 I believe when you have a platform, it’s ok to have fun but you also have a responsibility. You can make a change. 

What do you think of young new Hip-hop artists vs the old heads?

Music has grown over time and not everyone is used to the sound of today. 

When was the moment you decided to become a lyricist and music artist?

 I’ve done poetry for most of my life, and I’ve always loved music. After ISM was formed I knew it was something i wanted to do for life, I love it. 

When times get tough? How do you cope?

When times get tough I try to express my feelings through my art. Writing is a personal getaway for me. 

What's next for Souletica?

 I have a lot of new music and visuals on the way, and a new project in the works. The other members of ISM are working on things as well and we plan to release a collaborative project soon. 

How has the ISM group impacted your music?

ISM is the reason I started music and my friends inspire me. I feel like we met for a reason and that we have a real purpose. They challenge me to be a bigger artist.