by DIGITAL NOD
Why Cue, welcome to VENTS! Can you tell us a little about your latest release, Xxotic 2.0?
“Sure, no problem! Xxotic 2.0 is a sequel to my first Album Xxotic which was released in 2019. When I was making this project, I felt like I gave more of myself to my fans as far as telling my story about my life and the things I’m going through or went through. When I think of Xxotic I see things differently and that’s what describes me, Different! Don’t get me wrong I still added my sauce to the album so it balances out. I feel like it’s definitely one of my best albums made today and I’m loving the feedback I’m getting from fans. It’s all good!”
It has been an incredibly successful debut judging by the streaming stats; were you expecting it to garner so much attention?
“Honestly, yes. Yea it’s been like about 2 years since I’ve dropped an album but being the fact the first Xxotic album did so good I was hella confident to release a sequel project. I think I did about over 6 million streams on the album on Spotify alone which was all the motivation I needed to make another. I think the main reason I took a break after Xxotic the first album was just me trying to promote the album myself. I think I promoted that album a year before it even dropped and I’m still promoting it to this day. I really was big on promotion and I still feel like that’s 80% of making music.”
Any plans to release any videos for the album?
“Yes, we already released Fanta which is the introduction to the album. The music video was shot by a good friend of mine Lou Costello and directed by Phvzes. The visual really brings out a nostalgic trippy vibe which I was aiming for. I’m planning to release visuals for most of the tracks off the album this summer now that it’s finally gaining some good traction. I usually work with in-house people I have relationships with.”
The single Fanta comes off your new Album Xxotic 2.0 – what’s the story behind the single?
“The single Fanta is about just feeling good and enjoying who you are. When I created the song, I was aiming for good vibes, something you would play on your way to work in the morning to get you pumped or something to boost your ego at a time when you really need it. Fanta just describes how I’m feeling at the time which is confident and dedicated.”
Tell us about the recording and writing process?
“I usually get inspiration from listening to dope instrumentals. Once I found the beats, I wanted to use for the project the writing process was non-stop. I think I worked on the album every single day until it was actually finished. Once I started hearing everything sounding just the way I wanted it to sound, I was just inspired to keep going to finish the album. Usually, I have to motivate myself but I just felt like it was natural and everything came together like it was supposed to. I definitely felt accomplished after it was done. I always like the end listening process more than recording.”
What was it like to work with Peso Peso? Was he on this album?
“It was dope, he’s not on the album but we did release a music video for our song Good Drank on World-Star. That was lit, I really appreciate Peso for jumping on that record with me. I gained a-lot of new fans just in the process of working with him. How it actually happened was I reached out to his management really because I was just a fan of his music. I knew our sound together would click, and that’s exactly what it did. The first week the music video hit over a million views on World-Star Hip-Hop and that drove me. The song also landed on World-Star’s Spotify playlist. The video currently sits under 5 million views on world-star’s website.”
How has your upbringing influenced your music?
“I’ve been into music since I was a youngin. I’m talking 3-4 years watching my pops on the turntables. I grew up in a music household. My pops were a DJ and my mom grew up in the Bronx with the Treacherous Three. So, I felt like it’s always been around me. It’s my nature to love music and to really appreciate it for what it is. My family damn near listened to everything from Michael Jackson, Tupac to Aretha Franklin. So, I really started developing a love for music at an early age. My dad also used to break dance as well and he was good at that before he passed away. I feel like he’s my biggest influence today now that he’s gone.”
Where do you find the inspiration for your songs and lyrics?
“My experience’s, I think I just love telling my story and that’s what really inspires me the most. I grew up listening to artists like Pusha-T, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Jay-Z. The kinds of artists that actually value their music and can capture versatility and that’s what I wanted myself. I never want to be labeled a certain type of artist because I feel like I can do it all. I want to be able to be lyrical when it matters but still have fun with my music. I love the fact of being heard and somebody is listening to what I have to say. So, I can definitely say my fans inspire me as well to keep going to say what’s on my mind.”
How has your relationship with music changed in the past 10 years?
“I feel like it’s gotten better. Compared to when I first started; I never would have thought music would take me to where I’m at today. When I first started recording, we were just trying to impress the girls and make something we can play around school. It wasn’t something I’d think I’d still be doing to this day; but I thank God that I still am because I feel like music saved me. I still imagine we’re I would be today if I wasn’t making music because I was going down the wrong path and music was the only thing I felt like I was good at. My relationship with music will only get stronger. I feel like it can never die out”
What can your fans expect from you in 2022?
“I just released a new single Backends on all platforms featuring Kasher Quon, you can stream that now. Also, you can expect more live performances, including an upcoming tour along with brand new visuals. I’m consistently writing and perfecting my craft as I enjoy life. I only plan on expanding and networking with new people on my journey to success. Looking to surround myself around love, peace and motivation and people who want to see me win. X3 (Xxotic 3) will be releasing soon and you can expect to see me in your city if I haven’t already been there. Thanks for the opportunity, Vents”
Stream Xxotic 2.0 via https://fanlink.to/Xxotic2
Visit – https://whycuespg.com
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Visit – https://twitter.com/whycuespg
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/gh/album/xxotic-2-0/1600473200
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2D8nhtAfBk81RfoPdWqqBG
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