What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music, and what was your journey to becoming a musician or band like?
I’ve always been a big self-believer, and I knew I wanted to be something big. Of course, seeing the first artists I was inspired by in music videos, some in movies, hearing their songs and what they’re saying, and the lifestyle of some of them—whether it was a fake image or not—I want it for real. No matter how much more I learned needed to get done, it hasn’t discouraged me. The journey gets better and better, making more and more music and doing more shows. It gets better every time; I’m excited to see these next steps.
Who are some of the musicians or musical acts that have had the most significant impact on your work and your sound?
I would say Lil Wayne first sparked my interest in hip-hop and is still probably my all-time #1. Lil Uzi Vert is my biggest inspiration to be experimental. Juice Wrld is my favorite artist, and I’ve felt the biggest connection to him. Drake is my biggest inspiration in terms of being a household name in a similar lane.
Can you describe the progression of your musical style and what sets it apart from others in the industry?
It started with more simple, but very bouncy west coast sounding club beats, very on subject and catchy. More and more as I developed, I started working into melodic music with various beats, switching vibes to fit more situations and different audiences. As everything comes together, I am now trying to keep a steady catalogue of each style I enjoy and keep developing them.
Could you elaborate on the backstory and significance of your artist or band name?
There’s not too much of a backstory. My close homie and I used to listen to an artist who used it as a nickname in some of his songs. I also wanted to drop my first song and needed a name as soon as possible. In some ways, it also matches the controversial aspects I like to get at.
How do you typically approach the songwriting process, and what role does collaboration play in your work?
Every time I run through beats—usually new ones I haven’t heard—if they sound good, I freestyle a bit until I get something I like. Or, if the beat hits me hard enough, I will load it into my recording program right away. I work on the intro the longest because, to me, it’s usually most important, if not second. Then, from there, it’s usually pretty fun seeing different ways I could continue the song and picking whatever is best and going from there. I really like making hooks too. As for collaboration, I’ve done a good amount of demos with other artists, and I have a few bigger ones that I’m looking to roll out, but no major released collaborations yet.
Can you share with us a particularly meaningful or personal song in your discography, and what inspired it?
Reel Feel, at this point in my released discography, is probably the most meaningful and also personal. As soon as I heard the beat, I loaded it into my recording program, and the intro came to me quickly, as well as the rest of the song. So that was big for me. Not only that, but it gives me the vibe of Juice Wrld, who is my favorite artist and has a big influence on my music. The main subject is asking if the love was real or not, then explaining thoughts and feelings from a viewpoint that could be understood from both sides for the most part.
Could you discuss the evolution of your live shows and performances, and what you aim to convey through them?
My first show was pretty fire. I did pretty well, I’d say. I definitely had a lot of engagement during and after. Just recently, I’ve done a series of shows throughout the summer, so I’ve been using those to improve what I feel I need to improve, and now it is all coming together. I like to bring high energy that’s uplifting, and I’ve always been really eager to do live performances/shows, including music video visuals, which are also on the way.
Can you recall any memorable or unique experiences you have had while touring or performing?
Again, my first show was in another city, and kind of on short notice, but I still managed to bring a good group. After my performance started, I received great engagement from a brand new audience, including a dance circle mid-song. I remember renting a car and didn’t ask for anything specific, and they gave me a new all-black Charger I got to drive there. I got to stay the night, and Toronto is a memorable city, so there was that too.
What is your perspective on the current state of the music industry, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I always like to look at both sides of the story and the pros and cons of all decisions and choices. I’ve heard things, and I like to focus on the music business side. There are a few things I need to do before I feel comfortable locking myself into the actual industry.
How has your hometown or region shaped your musical identity, and what elements of it do you attempt to incorporate into your work?
Most of my musical influence is from outer regions, so even though I use personal emotions and experiences, I wouldn’t really say it has shaped my musical identity.
Could you share any exciting new projects or collaborations you have in the works?
I have a solidified collaboration with a big DJ in Las Vegas that has been on the back burner, partially due to COVID a while back, but I will be handling it now. I also have a few new artists I’ve met through my manager whom I also recently collaborated with; I’m excited for those new projects as well.
YouTube: @Bigsqueezee
Spotify: Squeeze
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