Artist Q/A (February 2025)

What are some of the first memories of music that you remember having an impact on how you approach your own music production today? 

Some of my earliest and most impactful memories of music trace back to my family. My dad was a huge fan of artists like The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, and The Band—an era of music that was all about capturing sonically unique and organic sounds. I grew up immersed in 10-minute improv guitar solos, intricate drum solos, and music that defied the paint-by-numbers approach. That freeform creativity left a lasting impression on me. 

My cousin and uncle were also big inspirations. They gifted me my first real guitar, which marked the beginning of my music journey. My cousin and I would spend hours writing anything that came to mind, experimenting with sounds and ideas. He was also the one who introduced me to hip-hop and rap, starting with Eminem, and he’s still the person I go to for discovering underground and up-and-coming artists. 

This eclectic musical upbringing—ranging from classic rock to hip-hop—taught me to appreciate music across genres and to embrace the creative process fully. It’s why I never feel confined to one box and why I’m always eager to explore new sounds. I’m incredibly thankful for that foundation, as it shaped not just my taste in music but also the way I approach production today. 

Have you, as an artist or even label owner, ever felt pressure to conform to a different sound or a single genre? 

Absolutely—there’s always that internal pressure to chase the hits and replicate success. For example, one of my most popular tracks, Caring for Others, was actually a last-minute addition to the album. It’s a lo-fi orchestral fusion, and for some reason, it really resonated with listeners in a way I didn’t fully anticipate. Even now, I’m not sure what made it strike such a chord. 

After that, I attempted to create an album that could be its sonic successor, but it turned out to be one of those lightning-in-a-bottle moments you just can’t recreate. It’s easy to fall into the trap of making music solely for the numbers or streams, telling yourself, 'This one’s for the fans of that track.' But the truth is, once you start forcing it, the authenticity slips away—and fans can sense that. For me, the music has to feel genuine; it has to come from a place of true creativity, not just an attempt to replicate past success. 

Can you describe your creative process when you're working on a track that involves multiple genre elements? 

I wish I could say I have a magic formula, but the truth is, my process is much more intuitive. It usually starts with a key sound that catches my ear. For example, with A Blessed Brother, which has roots in Indian music, I was inspired after listening to tracks from that region. That spark of inspiration led me to ask myself, 'What would my version of this sound like?'

When working with multiple genres, I typically focus on a central sound or element that embodies the essence of the genre I’m exploring. From there, I build around it, layering complementary elements with a bit of my signature Dj_xcon flair. It’s always about finding the right balance—highlighting that main element while blending in other styles to create something fresh and cohesive. 

What role does listener feedback play in your production process, especially when focusing on blending genres into a cohesive sound? 

Feedback is absolutely crucial to my production process. Whether it’s from the artists I’m collaborating with or my fiancée—who keeps me grounded—it’s essential to avoid working in isolation. When I’m deep in a mix, listening to it on repeat, it’s easy to lose perspective. I might feel like everything is clicking, but then my fiancée takes a listen and immediately points out something I missed. It’s those fresh ears that can catch the small details I’ve become blind to after hours of working on a track. 

When blending genres, feedback becomes even more important. It helps ensure that the final sound feels cohesive and doesn’t lean too far in one direction, potentially alienating listeners. Collaboration and constructive critique are what transform good ideas into great tracks, and I’m grateful for the input that helps refine my work. 

What challenges have you faced in making your unique style prevalent in your production? Are there certain drums/patterns/sounds or ambience that you strive for in particular? 

The biggest challenge in making my unique style stand out is navigating the expectations tied to specific genres. Some genres are so defined by their traditional structures and patterns that even I sometimes find it difficult to break away from them—despite that being a core part of my creative identity! It’s almost ironic, but those conventions can feel like invisible boundaries that are hard to cross. 

That said, I strive to infuse my productions with certain signature elements, like drums that hit with a distinct rhythm or ambient layers that evoke emotion and depth. Whether it’s a moody atmosphere, unconventional percussive patterns, or subtle sound design touches, I aim to leave a fingerprint on every track. Balancing innovation with audience expectations is tricky, but it’s also what keeps the process exciting and rewarding. 

How do you ensure that the hip hop essence is preserved while integrating new sounds, and what specific sound elements do you employ? Or does artistic expression supersede that need to avoid or preserve particular musical elements?

Hip-hop is my foundation; it’s where I feel most at home as a producer. That said, artistic expression often takes precedence over sticking strictly to my roots. For me, it’s about the creative journey—experimenting with sounds beyond lo-fi hip-hop, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. Sure, I know there are fans who might prefer I 'stick to the classics,' and I understand that—it’s natural for people to crave consistency. But as an artist, my goal is to bring fresh, unexpected sounds to the table. It’s about connection. Not every track will resonate with everyone, but I firmly believe that what one person might dismiss as my 'worst' track could be someone else’s favorite. That’s the magic of music, and it’s why I’m committed to exploring new territory while respecting the essence of hip-hop that’s at the core of my work. 

Can you share an example of a track you've produced that you feel perfectly encapsulates your approach to production, and what was unique about its creation? 

Oh man, it’s tough to pick just one, haha! If I had to highlight a track, "Caring for Others" would definitely be up there—it’s a cornerstone of my style. Moving forward in my discography, "Wake Me Up (Remix Featuring Rocco)" perfectly captures my approach to blending modern trap vibes with a Caribbean pop twist. It’s a fun fusion that really stands out. 

"Are You Better Now (Remix Featuring Chucc Write)" is another track that reflects my versatility. It combines a singer/songwriter’s jazzy essence with hip-hop elements and, of course, an incredible rap feature! 

Finally, "Are You Better Now" embodies the raw emotion of rock music while infusing it with classic hip-hop flair in the drums. I’m thrilled to share that this one is getting a remix featuring an amazing rapper, dropping January 3, 2025! I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.