Artist Q/A (May 2025)

Q: So Jake, what is your artist name and why did you start making music?

A: My official name is Korem. I don't know why, but I've had that name since I was like 8. I started making music honestly, just because. I've always liked expressing myself creatively, and music felt like such a straight and direct way to do that. It gives me the chance to write in a unique way that I don't get to in any other place, and the feeling of making a dope song is pretty insane. It's one of those where not everyone will be interested in reading your book, essay, or even news articles. People might not show up to your art exhibit. But everyone is down for a banger. And it's a little masochistic and egotistical, but that feeling when people listen and realize 'Oh, you actually are good at this,' is pretty hilarious.

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Q: How would you describe your music?

A: Hip hop at the center but I really enjoy adding mixtures of jazz and funk. It's changed over time. As a teenager I think we were really into those horrorcore elements but about 5 years in really came into our own in terms of style. Happy tunes with an undertone of foreboding is the sweet spot.

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Q: What album could you listen to everyday?

A: Seems too easy but Take Me To Your Leader by ¡MAYDAY! The title was the inspiration for mine and OG's rap duo, and it personally had a big influence on my style of music. It's 19 tracks and there's no skips.

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Q: Who is getting a diss track before you die?

A: The person reading this. (Editor's note: I think he meant OGZEROZENI cause I edit these interviews)

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Q: What you tryna collab with?

A: In my dream of dreams, Anderson .Paak. If I'm going hard though, Denzel Curry.

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Q: Any advice for aspiring musicians?

A: Just make music honestly. Don't overthink it. Put yourself out there. Do shows, stay in the lab, try new things. Quality is important, but honestly, quantity in this space might be more important. All your favorite artists are full of bad ideas, and a few good ones. Just make as much as possible.

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Q: FMK. Michael Jackson, P. Diddy, and Martin Shkreli

A: In this order: Martin Shkreli, Michael J., and Sean Combs.
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