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Unveiling ‘Dreams of Rodeo’: An Interview with Caleb X on Aspiration and Artistry

Posted on 24 November 2024

Caleb X, an emerging artist hailing from Atlanta, joins us to discuss his latest album, Dreams of Rodeo. Inspired by personal experiences and the influence of artists like Travis Scott, Caleb delves into the stories behind his music, the obstacles he overcame during its creation, and his growth as an artist. He opens up about emotionally charged tracks like “Quiet” and shares his perspective on balancing life’s challenges while staying true to his creative vision. We also explore his future projects and his passion for fashion. Read on to discover more about Caleb’s artistry and what the future holds for him.

Caleb X, thanks for sitting down with us again to discuss your latest album, Dreams of Rodeo. It clearly holds a lot of artistic merit and visceral emotion; what’s the story behind the album? 

The idea of the album name comes from me being a younger aspiring artist wanting to take it to the next level from Atlanta to the LA scene, but as I began working on the album, the meaning went from “Rodeo” being the place I wanted to be to me making it be anything I wanted in life whether it was making a better life for me & my family or having peace of mind with the creativity and making that my “Rodeo” no matter where I am at the moment.

I also grew into my artistry by studying artists like Travis Scott & his come-up from Days Before Rodeo really inspired the album when it comes to the drive & hunger he had to get where he is now. So I took that hunger & applied it to making the album. Out of that inspiration, it made me come up with songs like “90210!” As a homage to Trav song off “Rodeo”. After making that song everything else started flowing & the next thing I knew I had a good number of songs that coincided with each other which helped me come up with the sonic direction of the whole project.

What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of writing and creating the album? 

I would have to say the most challenging was writing the outro “Quiet”. That song is a sensitive one for me to this day since I’m talking about a story about someone I actually know along with the story of someone very close to me dealing with alcoholism & I feel the responsibility of keeping everything together but it’s only so much I can do so I had to dig up the strength & vulnerability to talk about it on a record to just put it out to the universe as therapy for myself & anybody else that might be dealing with a similar situation.

Sometimes we just need a moment of quietness to tune out unnecessary things & focus on what’s really important. It’s hard for me to even listen to that song. Last time I cried was writing that song so it’s tough for real. But at the same time it’s rewarding because after making that song, the stress I had before went away & after letting my family hear it, things seemed to smooth out all from me just putting those words out there. The tongue is powerful for sure.

What is it like to hit roadblocks along the way while sitting on an album before its release? 

Roadblocks are my biggest enemy, it would seem. It was over 2 years since I dropped a new project or track, so I was really itching to release something, but I couldn’t because things just weren’t ready because I had other priorities, which caused a hold-up with the creative process.

I was supposed to drop the album in December of 2023, but life hit like an 18-wheeler. Instead of getting discouraged I just kept working at it & writing to different beats & tapped back into the studio to make even more music until I felt I was completely done with the album. Just happy I was able to drop this year after promising my supporters a new project this year. I can’t even stand the word roadblock I swear. I can’t lie, I also have some women problems going on when I’m deep into creating & I let it get in the way sometimes although it also gives me new things to talk about hahaha.

I always say life imitates art so it is what it is. Can’t be too mad at it. It comes with being creative, honestly. You have to roll with the punches, whether it’s life’s responsibilities or women. You just have to manoeuvre your way through it & use it to your advantage while being patient with the process.

How do you feel now it is out in the world? 

I feel like a big weight lifted off me once it was out. I felt more free than I’ve ever been. Especially after getting people’s feedback about how much they like the project & hearing what song is their favorite, it really caused me to appreciate every second that went into recording it & gave me an even clearer idea of what to do next.

I’m always searching for a new way of creating in the studio after dropping a project. It’s an addiction at this point. I may feel free after a release, but then after a while, I’m not satisfied anymore. Always trying to work on something even better. But again, I really appreciate the feedback & love that I have been getting so far. Can’t wait to see who else it reaches.

A lot of independent artists struggle with the pressure to stay on the perpetual hamster wheel of pushing out new content, is that something you can relate to now you’re writing new tracks while ensuring Dreams of Rodeo gets the attention it deserves? 

That’s for sure a true statement for most artists but with me, I don’t let the pressure affect my consistency because my creative flow is something that never goes flat. Once I’m knocking out songs, I can’t stop so I’m always sitting on some type of music, it’s just a matter of finding a way to release it in a strategic way for me that turns into a constant battle.

The music will always speak for itself if you put in the time & effort into it. Once one person rocks with it it’s going to be a whole wave of people that will love it so I don’t really feel the pressure of needing to flood music. I take it one project at a time & let the people spread it to others. Every new listener is hearing it for the first time so why flood music? Maybe that’s just me though.

Is your new track, Butterfly Effect a continuation or a departure from Dreams of Rodeo? 

It’s from the Dreams of Rodeo sessions. It was supposed to be the intro for the album but then the direction I wanted to go changed so it stayed in the vault until now. I’m done holding back songs I make so I wanted to give people a single before the year ends as a gift of appreciation for the continued support before I release more new music which will have a different sound than Dreams of Rodeo.

Are there any other ventures or projects in the works that your fans can look forward to? 

As most people know I’m big on fashion & even got my own clothing brand going so I plan on eventually being a full-time creative director in the fashion lane which coincides with music so I’m looking forward to how far I go in that lane but until then I’m in the early stages of starting a new project titled “Still Shining”.

It’s a sequel to the first project I released titled “Shine”. It’s something that I can’t wait to bring to life & shift my sound once again. I just love trying new things & proving to myself I’m really like that. So much is in the works for my supporters from the music to music visuals to the fashion. It’s all on the way.

Stream Dreams of Rodeo on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

From Bronx Streets to Beats: An Interview with Sapuis

Posted on 20 November 2024

Sapuis, the Bronx-born artist known for his introspective lyrics and innovative production style, joins us at A&R Factory to uncover his creative origins and the evolving narrative of his sound. Sapuis discusses how the challenging environment of his upbringing wasn’t just a backdrop but a vital component in sparking his artistic flame. Throughout the interview, we explore the profound personal and cultural influences that shape his music, his straightforward approach to his artistry, and his aspirations to make a lasting impact on the music landscape.

Sapuis, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your artistic origin story, identity, and where you’re heading with your sound. Was it easy to ignite your creative spark in the Bronx?

Hell Yeah! In the South Bronx, your only option is to get creative. Whether it’s the meal you make out of what’s in the house, the outfit you put together to not get your ass cut, or even coming up on some money you gotta get creative.

Look, all the way back to the music of hip hop, rap and its culture were birthed from the creativity Bronxites had. They used that creativity to escape hell on earth, through song and dance. You gotta get creative or you will end up dead in the Bronx, so waking up is the ignition. Whenever I’m in a creative rut I can just think of the Bronx; the good, the bad, and the ugly which I came from.

You’ve made a name for yourself with your introspective lyrics, genre-bending, and signature production style; which artists have had the most profound influences on your sonic fingerprint?

My sonic fingerprint is influenced by me.

How do you feel after introspectively pouring your heart and soul into your tracks? 

I feel relieved because I got to pour that out. Going back to naming the Album “Before I Die” you can now better understand the title. (which is entendre in itself) I had to get that all out before I die, too many people never get the chance to do something like this. Others are found after death, but not me I made sure this was released on my terms.

Which aspect of writing and production came easiest, and which did you have to work hard to hone?

The writing comes the easiest since my music is about my life, mixing and mastering was difficult at first. Anything you work on gets easier tho. I’m gonna be good no GREAT regardless.

You’re clearly determined to forge your own way through the hip-hop landscape and blaze your own trail; what are the main factors that are pushing you forward and putting momentum into your career? 

Coming from the South Bronx, Fox Street. Pushes me forward. Using that as the foundation of anything I do… gives me the momentum to complete, accomplish, and systemize anything I fucking want.

You’ve recently released your sophomore LP, Before I Die; what’s the story behind the album and how does it align with your broader career goals? 

This album came off the heels of completing the second year of my “song a week” campaign. Midway through that journey I noticed that there wasn’t a body of work to show the work I am putting in. So I needed to put this out. I have some goals in my career to release albums that change music history and this is the start of that.

If you had to elevator pitch Before I Die, how would you sell it? 

Listen to my album Before I Die.

What’s next for Sapuis?

I’m trying to go on tour so if u seeing this book me rn. I’ll take care of the logistics no matter where it is on Earth.

–

Stream Sapuis’ Before I Die LP on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Deep Groove Dominion: ‘Bad Habit’ by Thirteen Paris Vandals

Posted on 20 November 2024

Thirteen Paris Vandals, the creative moniker of Jon Norton, injected old-school boom-bap hip-hop with an intravenous shot of funk and disco in his latest single, ‘Bad Habits’. With groove pockets deeper than the Grand Canyon, no one will be immune to the hype of the hit, which crackles with live wire charisma, cutting through the noise with pretence-less bars that establish the Leeds-based luminary as a masterful orchestrator of urban euphoria.

‘Bad Habits’ pulses with high fire, all gas, no brakes energy that infuses each note with sonic serotonin; despite being roughed up with the grit of hip-hop, the track is iridescent as the disco balls that will call for his sound to be played beneath.

The enigmatic nature of his sound unriddles itself by bringing into perspective the artist’s influences, cited as seventies psychedelia and space rock; these elements, in addition to inspiration found within The Beatles and The Beachboys, weave their way into his diverse sonic palette.

With the magnetic charm of icons like Pharrell Williams and Outkast rolled into one, Bad Habits is a testament to Thirteen Paris Vandals’ potential as one of the most promising hip-hop artists in the UK. Don’t just watch this space—be part of his legacy and hit play.

Bad Habit is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shawn Tuck’s ‘Bigger’ is a hip-hop trifecta of soul, style and substance

Posted on 14 November 2024

Shawn Tuck made one of the hottest hip-hop drops of the summer with his hit, Bigger. The high-octane track is a contemporary anthem that pushes style and substance through speakers with unapologetic energy. Tuck’s larger-than-life vocal delivery dominates the polished-to-cinematic-perfection mix, which leaves each beat dripping with gravitas.

A hip-hop heavyweight in the making, Tuck proves how powerful rap can be when you pour soul into every syllable, building a relentless rhythm that grips like a vice and doesn’t let go. Channelling the gritty heart of hustler hip hop with a soulful edge, ‘Bigger’ is a track destined to leave you hyped. Every line and beat shows he’s playing for keeps, seamlessly weaving emotional intensity with infectious energy.

His deft vocal switches from razor-sharp rap bars to smooth, honeyed harmonies bring a duality that evocatively hones the release to prove that there are few artists who can flex chameleonic skill with as much finesse as the US luminary, who prises influence from the likes of Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, and Craig David.

Stream Shawn Tuck’s seminal single, Bigger, on all major platforms, including Apple Music, now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Open the Doors of Perception with DJ Promo & Avarice’s Hip-Hop Gem, Pandemia

Posted on 12 November 2024

DJ Promo, the Puerto Rican beat architect, and New York’s lyrical sage Avarice have crystallised their sonic synergy into the recently unveiled LP ‘Forgotten Gems’. Born from a prolific past, where beats crafted between 2007 and 2012 lay dormant, DJ Promo unearthed the sonic relics, offering them to Avarice, who expanded what was meant to be a brief EP into a full-bodied album.

The track ‘Pandemia’, a seminal hit from the sonic anthology, is a masterclass in expressive power. It weaves mid-western motifs through the solid rattle of the 808s, laying down a minimalist soundscape that cradles Avarice’s commanding spoken-word delivery.

With each word meticulously cadenced, the verses strike with the impact of spoken truth in the production, which sounds as though it has sprung to life from a vintage tape deck with its intimate hiss. Yet, the urban narrative thrums with a contemporary pulse, ensuring the duo earned their place in the contemporary hip-hop landscape.

As the instrumentals serenade the soul with their understated complexity, Avarice’s narratives coax the doors of perception ajar. Hit play, and let ‘Pandemia’ transport you to where music meets the mind in a quiet revolution of thought.

Head to Spotify to stream Pandemia as part of the collaborative Forgotten Gems LP, which dropped on October 31st. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SEER SEEKER worked alchemic urban magic into his juggernaut of an alt-hip-hop LP, SPELLS AND SECRETS

Posted on 11 November 2024

With his standout track FRACTALS, the independent rap luminary SEER SEEKER found fresh urban intersections to trailblaze across. A hypnotic pulse weaves through the dark, moody, bass-heavy anthem, delivering an unapologetic sonic experience that hip-hop fans won’t want to shake off.

The track fuses the ornate melancholy of neo-classic piano keys with boom-bap nuances, the kinetic momentum of EDM and dark trap’s weighted edges, amplifying the artist’s ability to channel fearlessness into every beat.

FRACTALS isn’t just another offering from SEER SEEKER’s sophomore LP, SPELLS AND SECRETS; it’s a testament to his refusal to be confined by genre norms. Channelling visceral energy with ferocious resilience, the track infectiously demands to slam through your speakers time after time as the young prodigy proves that being a rockstar is more of an attitude than a genre.

It’s the kind of single that hits with unapologetic power, refusing to merely float in the background. Instead, it digs deep, etching its sonic signature through layers of electrifying sound and raw intent.

Though only a fraction of the ingenuity threaded through SPELLS AND SECRETS, FRACTALS serves as a potent introduction to SEER SEEKER’s intense, unflinching style.

SPELLS AND SECRETS dropped on Halloween, stream it in full on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sapuis wore his heart on his bars in ‘RIP SAM’

Posted on 8 November 2024

In one of his most visceral tracks to date, ’RIP SAM’, the up-and-coming independent hip-hop artist Sapuis wore his heart on his bars and let the dark trap instrumentals set an ensnaring tone.

The atmospherically cinematic track uses a big beat production with wavy aesthetics to amplify the sense of disquietude that Sapuis storms through with his lyrics that prove that few rappers on the scene know how to flex fortitude as intensely as the icon in the making who, with every track, is making his way up from the underground and into the mainstream.

The launch of his 2024 LP, Before I Die, marked a pivotal chapter in Sapuis’ career; with enough perseverance, there’s no reason why he couldn’t become the hottest lyrical waxer of his generation. The way his articulation flexes to the beat is cooking up serious heat.

Stream RIP SAM with the rest of Sapuis’ discography via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FLIPPIN’ GOTHIC FABP – BATHROOM BALLING FREESTYLE; An Unsettling Soundtrack of Defiance

Posted on 23 October 2024

FLIPPIN’ GOTHIC FABP’s latest freestyle session, BATHROOM BALLING FREESTYLE, doesn’t just take the listener into dark places; it builds an entire atmosphere there. With horror-esque high frequencies juxtaposing the scratchy boom-bap beats that grind low, the track feels like a clash of two opposing energies, constantly battling for dominance. It’s unsettling, raw, and filled with the kind of resilience that only comes from an emcee who’s always kept his lane, untouched by the haters.

Born and bred in Jamaica Queens, New York, the artist, formerly Fabpz the Freelancer, has spent his career mastering his sound with over 2,000 songs to his name. Known for bringing back that “Raw Undiluted” taste of rap, his freestyle bars have always exuded an authenticity that fans can’t get enough of. BATHROOM BALLING FREESTYLE is no exception, showcasing his signature unapologetic flow with a haunting backdrop that leaves you feeling like you’re trapped in a sonic maze – but he’s the only one with the map.

The official music video for BATHROOM BALLING FREESTYLE dropped on October 12; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Loose Change 10k became an unreckonable force in the Floridian hip-hop scene with their trippy hit, Haters

Posted on 19 October 2024

The Floridian hip-hop duo Loose Change 10k has once again proven its unreckonable mettle with the latest single and music video, Haters. The wavy and melodically trippy track instantly sets a mind-bending tone; once you’ve sunk into the saturated reflections of old-school hip-hop roots, the bars kick in and push adrenalized momentum into the hit with every syllable flexed.

The juxtaposition between the energy injected by the two MCs, O-Head and Danny Duke, and the catharsis of the experimentally catchy melodies leaves you cascading through a vortex of Loose Change 10k’s ingenuity.

With a sound that’s as fresh as it is fierce, they’ve reserved a space in the hip-hop pantheon with Haters, which vindicates anyone who has collected their fair share of haters simply by succeeding. If any track is going to convince you to take it all in your stride and leave them to stagnate, it’s Haters.

Stream the self-shot and produced video for Haters, which premiered on October 8th, via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Resonant Quietus: BLVCK GARDEN expresses the inexpressible in his emo rap hit, ‘MY SILENCE’

Posted on 18 October 2024

BLVCK GARDEN’s single ‘MY SILENCE’ is an intricate exploration of how silence is the loudest scream. BLVCK GARDEN is just one of the guises of Carlos Fabre, an artist with roots deeply entrenched in electronic music and hip-hop. As BLVCK GARDEN, Fabre channels his versatility into an emo rap project that resonates with an irrefutable intensity.

The track initiates with a robust thrum of harsh, reverberant bass—a foreboding echo that sets the stage before the beat escalates beneath sharp-with-candour bars delivering the pinnacle of vulnerability.

Fabre constructed a soundscape where spatial effects and the dynamics of the instrumentation speak volumes. Each verse is delivered with a raw, freestyle energy yet carries the weight of a seasoned poet’s ink, unveiling a spectrum of emotions that connect through stark honesty.

Emerging from his diverse musical background—having honed his skills in production and instrumentation remotely via RRFC—Fabre’s latest endeavour in emo rap hints at a promising new direction. With aspirations to sign with a label and further his reach, ‘MY SILENCE’ is a sign of massive things to come from the emo rap luminary.

MY SILENCE hit the airwaves on October 6th; stream the track on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast