This week, we explored the defiance and high-energy expression in Frostbyt3’s latest track, “OUTCHA MOUTH,” featuring Juice Box and ETHNL. Released on April 12th, this single marks a significant shift from Frostbyt3’s earlier pop and R&B influences, diving into a realm of gritty, experimental rap with a live-performance feel designed to rally the crowd.
In this interview with A&R Factory, Frostbyt3 reveals the inspiration behind the creation of an anthem that not only challenges the negativity from others and self-doubt but also sets the stage for a much-anticipated album. Dive into the conversation as Frostbyt3 discusses the transformative journey from SoundCloud experiments to major stage ambitions, offering insights into collaboration dynamics, creative processes, and long-term visions
Frostbyt3, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss your latest single, OUTCHA MOUTH, featuring Juice Box and ETHNL which dropped on April 12th. We love how you brought your high-vibe energy to a track that asserts boundaries with maximum conviction in the bars and beats; what inspired you to create this track and run with this infectiously expressive style?
Thank you so much for having me! I am super excited to talk about my music! I would say coming off of my last album, “EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE”, that was very pop and R&B based. I wanted to create something that sounded different from what I usually make. I wanted to create an anthem that was show-ready and had a hook that was easy to memorize. Recently, I have been watching a lot of rap performances and seeing what artists have brought to the table with that type of energy. That is exactly what I wanted to bring out with this new single. A fresh new take on how I want everyone to turn up when they listen to the song.
What inspired you to create the track?
The track idea came at a time when I noticed not only with myself but with the media in general how people like to try and drag others down once they see they are making something good out of their own life. Not only that, but it also plays a role in how we sometimes talk down about ourselves and we might not even realize it. There have been moments in my own life where I was like “Am I even built for this?” or “Am I good enough for this?” when I know I am and have proven myself time and time again. I would say this single is a commentary on negative talk in general, whether it’s from others or yourself. Keep any sort of negativity out of your mouth. As far as the production on this track, in the car, I listen to tracks like “FE!N” by Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. I did take huge inspiration from the album, “TESTING” by A$AP Rocky. That album is so amazing and the energy on that album is incredible. If you’re a fan of grundy and experimental rap, check that album out.
Could you walk us through your creative process for writing and producing a track like “OUTCHA MOUTH”? Where do you usually start, and how do you know when a song is ready to be released?
It’s honestly been trial and error. I usually either have a hook already in mind and create the production around the hook and verses, or I’ll start from scratch and make the beat and then add the lyrics of what I believe the song should be about afterwards. I think, this time around, the beat was finished and I had demo lyrics. In my mind, I was like, “ETHNL would go crazy on this!”. Two weeks after sending it to ETHNL, I told myself “No. ETHNL and Juice Box would be an insane combo!”. The rest is history.
How did the collaboration with Juice Box and ETHNL come about, and what was it like working in the studio with them?
I have worked with both artists before. ETHNL and I have worked numerous times to a point where we know what works and doesn’t work. Juice Box I worked with a lot behind the scenes and we have one song out called “Honorable Mentions”. I thought this was the perfect time to have both of them back and they delivered.
From your early days on SoundCloud to now, how have you evolved as an artist? In what ways have your initial influences shaped your current music style?
As a music artist, I’m always learning. I’m always listening. I have learned so much from not only learning what my fanbase is like, but also tuning in to other musicians and understanding how they operate in the music realm. I’m always asking questions. How do you engage the crowd on stage? How do you get the fans asking for more? How did they create certain songs? I feel like these are the key concepts that, over the years, have helped shape my sound and who I want to be as an artist.
Does OUTCHA MOUTH set the tone for your upcoming album?
I would say OUTCHA MOUTH is just one piece to an entire theme-driven album. The album itself has a bunch of different tones. I’d like to think of each song on the album as having its personality. It’s cool because OUTCHA MOUTH as a single can stand on its own, but on the album, it brings life to the album listening experience.
Engaging with your fanbase seems integral to your approach. How do you hope your music, especially the new single and upcoming album, will resonate with your listeners, both old and new?
I want this album to give people hope. I don’t want to spoil a lot, but this album has been a reminder to me of why I wanted to make music in the first place. It has so many different feels and vibes, but it all has that Frostbyt3 feel that fans know and love. It truly has a lot to offer for familiar listeners, as well as people listening to my music for the first time. I encourage people to listen to some of my recent work to get a good feel of the genres I have worked with so far.
Beyond the upcoming album, what are your long-term goals for your music career? How do you see your sound and artistic identity evolving in the future?
I have some big plans in the works. I am currently planning on doing live shows. That is what has been important to me. People love and need live music. The last two home studio albums I dropped, “WHINTER SEEZYN” and “EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE”, I call “quarantine albums”, because they were released during the middle of the pandemic. At that point, musicians and artists weren’t able to do much. Live music was in a weird place. Now, I feel like this is the time to go hard! I want to give people that Frostbyt3 experience live! I would love to do a mini-tour! As far as my sound and artistic identity, I see myself pushing myself further with my music. I’m always making music every day. My music and creativity are always evolving and changing. I can’t wait for the world to hear more from me.
Stream OUTCHA MOUTH on Spotify now.
Follow Frostbyt3 on Instagram.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast