Words by Keane Fletcher
You can't put an age limit on success. Especially when it comes to writing music. Whether you're releasing your debut and achieving things straight-out-the-gate or taking the slower route honing and perfecting your craft before dropping tracks, good music can come at any age. And that's exactly what makes US-based rapper The Hendrixxx's new track 'Ballout' so exciting.
I always had the vision of doing music [...] but I didn't take it serious until I was 27...I connected with an engineer named Sulto; he's from Poland. He reached out and said he could help me with my sound because he’d heard the songs I had on SoundCloud.
Inspired by his struggles as an up-and-coming artist, 'Ballout' sees The endrixxx revelling in a newfound sense of success, and has him experimenting with new, heavier sounds, most specifically drill music, a genre of trap defined by its dark, violent, and often nihilistic lyrical content.
With a release date for his debut album Rockstar The Intro soon to be announced, we sat down with The Hendrixxx to talk all things music, inspo, and what collaborating over the internet means to him.
Check it out below!
1- Where in the world are you based?
New Haven, Connecticut (US).
2- How did you get started in music? How would you describe your sound?
I always had the vision of doing music and the talent to rap, but I didn't take it serious until I was 27, when I built a home studio and taught myself how to record. However, I didn't really know how to mix and master until I connected with an engineer named Sulto; he's from Poland. He reached out and said he could help me with my sound because he’d heard the songs I had on SoundCloud. That was my first project The Hendrixxx Exxxperiment which I describe as very energetic, uptempo vibes, very fun vibes, but music you can relate to.
3- How does the writing process usually work for you? Do you have a routine when it comes to writing and recording, or does inspiration usually take you by surprise?
Well to be honest, I write but I don’t write you know? It's more natural. Soon as I vibe it just comes to me. When I mean write, I mean writing down bars that I thought of during the day and then going and putting them into the music. I lot of songs come together pretty fast that way. When it happens like that it pushes me to do another one and another one and another one. I really like to feed off the momentum that way.
4- Can you tell us a bit about your latest single ‘Ballout’? What was the production process like? How long did it take for the whole thing to come together?
'Ballout' is pretty much about coming from nothing. I talk about having the finer things in life and how I can’t wait to have the cars and things I dreamed of. At the same time though, I'm also making a statement and switching my sound to drill to show that I can be versatile. I found the producer on YouTube -- his name is Saint Cardona. Soon as I heard the beat it came to me fast. Plus my engineer really likes drill music; it's big where he's from. It took me ten minutes to record. I really had fun.
5- You’ve been releasing a steady stream of singles over the last few months. Can we expect a new album sometime soon?
Yes, I'm getting ready to release my first album. Its called Rockstar The Intro. I added The Intro because it's the real introduction of me and my music. I want my fans to get to know me more and connect with me.
6- How do you feel the Internet has impacted your career? Are streaming and video services like YouTube, Spotify and Soundcloud making things easier or harder for artists to get their music out there and be noticed?
I feel like it helped me a lot because of the people you can reach who might be into your music. The internet gives them the bridge to connect to you directly. I'm a people person. I like feedback, talking and connecting. I also believe its easier because the internet gives you full control over your music.
7- If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?
Well, I feel one thing that I would change is that all artists should be able to keep the masters of their songs.
8- What's next for you? Where do you hope to see yourself in a year’s time?
More music and albums. I also really want to perform and do some touring. That's really next for me. In the next year I really want to grow my fan base and get more exposure. I definitely want to expand my brand as an artist and be known worldwide.
*Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Thanks for stopping by Hipland!