Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’ve been involved in the local music scene in Nottingham, England since the age of 16. I started out in a local hardcore band called Outforthecount and later joined a hip-hop band called Tusken Coalition. My childhood made a big impact in my music, the heart ache and struggle comes out in it. My dad had epilepsy and sadly drowned in a canal when I was younger. Two years later my sister then died of Leukaemia. The Lp cover is my mum who now has dementia. It’s been a journey but I’m in a happier place now though. The music is not something of a choice for me but an outlet and reflection, it’s like a fire that won’t go out.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Cypher Unknown”?
A: My plan is to play as much as I can but also to reach out to more countries besides the UK. This means connecting to anyone who is interested in what I’m about no matter where they live. My music is about real struggles that people face in this life. If I hear a story of someone’s life that touches me, I want them to be heard, If I hear of an injustice, I want it to be known. I also want people to enjoy it though. Maybe I’ll write a happy pop song one day.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’m really into US underground hip-hop, Run the Jewels, Evidence, Sadistik, Buck 65, Aesop Rock. I’m into electronic dance music too like, Rival Consoles, Oliver Coates and Max Cooper. I’m still into all the old hardcore bands, Bad Brains, Born Against, Minor Threat but there are some interesting bands out now like Show me the body, High Vis and Zulu. I think the biggest influence at the moment is Vast Aire from Cannibal Ox and DUKE01 from Last Sons. I take inspiration from all these artists and the hardcore scene I grew up with. Sometimes I will hear something on the radio or someone’s conversation and think I need to write about it, document it.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Crisis Point.”?
A: Crisis Point started out as an intro but then it grew. It is about the stigma of mental health. The first sample is a recording of a narcissistic criminal from the 20’s who doesn’t care and the end part of the song is about Schizophrenia. My mum had Schizophrenia all her life and was such a caring person and wouldn’t hurt anyone. My mum went into what’s called a Crisis Point in healthcare and nearly ended it. It’s a shame people need to reach that point before they get help. Luckily she in a good place now.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Cathartic
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Crisis Point”?
A: The pandemic made things tricky at times but I think one of the challenges was to make each song on the LP different but still together as one piece of music with the right beats, hooks. Johnny A Carter was a really important part of this. I wrote the music on my phone and transferred it all to the studio with Johnny’s help. Johnny used to be in the band Pitchshifter and now runs a studio called Moot Group here in Nottingham . I couldn’t have done it without him, he’s a good friend and mentor.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I want to write songs that inspire people, make them question things and think about those less fortunate. For my goals, I would love to play in other countries, meet people with common interests. I also want to continue to write and create more songs to inspire others.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: DJ Shadow would be pretty awesome. Boards of Canada, Cannibal Ox, Bad Brains for sure.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: My advice would be to try and do something different. Take inspiration, emulate it then do your own thing. Someone’s gonna knock you down, not everyone is going to like it. Just get back up and keep going. It takes self belief to go out on your own.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I would tell him not to be so sad and angry because things will change through time and get better.
