Local Hip Hop Artist Shares Life As An Online Creator
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Local Hip Hop Artist Shares Life As An Online Creator

Read between the beats.

28
Local Hip Hop Artist Shares Life As An Online Creator

You want to be a noteworthy artist? Get yourself online. With artists such as XXXTENTACION, who was recently discovered by Drake on Soundcloud, independent artists are choosing to share their music online to hopefully get their name out there. However, some artists are just choosing to use these sites as canvases for their own personal expression. I interviewed DenseMind, aka Skyler Samson, a Cali-born hip-hop producer located in New Braunfels, Texas. Skyler has 956 followers on Soundcloud, and has worked with rappers in Brooklyn, Texas, and Los Angeles.

Who started it all for you?:Hip hop producer in Japan by the name of Nujabes. I've never hear music like his, which is really relaxing but calm and soothing at the same time. It made me realize that you can understand someone just through a beat. He had a uniqueness and a passion in his music.

When did you start and why?: When I was 14, I began to suffer with depression. It triggered me to find outlets to express myself.

How did you come up with your name?: I was trying to analyze myself hardcore, and how I presented myself to others. One of the first things that I came up with was that I had a very analytical mind. If I was going to school or anywhere in public, I tried to make it seem like I wasn't an awkward freak. I felt like I always seemed that way. It's contradicting, because I seem smart and intuitive but I am actually filled with all these meaningless thoughts and anxieties.

How did you get listeners?: I didn't, I just posted my songs and left them there. You make something with someone, their friends hear it, their friends share it, and you just wait. I focus more on having the right people to find it. As long as someone finds my music, likes it, can vibe to it, then I've done my job.

How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician?: I just try to let them know that I am potentially making something that will mean something to someone. its supposed to be fun--and I do have fun--but the finished product should be something I'm proud of.

Is image important?: Not important at all, unless your the spokesperson for a group or label. If you're a rapper or singer then you should present yourself in a way that people can connect and understand you. Take Mac Demarco: he looks terrible but people find him humble, and they like his "chill" vibe.

Do you ever compare yourself to big producers? Yes. If you didn’t, you’d be stupid not to. Drake, J Dilla—they’re a source of inspiration.

So since you've worked with hip hop artists all over the country, how do you make connections?: Either Soundcloud or by asking around. If you like someone’s song then you ask them if you can work with them. You can go on Reddit, Soundcloud, or in person. If you know they make music, ask them. It's really not hard at all, just find the right people.

How do you feel when people praise your work?: I don't like it, because I never feel that my work is how I want it to be. All the songs that I've made with other artists are not enjoyable to me. I always try to find ways to make songs that are enjoyable to others, but that mean something to them. I'm not at the level that I want to be at yet; I'm still learning. So ironically, I don't like it when people say they love one of my songs.

What is one song you know every single word to?: Atmosphere by Sunshine, because it just felt like the perfect song to listen to if you're strolling down the streets of California.

How is music viewed differently in Texas than in California?: People’s ideals on music are not very different wherever you go. Texas is more heavily influenced by country, sure, but hip hop is also a big thing. You can't definitively say that California is home to hip hop, even though of course there is a big community there. You need to have an open mind everywhere you go and not just follow stereotypes.

What is some advice that you'd give for people who want to start making music?: You need to study. Whatever you are trying to do, you need to study and practice. You need to be ok with knowing that it won't sound decent at first. The fact that you are making music and something that sounds like a song, you should be proud of it. Be proud that you are making something that you can call your own. Be patient and work hard.

How will music change in the future?: Now, everyone is trying to make their own label by sounding different. You get certain things and genres by sounding different, even though its not necessarily the best. Yet people appreciate something unique. Thats the way music will be for eternity.

If you could send one thing that represents humanity to an alien planet, what would it be? A dollar bill.

Through his music, Skyler reminds us that within the craze of having success in the music world, a song is just a reflection of an artist’s individual self.

Check his beats out: https://soundcloud.com/dense_mind/tracks

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58741
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959433
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194890
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments