EUR On the Making Of “Photobombing”
How did everything come together?
The selection of a beat is so important in shaping a quality song as it sets the tone and mood for the entire track. After listening to countless beats, I finally stumbled upon producer InsaneBeatz's extensive catalog on Beatstars. The beat I chose was exactly the kind of sound I had envisioned. It carries a dark, almost thriller/horror-like atmosphere with a powerful and lively energy, complemented by a deep, resonant bass. InsaneBeatz passed me the stems and the creative touch of DJ Phat enhanced the music even further with custom drum patterns and scratches. Additionally, my longtime friend, Rolling Johnny, made valuable contributions by assisting with sound editing.
During my time residing in England, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in the captivating world of UK rap, which subsequently sparked the idea to make a track featuring UK rappers. I decided to contact Stinkin Slumrok and Verbz because I was really impressed by their distinct, one-of-a-kind flow. I shared the beat with them and they both liked it and were down to collaborate. Honey B Sweet, who appears on the hook, was also a great addition to the song, she's a great rapper.
Creating this song felt like assembling individual puzzle pieces, and though the process extended over a year, seeing it all come together in the end made the journey worthwhile.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "Photobombing?"
The concept behind "Photobombing" was inspired by the idea that life is full of chance encounters, much like the unexpected appearance of random people photobombing your photos. Just as these coincidences happen while taking a picture, they also occur in life. Meeting people in unexpected and seemingly random ways can lead to a series of events that ultimately impact your life.
The dialogue at the end of the song effectively encapsulates this message. In essence, I conveyed to the other rappers that the song revolves around life itself, emphasizing the significance of the random individuals who enter your life – be they friends, foes or any other unexpected connections.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Photobombing?"
I rehearsed the song extensively before entering the studio, to the point where I had memorized every word. My studio session with Paul Francis at Get Right Recording, Joshua Tree was quite efficient. An interesting observation I made is that when I'm in the studio, I tend to rap at a slightly faster pace compared to my rehearsals.
The other rappers sent me their recordings through WeTransfer, so I can't provide any insights into how their recording sessions unfolded.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
My musical journey began by learning to play the guitar, and during my high school days, I was part of a rock band. Subsequently, I expanded my musical horizons by delving into music production, mastering various instruments like keyboards, synthesizers, bass, and operating drum machines to craft beats. In terms of genres, my interests were eclectic. Initially, I was deeply drawn to funk music when I was exclusively playing the guitar. However, as I ventured into producing my own music, I explored a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, psychedelic ambient, reggae, EDM and even metal.
Although I find great satisfaction in music production, I equally enjoy collaborating with other talented producers. especially given the plethora of beat options available in the current music landscape, allowing me to select those that align perfectly with my artistic vision.
My introduction to hip-hop began with the sounds of Wu-Tang, NaS, and Cypress Hill. Additionally, I had a strong fondness for the music of Rage Against The Machine. I initially explored various singing styles, eventually narrowing my focus to rap.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
The more you do something the better you get, practice makes perfect. The same is with music, you can always learn something new.
My approach to learning involves immersing myself in a diverse range of music and closely observing the work of other artists. Collaborating with fellow musicians is also a valuable way to grow, as it allows for mutual learning and the ability to adapt to different styles. Pushing one's boundaries and experimenting with new techniques outside of their comfort zone is another great way to evolve as an artist.
