Feature: Ramo Z Decodes “THE HOLY LAND.”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "THE HOLY LAND." and the story it tells?
The inspiration really came from my roots, from how I've felt my whole life seeing what's happened in Palestine long before October 7th. The stories my grandfather would tell me shaped my perspective. Allowed me to see how much corruption really exists in our world.I was angry, but at the time I never knew how to put into words like this. “THE HOLY LAND” tells the story from a human approach, capturing the feeling of witnessing so much suffering and being surrounded by indifference. How it feels to be raised in America as a Palestinian born American with survivor's guilt.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "THE HOLY LAND." to life?
I collaborated with K$TONE & Bang, and I'm grateful to call them my good friends. Once I heard the sample, I knew $tone had to be the one to chop it up. I sent him the sample a week before, and although he initially struggled to come up with something he vibed with, the night I came to his studio, we talked for an hour about Palestine and how making music like this was what made it truly impactful. After that conversation, he made the beat in less than 20 minutes, and I was writing to it the whole time. As for mixing it, I don’t trust anyone else to mix my music other than Bang. He really helped bring the song to a level that gave you goosebumps. I trust that man’s ear with my life.
Can you describe the emotions or feelings you hope this single evokes in listeners?
I'd like to shake people out of apathy. It’s dystopian to see so much suffering through a phone screen and not feel any type of way about it, to ignore it and not even talk about it. I want more people to use this song as an anthem for liberation. I'd like for people to feel more empathetic and realize we have the power to bring change. We need each other more than we think, and your voice has more effect than you think. At the end of day however, I truly feel like it speaks for itself which was my intent.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I often hear people say that “earth” spelled without “art” is just “eh.” That's truly how I feel like my life would be if I didn't see life through art or have it in my life. I have a deep appreciation for all forms of art. I paint, shoot films, write poetry, and make music. I'm constantly amazed by the art others create, and it always inspires me. Art connects me to the truest parts of myself, and the fact that it could do the same for others is truly something unexplainable. I guess I would say it’s just how I see the world and the people around me.
Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
There have been multiple times when I've wanted to quit, but I just can’t. It's a part of me now. No matter where I go or how far I get, I'll always come back to music. I'll always need to record, write songs, sing, rap, and produce tracks. I think it's just realizing that it's a part of me now and not being attached to any outcome is what keeps me pursuing it. Regardless, I'm always going to do it. So might as well try to go all out and see where it takes me.
I really appreciate your time; thank you so much. I’m very grateful you’ve decided to interview me