Having just released his latest single and music video, Sydney based rapper IMCPAYNE takes us through the inspiration behind ‘Where’s My Head At’.
What motivated you to start writing/playing music?
Writing has come to me naturally as a little kid in primary school. I have notebooks and workbooks filled with poems and stories I have written as kid. So writing was almost a natural hobby to me to, but I do have a broad imagination so I think that writing started as a way to express my imagination. As for music, it has always been apart of my life, My father always use to listen to amazing music, so naturally I was always listening to something subconsciously from a young age. I think my late teens I just found out I could put music, and writing together and found my passion.
Tell us about your recording experience with Michael McGlynn?
Michael McGlynn is one of the most kind hearted, talented individuals I know, I feel blessed that our lives combined in such a way to make music together. I only ever record by myself or with Michael, so the experience recording with him is very much a vibe and trust, I show him a vision of a track or a production of a beat I have made and he takes that to the next level. Recording is always in ViennaPeople studios. He has a chandelier, cool lights contrasting purple, reds and blues, little figurines, fairy lights and music all over the walls, its a very cool studio. Recording is always in a dim lit booth or no lights on at all. The vibe is very much taking ourselves away from reality and indulging into the recording to capture that moment on the microphone.
What is the inspiration behind your new single ‘Where’s My Head At’?
Being a ’90s kid, and also growing up on the boom bap style of hip hop, I was inspired from the likes of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Jurassic 5 on this one. When I first started producing the beat, I had the main sounds and drums finished, but felt as if I should give it my own flavour. I’m inspired also by alot of electro music. So naturally I gave it my own style to the production that’s inspired from the ’90s and also today’s music. Lyrically I can’t rap without flow or word play, so the lyrics are just me doing what I do when it comes to my pen game. This song is an introduction to myself, I feel as if I’m super inspired by nostalgic and also by modern and relevant music. Respect the roots but look to the future.
What is your proudest achievement as an artist?
I opened for Genesis Owusu at Oxford Arts at the beginning of the year and brought most the heads to that gig, so that was always a proud achievement to have supported such a talented guy such as Genesis, and bring in numbers, as well as having your friends cutting sick to your set. I’ve been writing and studying hip hop for nine years now, and this is the first time I’ve started releasing music, so it’s a good feeling to finally release music and be ready to go. As well as seeing my vision start to become reality, but I wouldn’t say I’ve had my proudest achievement or moment as an artist yet. I think that’s yet to come.
What is the plan for the rest of 2018?
Lots more music is on the way, including an EP and a mixtape/album that I have produced myself. We’re looking to do a show in August for the release of the EP and taking whatever opportunities that present themselves. I’m just going to keep on going and going.
What is some advice you would give to young musicians starting out?
Do it! Fall in love with music. Know and respect the roots and most of all be true to yourself and have fun with it.
When and where can we see you play live?
We will be playing a gig in August at the Chippo Hotel in Sydney. Keep an eye on the socials for more information.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Keep your aura gorgeous!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkSytC5pepY&feature=youtu.be