New Jersey based Trap Soul singer/songwriter ABKTRAUMA shares a few moments out of his busy schedule for this following interview spotlight.

ABKTRAUMA is preparing for the release of his next single, Trap Coat.

Full Q&A along with music and a link to the Trap Coat YouTube premier below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but I’m from Camden, New Jersey which is right across the bridge. I make trap soul. I blend rapping and singing together.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I started out as a music producer. I make beats for so many artists including the artists who are on my team, Classy Trap Society. Since I was making so many beats, and basically living in the studio, I decided to become an artist, myself. I guess you can say I took the Kanye West route. Kanye is a big inspiration for me and I hope to work with him in the future. 

Music in general motivates me to keep going, honestly. If I hear an artist drop a good, new song, I’m just like, wow, that’s hot but I can do better. It’s just competition to me. And I’m very competitive.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

Trap Coat is special to me because it’s based on a true story. When I said “I got two hoodies on under my trap coat”, that’s real. I used to really be in the cold streets of New Jersey with a big ass trap coat hustling and freezing my ass off lol. Most of my upcoming debut albums are love songs – because I’m a ladies man – an ex-pimp as well (which I’m not proud of), so I felt I needed to put a song on the album that was just, different. And Trap Coat was born.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Standing out is a challenge. Especially in the trap genre. Everybody wants to be a trap star. That’s why I chose to go the trap soul route. I wanted to add a little soul to it. Honestly, it’s frustrating at times because like I said, I really lived the trap life. I know what it’s like. I mean I have story, stories. And a lot of these so-called trappers are just lying. They’re just good entertainers. They’re synthetic drugs. I’m more pure than cocaine from Bolivia.

How has technology helped me? One word: Twitter. I’m approaching 40k followers on there. And they’re all REAL. I really like the platform. I’ve connected with so many other artists on there. And I’ve gotten a lot of fans through there, too. I’m talking about diehard ABKTRAUMA fans. I love their support. Messages like this:

“Just wanted to say I’m mad proud of you and have been watching you grow! Look forward to seeing you hit the big time!”

I just got that message today. That’s what I do it for. The love.

What was the last song you listened to?

Lil Baby Sum 2 prove. I’m feeling Lil Baby flow.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I love vinyl. I love vinyl so much that I add that vinyl sound to every single song that I record. It’s not always obvious but if you really listen you’ll hear it. I just like that old feel that vinyl gives. Like a Billie Holiday record. Or Sarah Vaughn and so on and so on.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

 Mannnnn I prefer where ever people listen to me on lol. I’m honestly a Twitter baby. I share most of my music on there before I release it. I love the love my followers and fans show me.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Twitter. I’m @abktrauma on there and basically everywhere except Instagram and Facebook. I’m @abktraumamusic on those platforms.

Anything else before we sign off?

Thanks for letting me drop by. It’s been fun. And I promise you’ll be hearing a lot more about ABKTRAUMA soon. I put that on my trap coat.