In this interview spotlight, I chat with BRVDFXRD about his new music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music 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 and raised on the West side of Detroit, although I feel as though I do not take much influence from the Hip-Hop being produced by other artists in the area. I dabble in a few styles but what first comes to mind is dark. Trilogy is one of my top 3 albums of all time and that’s about as dark as it gets really so there’s a clear influence of mine there. Also for sure worth mentioning is that the 2015-2016 era abrasive styles from the Southern Florida rap scene were what inspired me to start posting my music in the first place.  

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

I often find myself in a weird dilemma where I can’t figure out if I’m still looking to find my footing stylistically or if I should just stop trying to box myself in. My most popular music for sure is my grotesque-fun-subwoofer-destroyers but I like to switch it up as often as possible. Usually, these songs will get posted when life does shitty life things. Listening to music has been a lifelong passion of mine and what I love most about it is that if the artist is skilled enough, they can make the listener feel like they are in the artist’s shoes through just music. What motivates me is to perfect my craft to the point where I do just this; whether it be music that incites riots or music that get some teary eyes. 

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

GodBev and I have been working together for well over a year now, him as my producer. Since March 2018 we’ve been trying song after song to put a project together to no avail, so now we arrive at our new project LXST FILES. In summary, it is an EP which features the best of the best from scrapped Welcome to the End album. This song, in particular, is, in all honesty, is really the bastard son of two scrapped songs from years before. The initial beat from my collaborator GodBev was much tamer, and I had even gone so far as to record it, mix it, and nearly posted it… but then I got super high. The result was me rewriting the song, removing the entire midrange of the beat, adding myself singing in the background, and obliterating the bass. Despite all that, I think what makes this song special is that I rewrote the song using one of the very first verses I had ever written. 

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)?

As a college student is excruciatingly hard to manage time between class, a social life, music, and making money to promote said music. Honestly, without social media, I simply wouldn’t have the time to take music seriously. My issue with social media is that unless you climb down the clout chasing route, you’re stuck promoting to other creators (not very good consumers) or simply people who are more interested in controversy than music (also not very good consumers). So I’mma just do me.  

What was the last song you listened to?

SUPERPOSITION by Daniel Caesar. Yes. Don’t judge my sadboi vibes. Surprisingly I don’t listen to too much rap unless I’m exercising or at a party. I like my home full of that shit like my Grandma used to play on the radio.  

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

MP3 is the way to go for me honestly. All the music in the world are within these streaming platforms, I’d be crazy to say anything is superior. However, collecting vinyl or cassettes has been slowly building interest in me…

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

Apple Music simply because they let me have it for like half price because I’m a student. Also, it was right in the middle of the streaming wars so I guess I chose and side and stuck with it haha.

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

My music is available on all platforms so as long as you remember how to spell my name you’re Gucci. Say it me now: b r V d f X r d. You have no idea how many times I have to remind my friends how where the V and X are haha. I know it’s my own fault but hey I just wanted to spell my birth name in a fancy way for Google. Anyways, If you’d like to connect with me feel free to visit my Instagram (same as my name). I try to respond as much as possible.

Anything else before we sign off?

One more time with me: b r V d f X r d. 

No, but seriously, check out my music. You’re in for a rollercoaster.