The keen reader knows how much we appreciate original, quirky projects. Artists who go out of their way to make unique and whimsical art. Milo Kobayashi is the perfect example of that; a talented rapper and creative based in Augusta, SC, Kobayashi champions an eclectic, euphoric and futuristic brand of hip-hop, one that’s infused by hyper-pop and electronica elements. ‘THINK!’ showcases that perfectly.
A personal, relatable piece, ‘THINK!’ sees Milo embarking on a deep reflection about self-growth and success, all tinged with playful and fiery vibes. His vocal flow is rather unique and hypnotising, always locked into the groove and with a poetry-like delivery. Honestly, he’s really good at it.
Boasting a long career in music and the overall creative field, Kobayashi was originally born in Osaka, Japan. Intrigued by the project, we caught up with the American artist to learn more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Milo, how is it going? I have dug through your press release and promotional material, and it seems to me you are a truly three-dimensional and eclectic creative. Who’s the real Milo Kobayashi? How would you define yourself?
The real Milo is just a kid in a grown man’s body who understands the world a little too well, and now wants to make a change. I would define myself as a black threat cartoon folklore character. But seriously, I would define myself as a dreamer, a businessman, and a creative force. I’m just me!
Your current work is the result of a long journey. What first drew you to making music?
It all started when I was a kid, I had this video game on PS2 called “Tak and the Power of JuJu”, and one day I didn’t start the game at the menu and it started playing “Real Wild Child” by Wakefield. It was just a cover of a song, and it just spoke to me as a kid musically. I started making fake soundtrack covers after that, with my own tracklisting, and I thought I was crazy for doing that as a kid until I found out Tyler, The Creator did the same exact thing.
Then the real defining moment for me getting into music was playing Parappa The Rapper 2, I was instantly hooked and started really liking how the music made me feel, even though it was just a rhythm game. The thing that started getting me truly into making music was Childish Gambino’s “I’m just a rapper” mixtapes, where he said “if my life is what you’re chasing after, just stop talking shit and just be a rapper” and I guess at 13 I took such a statement seriously, then seeing Tyler, The Creator win best new artist and his speech telling kids you can do this thing yourself, be yourself, and f*** the system. After that, it was all gas, NO BREAKS.
You were born in Japan; Did you spend any time there afterwards? Is there any Asian influence coming through your music?
Haven’t been back since I was born. The asian influence I have in my music is based on the culture of animation, games, and messaging. The main influence on my music comes from idols like Cudi, Tyler, Gambino, Jpeg, and Tobe.
You recently released an uplifting, bouncy single, ‘THINK!’, an edgy and playful nugget of energy and charm. What does the song mean to you?
The song was reflective of me getting ready to move to a new city. I had the song on my hard drive for a few months, and it honestly reflects my feelings at the time. I am getting scared, I am getting older, I am watching everybody grow up, and I hope to god I blow up with my music and art before the US eventually collapses on itself with the dumb s**t our government is doing.
Does the song give me hope? It gives me comfort in making changes in life. This is my only life, and I need to make the most of it. I was surrounded by people (not my friends but people I used to consider “friends”) who refuse to change or grow up, people who love to stay in toxic ways and never take accountability for anything.
Perpetual victims of their actions who blame everybody for everything, but in the same breath tell me I need to be better and grow up?! People really need to actually THINK!, You’re letting life pass you by and not taking accountability for anything you do or say or how you treat the people in your life, you’ll end up alone and sad, and I don’t want that. I’m a prisoner of my own mind due to my anxiety disorder, and I’m always thinking about what I do or say will affect people or influence people. So I want to use my powers for good and growth.
Is ‘THINK!’ representative of the Milo Kobayashi sound? Can you shed some light on the production process behind it?
My sound isn’t defined yet. I’m still trying to find it. I have a lot of homies who produce, and I feel like they’re helping me find my sound. Production-wise, I just find the flow of the song first, then when it’s time to edit and record, I try to take my time to make sure you can hear me and feel me.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone or within a team?
Alone. When it comes to doing anything with a “team”, it’s really my fiancé helping me if something doesn’t sound right or my homies giving me tips. I only listen to them because they’re musically creative like me. I’ve had people who don’t make any kind of art trying to tell me how to do MY ART, so I end up ignoring them because they can’t relate or can do the shit my homies who have been doing this s**t for years can do.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
Being my own marketing team, PR, Press, and everything in between. Doing this thing on my own is what really sucks, altough I get the final say in everything so I can’t complain. The main thing is budgeting. I got bills and shit to take care of so I can’t spend a bunch on music – I have to be strategic, when it comes down to it.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I’m working on a project, I am trying to get it out by the summer. But expect more music regardless!
