Based in Arizona, zohd is an experimentative rap artist who refuses to be boxed into one genre. He fuses sounds and styles that intrigue him, unconcerned with mainstream popularity, instead staying true to his artistic vision and challenging the norms.
He recently dropped a five-track EP titled ‘A Western’, a bold and unpredictable record that defies expectations at every turn.
Intrigued to find out more about the talented musician, I was stoked when he agreed to an interview! Taking us through the challenges of crafting ‘A Western’, what “being successful” in the industry would look like for him, and some of the artists he’d love to collaborate with in the future, please welcome our new friend zohd!
Welcome aboard zohd! I’m stoked to introduce you to our ever-expanding audience! Before we get into the nitty-gritty, please tell us about your musical journey. When did your love affair with music begin?
I had always really enjoyed music but never really pursued it as a means to support myself. When I was younger there were moments in time when I would be bored and hear random music that wasn’t songs I’d heard before but I chalked it up to nothing.
Later, about 3 years ago, I started noticing I would hear melodies over beats and instruments and thought I would give it a go.
My introduction to your music came in the form of ‘A Western’, your brand new EP! It’s such an interesting and eclectic offering and I’d like to know if you could tell us what themes or stories you wanted to convey through the tracks.
I really just wanted to convey having fun through creativity and attempt to hopefully give people something they can enjoy listening to. I wanted it to not be as serious and a little more out there.
I know that you produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered everything yourself. What was the most challenging aspect of handling everything and can you share any tips for other artists looking to do the same?
I would say that mixing and mastering music is still challenging as I continually keep learning about mistakes that I have been making. Sometimes I will catch mistakes only after I have already released the music, and that makes me want to find ways to update and such because I really like my creations to stand against the pros at all times.
I would recommend watching YouTube and using the internet to gain reference points for how people work and spin it into your own processes for creation.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and mould your overall sound?
I think one of the best rappers ever is 50 Cent and he also has a very diverse discography. Kanye West also has production that I am drawn to and probably where I get a lot of my own inspiration in terms of production.
Success is such a broad term with different meanings for everyone. What would “being successful” in the music industry look like to you?
Success for me would encompass having a positive impact on people and being able to sustain myself using my creativity.
Which of your lyrics would you like to see printed on a T-shirt?
I think the lyrics “She get a DM” would do well.
“Maybe now we’re even” might be eye-catching too on a T-shirt.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
I would like to collaborate with NBA YoungBoy, Tyler the Creator, Kodak Black, and Future to name a few artists that I think I could have interesting dynamics with.
But, I do still think I have a bit of way to go before my music is good enough to compete with theirs, so these would be aspirations of mine in the future.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us zohd! It’s been awesome getting to know you a little better. Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically?
I would like to release another 5 song EP very soon but I’m also in the process of remixing some other artists’ songs and releasing those myself so that I can hone my craft and also experiment with sounds a bit.
