Rodney Hazard is a multi-talented artist whose work spans each design and music. Initially from Worcester, MA, he started his inventive journey in his teenage years, shortly growing a novel sound that blends digital, afro beats, and hip-hop. Hazard’s work isn’t simply confined to music; as a designer and artistic director, he has based Le Loup Studios, the place he seamlessly integrates design, movie, and music into cohesive inventive experiences.
On this interview, Hazard shares insights into his inventive course of, the interaction between his music and design work, and his journey from a neighborhood DJ to an internationally acknowledged artist.
Let’s dive into the dialog.
Q1: How would you describe the kind of music you make and your distinctive sound to somebody who’s by no means heard your work earlier than?
Rodney Hazard: I describe my music and sound as cinematic and dynamic—an eclectic combine between digital, afro beats, and hip hop. I really feel like my influences have a tendency to indicate up in my music even when it’s for a second.
Q2: Your profession spans each design and music. How do these two inventive retailers affect one another in your work?
Rodney Hazard: These two inventive retailers are always in flux and are regularly serving to each other. My method to design is just like my method to music, particularly in how I talk the message of a chunk in a couple of steps. I attempt to not complicate my course of and let the nuances of being human take the lead. Meaning errors and attempting time and again till it feels proper. Whether or not visually or sonically, my work is knowledgeable by human nature.
Q3: Are you able to inform us about your journey from Worcester, MA to changing into an internationally acknowledged artist?
Rodney Hazard: I began making beats once I was round 14 or 15 years outdated. I used to reverse beats in digital DJ and ship them to rappers. I aimed to win awards for being a DJ in my metropolis, so I began exhibiting up at venues at a younger age to make connections and DJ for a few of the extra established artists within the metropolis. Despite the fact that I didn’t have a lot expertise, I took dangers to make myself identified domestically.
After a couple of years of building myself, I made a decision to pursue graphic design at St John’s College in Queens, NY. Transferring to NYC was a turning level in my profession, broadening my horizons and exposing me to the probabilities of being a full-time artist. Throughout my freshman 12 months, I landed a few of my beats with lesser-known artists, with probably the most notable one being with Joe Budden, who was engaged on releasing his remaining mixtape of the Temper Muzik collection.
Following this, I continued DJing domestically in NYC and producing music for varied artists on campus. It wasn’t till I used to be 20-21, on the brink of graduate from school, that I obtained a name from a singer good friend to return to the studio with Heavy D, which turned out to be life-changing. I labored intently with Heavy D for about two weeks, spending lengthy hours within the studio. He pushed me to cease sampling and begin enjoying the piano. After these classes, he launched his final EP, “The Love Opus,” and tragically handed away shortly after. Relaxation In Peace to the legend.
After school, I started my unbiased journey. I continued producing for myself and different artists, striving to safe placements, coming into beat contests, and spending late nights within the studio. Finally, I sought administration and was submitting beats for a Technique Man venture once I observed that the particular person requesting them was an artwork director for certainly one of my favourite report labels, Rawkus. Drawing inspiration from Questlove’s ebook, I requested him to handle me. Throughout that point, I launched albums like “The Artwork Of The Pattern,” “Sufferer Volunteer,” and “Saint Or Savage,” and labored with well-known artists reminiscent of Bipolar Sunshine, AZ, Meyhem Lauren, M.O.P., A$AP Mob, and plenty of extra.
Quick ahead to now, I’ve launched 10 albums which have charted internationally and within the USA. These experiences have broadened my viewers and allowed me to carry out everywhere in the world, from Canada to Prague to Cologne to Miami to Los Angeles, amongst many different places. The journey continues, and I’m grateful to pursue my ardour each day and share my music with the world.
This autumn: What’s your inventive course of like? Do you’ve particular matters you sort out in your music?
Rodney Hazard: I normally begin my inventive course of with melodies. Whereas many individuals start with the drums, I choose to make the sound cinematic earlier than including the drums to the monitor. After that, I proceed to brainstorm till I really feel like I’ve run out of concepts, then I transfer on to vocals after which drums. I take pleasure in writing songs from scratch and guaranteeing that my vocal efficiency can match up with my favourite artists. In the case of lyrical matters, I attempt to tackle actual and human points, drawing from experiences I’ve lived by way of or emotions I’ve had in direction of somebody or one thing. Whether or not it’s a constructive or unfavourable emotion, I’ve skilled it and may specific it by way of the temper of the monitor.
Q5: You’ve collaborated with artists like Heavy D and A$AP Mob. How have these collaborations impacted your profession?
Rodney Hazard: These collaborations have led me all over the world and have opened my eyes and ears to totally different sounds, sights, and experiences that make their method into my music to at the present time.
Q6: Your newest single is “Raise Me Up.” What impressed this monitor, and the way does it mirror your present inventive course?
Rodney Hazard: “Raise Me Up” was impressed by a deeply private mantra for myself. For this album and my course, I used to be very centered on manifesting victories and prioritizing self-worth. I wished the music to encourage listeners to embrace resilience and self-love, aligning with my broader inventive imaginative and prescient of mixing emotional depth with immersive soundscapes.
Q7: How has your method to music manufacturing advanced because you first began making beats in your teenage years?
Rodney Hazard: As a youngster, I used to pattern lots when making beats. Sampling was a serious a part of the sound of hip-hop, and it was thought of an artwork kind. These days, I play the piano and a few guitar, and I incorporate natural percussion devices in all of my music. I are inclined to pattern my melodies quite than utilizing anybody else’s. It’s a unique sound, however one that may be replicated.
Q8: Are you able to share an expertise the place your design work has influenced your music, or vice versa?
Rodney Hazard: My music at all times evokes my design, by no means the opposite method round. I take a look at music as colours, shapes, and kinds so, as I compose a chunk, I can think about the composition of the design. Whether or not it’s an illustration or {a photograph}, I can foresee the place I would like the artwork course to go when making a brand new piece of music.
Q9: Your music has been featured in movies, TV reveals, and commercials. How does creating music for these mediums differ out of your private initiatives?
Rodney Hazard: I at all times aimed to create emotive and cinematic music that might be featured in movies and TV reveals. I’m humbled that individuals take pleasure in my music sufficient to incorporate it of their initiatives. Making music for movies and TV doesn’t differ a lot from my traditional initiatives as a result of my music naturally matches that medium.
Q10: Songs like “Love Me Again” and “Don’t Fear” have resonated with many listeners. Would you want to speak about these songs?
Rodney Hazard: Please proceed to stream “Love Me Again” and “Don’t Fear”! Share these new tracks with a good friend and create content material with them to assist unfold the phrase. I’m thrilled that individuals love them. I produced them at a time once I was uncertain about persevering with my music journey as a result of I wasn’t sure that individuals nonetheless wished music from me. So, when you’ve streamed the music even as soon as, I really like you, and thanks for holding the dream alive. Engaged on this new album has been a liberating and self-discovery journey, so thanks in your assist.
Q11: As somebody who’s labored in several inventive fields, what recommendation would you give to younger artists looking for their distinctive voice?
Rodney Hazard: Iteration is the way in which to seek out your voice and artistic identification. Don’t ever cease creating. Take dangers, attempt new methods, and add to your course of. You’ll at all times shock your self on the finish of the day.
Q12: What can your followers anticipate from you within the close to future? Any upcoming initiatives or collaborations you’re enthusiastic about?
Rodney Hazard: I’m excited to announce that my new album, “Love Me Again,” is about to be launched in mid-September. Nonetheless, I’ll be releasing it a couple of weeks earlier, on EVEN. To hitch the waitlist for the album and acquire entry to free live performance tickets, customized merchandise, restricted version prints, customized cassette tapes, and far more, click on the hyperlink under. By signing up, you’ll obtain one thing particular.
www.even.biz/releases/love-me-back
Q13: Any closing remarks?
Rodney Hazard: Thanks when you’ve made it this far. I really feel like I’m simply getting began so thanks, thanks, thanks. I stay up for persevering with this journey with you by my facet. See you quickly.
Conclusion
As Rodney forges forward, breaking new floor in his inventive pursuits, followers have a lot to stay up for. His newest single, “Raise Me Up,” provides a style of what’s to return. To maintain up with Rodney’s upcoming initiatives and newest works, comply with him on social media. The following chapter in Rodney Hazard’s inventive story guarantees to be as dynamic and provoking as his journey thus far and we are able to’t wait to see what he creates nex!
Instagram:@rodneyhazard | Fb:RodneyHazardMusic
