Q: Congrats on your new EP, Power Trip. It’s a phenomenal blend of hip hop and EDM. Walk us through your writing and production process in making it?
SHIZZ LO: Thanks so much! I’m really happy with how it all came together. My background is in breakbeats and hip hop so I’m glad some of that can be demonstrated in my production. Power Trip was made with the intention of bringing the listener on a journey through new sounds I made during quarantine. I’m really into epic fantasy and adventure types of movies and I wanted to create something similar but in song form, if that makes sense. Eventually, I want to create a whole world through my artwork and songs that gives the listener something they can feel a part of. It’s going to take some time but I think this EP is a great start in the right direction.
Q: We see you worked with Sihk, Gundam Kid, and GHOSTER on this project. What was it like collaborating with them?
SHIZZ LO: Working with each artist was very diverse and distinct from the next. Specifically, each being a truly awesome experience.
Sihk and I had been bouncing around the idea of collaborating for quite some time. He sent me a really cool WIP (work in progress) and asked me to work on it. I ended up writing all new drops and adding in some cinematic breakdowns. If you listen to the second drop, you’ll hear a true production combo of Sihk and myself.
I have always loved Gundam Kids vocals and was stoked when they ended up working so well with the instrumental I produced. After a couple sessions in the studio, we came up with Drippy. Probably the most organic song on the EP. He’s so talented and I can’t wait to work with him on some more records.
GHOSTER is the man. One of the coolest guys I’ve met in a long time + a really good host while I was in Shanghai last year! Anyways, he asked me to collaborate on a song with him. He sent me 5 demos, and I picked one with a really cool intro and verses and then I wrote all of the drops. Another truly organic collaboration. This one is also super fun to play out at shows.
Lots of great energy with all of these guys!
Q: You recently performed a full DJ set on top of an ice cream truck. What was the execution of that set like and what did you take away from the experience?
SHIZZ LO: We actually rented the truck to film a music video and had a few more hours left until we had to return it to the company. So, my video team decided let’s make use of this time and film a full DJ set with the city in the background while the sun sets. How could I say no to that? Completely ridiculous situation because we had never told the company we were doing this and when they showed up I was still being filmed on top of the truck. We weren’t sure how they’d react but when he pulled out his phone to take a video, I knew they were cool with it. My takeaway from the experience was to really spend more time thinking outside of the box with my brand and the music I create. In a perfect world, I would love to travel from city to city and DJ pop up sets on top of a truck while vending ice cream to the crowd.
Q: How has studying at the Institute of Audio Research made an impact on your music career?
SHIZZ LO: Honestly, it taught me so much about the music business side of things and I met so many talented people while I was living in New York City. Long-term, what I really learned after I left was this – music is a craft and develops with creative experiences. If you don’t have money to go learn music production and engineering at a school, find an internship at a studio and teach yourself. Also, you can learn alot from YouTube and other production streams. I feel like most up & coming producers have zero music schooling and learn everything off the internet. Although, for me at the time it was necessary and I’m glad that I did it. I hope I never stop learning.
Q: What has been one of the most significant moments of your musical journey so far?
SHIZZ LO: As of recently, releasing on Excision’s new label Subsidia was one of my most significant moments. Like many of us producers, I was at a low point in quarantine with very little inspiration to keep writing music. I had submitted a few demos to different labels and Excision had gotten back to me last minute. A complete mental uplift and exactly what I needed to keep writing more music at the time. With this in mind, Excision creating Subsidia and showing recognition to up-coming artists during this time was significant in its own. It’s amazing how a little bit of success from some hard work can change your whole outlook and attitude toward motivation and progression.
Q: What would you like to tell your supporters out there?
SHIZZ LO: Don’t listen to what anyone tells you when it comes to your passions. I am a true believer that if you work hard enough and dedicate your time that you can flourish in any avenue in life. I wish everyone out there nothing but the most success. Thank you so much for listening to my music. It is because of you that I have the energy and hunger to want to hit the studio and write new music every day. Excited to take this journey of brand new music with you! Enjoy my new EP! Much love.
Interviewed by Brynn Hinnant
