KashionFilla Interview

Growing up in the vibrant cities of Austin and Round Rock, our interviewee was deeply immersed in sports, with basketball and football playing significant roles in his early life. His love for music was equally prominent, with childhood days spent watching BET and dancing to the beats. Influenced by the 90s-00s Houston music era and iconic artists like Lil Wayne and Lil B, he found his musical path thanks to a friend’s encouragement. His journey into music has been marked by confidence and a passion for storytelling, leading to his upcoming project “OCTANE,” set to release this New Year’s.

Can you tell us about your upbringing and how it influenced your music career?

I grew up in Austin & Round Rock and was a big sports head, I loved anything that had to do with basketball & football . I played both in middle school and played football for a year in high school. I played basketball throughout my entire high school tenure and wanted to play in college, but didn’t want it enough in the long run. Music was always something very prominent in my life, when I was a kid I used to babysit myself and watch BET all day long.

I also used to dance a bunch not anything serious, but if music was playing I was for sure dancing. I think my upbringing influences my confidence going into music the most . All my past experiences have taught me to learn all types of things and opened my eyes in different ways that give me a shielded confidence I feel is necessary in this field .

Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up?

Growing up in Texas, the 90–00s Houston Era of music was played almost religiously on both sides of my family. Lil Wayne was also a big part of my life musically growing up, I remember having a mp3 player and it was filled with every one of his albums and I’d play them walking to and back from the bus . Once I was getting into my teens and starting to discover music for myself the first influential artist I had found was Lil B. His confidence and humor in the music was so fire to me and more importantly it taught me how to live a based lifestyle.

How did you first get into making music, and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?

I was hanging out with a friend Abstractgenesis at the time and he was like “Bro! You need to start making music, like you have the image and you kinda already live that lifestyle…” So one day, we went to the studio and I made a couple of songs and it started from there. The thing that initially hooked me into being a musician and wanting to pursue a career in it was performing. It’s a rush of adrenaline, excitement, and it’s therapeutic in my opinion. So I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.

Could you describe your creative process when it comes to writing and producing music?

If it’s a project that I am working on, I start with what’s the message I want to give to listeners, then I pair it up with some themes and moods that match sonically and I get to creating and focusing on the production first then I start to write. If it’s just a song, depending on how I am feeling and the type of beat I will punch-in or write as the beat plays.

What are some key themes or messages you try to convey through your music?

The main message I want to convey throughout my life in general is that any and everyone can be a God. What I mean by that is everyone can be there highest and best versions of themselves if they put their mind to it. I also want to remind people that although we all go through fucked up shit and different trials & tribulations. There’s always an opportunity to find a bit of happiness, to have fun, and to in general just remember that there are positives in life and in this world, you just have to want to see them.

How do you feel your music has evolved since you first started?

I would say that my music has evolved in multiple ways since I’ve started. When I start anything in life I would prefer to be knowledgeable about the subject, so I became of student of music first. I learned about vocal engineering, recording techniques, and overall just studied the greats prior. Once I did that I started to venture into my newer sound which I don’t think is exactly my sound just yet, but it’s a great glimpse into what the future will hold. My sound is very cinematic and tells you more of a story now rather than just going and yelling into the microphone.

What was the inspiration behind your latest project, and how does it differ from your previous work?

I’d say Ye’s “Yeezus” & Trav’s “Owls Pharoah” in certain senses. Those two projects hold a high place in my heart I think they’re amazing and very raw and that’s where I took it in certain cases on this new project. It differs from my previous work, because it’s a clearly thought and planned art-piece rather than some youtube beats and quickly written flows.

Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you faced while creating your latest album?

Dialing in on which vibe I wanted to give off in the sense of my mood. I couldn’t pick one, so I’m going to mix it up a bit.

How has your personal life and experiences shaped the music you create today?

It goes back to the confidence and then just a very raw upbringing, everyone I knew was very blunt and honest. I feel like when I create I attack with the same steeze in a way.

What role does mental health play in your music, and how do you address it through your art?

I think it’s a huge part in any artists life, your mindset sets your prospective, and your prospective guides how your future will unveil. I haven’t addressed it in my music yet, but I plan to eventually in a storytelling type of way.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

“OCTANE” I cannot explain how excited I am for this project to drop. It’s my first full length project and it’s a different sound from my first bunch of songs. It will be releasing this New Year’s!

How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep creating new music?

My family, wifey at home, and just the aspirations I have for myself and future life thinking about those keeps me going.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to break into the industry?

Figure out a way to love all the shit you hate doing, but should be doing as an artist. Make them second nature. Also, do not take things so personal it can cloud you from what’s really happening.

How do you balance your music career with other aspects of your life?

Manage my time and try to be efficient with everything I do and I cut out doing bullshit.

What are your long-term goals in the music industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I want to win a Grammy for Album of the Year at some point, just to have such a prestigious award for a world or story I created to share would be one of the highest compliments I feel. I also just want to perform in every place or country I possibly can.

How did the passing of Lil T3ch affect you personally and artistically, and how has it influenced your music and outlook on life?

It shifted a gear in me 1000%, because now I’m not just doing this for me and mines. I’m doing this for his people too. He can’t be here unfortunately, so it’s the least I can do he’s one of the main people that pushed me to start music. Artistically, his passing put me into overdrive. I can’t stop until his people are living great. Simple as that. It also showed me that we not here forever, so lock in while you can and spread love before you cannot anymore. ( Lil T3ch Interview)

What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of music?

Anything fashion related I’m with it for sure. I love to play sports, want to get back into hunting, and I’ve been very interested in Directing

How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not working on music?

With my wifey, playing rocket league, wear fly ass fits, and plot world domination!

Originally published at https://creativeculture.online on July 18, 2024.