In this interview spotlight, I chat with Stupkid about the latest tunes, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
My name’s Stupkid and I’m from Pasadena, CA. I mean I’d like to say what I do is mostly rooted in hip-hop, even though it doesn’t always translate in my vocals. For the most part, I find myself influenced by pretty much every genre of music I come across, even if it’s just a feeling it gives me. I guess if I’m getting specific, I was always inspired by the dudes who did it different and had their own real specific sound. You know: Jim Morrison, DOOM, Wu-Tang, shit even Willie Nelson; also newer artists following in that really unique sound theme, like Thundercat, Mac, and Anderson. I feel like it’s got a deep variety of influences all the way down and through it, but mostly leans on my addiction to old school hip-hop.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I was always heavy into music. My dad was a musician and that’s pretty much what we would do together growing up. I think he helped me record the first first song at like 4 years old. I heard it a few years back on CD. It was a real trip.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
That’s tough cuz I don’t wanna get too down on myself, but I felt like the last album, Zen, was just too poppy. It wasn’t me. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy with what I put out, especially given that it jump started me really doing this shit for real, but at this place in my life, it’s just too upbeat for me. I needed to find my own rhythm, one where I felt like I could really lay my verse over and feel like the track still represented me for me. I feel like Pieper’s beats were that missing link. Homie really came through with the jams. No Honey wouldn’t be the album it is without that man’s grooves. Once I have those behind me I tracked my shit, threw in some stops and some old movie sounds and the rest is history.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Being an independent artist is tough. But, I feel like if you have the right goals accompanied by the right mindset, you can make it work for you. As for my goal as an independent artist myself, I’m just trying to get this album heard. The money and fame angle isn’t even present for me. I don’t even post photos of myself on my pages, cuz that shit weirds me out. What I want is this project on every speaker as far as the ear can reach; whether they know who’s jammin’ out or not. I want this thing in ears.
What was the last song you listened to?
Oh man, the last song I listened to was After Hours by A Tribe called Quest on the ride home from my 9-5 today. I try to spin an album a day on my turntable at home, but y’all caught me on an off day.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I definitely have a preference for vinyl. Spinning just helps me lock in. It lets me just center and focus on the music as a whole piece rather than choppin it up into individual tracks like I naturally do when I stream. With that said I do think that MP3s/streams are one of the greatest things to happen to artists in the way of access and exposure. I know there’s a lot of conflicting opinions about how the services treat artists, but as far as providing upcoming artists with greater reach, I’m with the technological advancement.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Honestly, I got the student version of Apple Music so I’m usually just on that, but I support and use Bandcamp when I make any type of actual purchase from an artist. Also, you know I gotta hit up Spotify for my podcasts.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Best place to connect with me is my Instagram, @stup.kid , I respond to everyone! Hit me up, tell me your favorite track on, on No Honey, send me beats. I’m here for it all.
Anything else before we sign off?
No Honey is out now on all platforms. If you vibe with the album, show your friends. Show your family. Show your dog! Help me get this thing in some ears! Thank y’all for your time
Stream Stupkid’s New Album – No Honey : https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/stupkid/no-honey-2
insta: @stup.kid
bandcamp: stupkid.bandcamp.com
merch: stupkid.bigcartel.com
email: laslunasrecords@gmail.com
