By: Seamus Fay
An artist by the name of Lil Cxxp first crossed my screen just a few weeks back thanks to the anthemic single, “Forever”. Immediately, I was taken back by the conviction and emotion behind the rising talent’s voice, and considering the way he was able to translate the energy of a rock singer so seamlessly into the sonic direction of a rap song, I knew that I had stumbled upon something special.
Since then, I haven’t been able to keep Cxxp’s music off of repeat, as he’s already made two appearances on the Graduation Music pages in the span of just a few weeks. It only follows that we had to do an interview with the highly-talented act, so we’re here today to offer up a conversation with Lil Cxxp about his influences, creative process, goals, and much more. Read the full interview below.
To start off, where are you originally from? How did you first get into making music and who were some of your early influences?
I’m from Boxford, MA – a small town like 30 minutes north of Boston. I got into music one night during junior year of high school while freestyling at my boy’s crib. Next day, me and my friend Conn went to Guitar Center and bought some cheap equipment. Never looked back since.
Growing up, I was looking up to Lil Wayne, Kanye, and Kid Cudi. My stepdad bumped Snoop, Jay Z, and Biggie, and my dad would put me onto every type of rock.
What does your creative process look like when creating new music?
Once I have the beat I want, I usually freestyle the hook until I find the right melody. Then, I’ll write through the verses. A lot of songs I just freestyle through because I used to write every day for 3 years.
Where does your inspiration stem from?
I’m inspired by life, bro – everything I see, I take it in and reflect on it through music, the good and the bad.
Whenever I listen to your music, it brings forth a kind of energy that certainly shows parallels to that of rock music. Do you have any rock influences? If so, how do these influences translate into the style of music that you want to make?
For sure, Rolling Stones Stones, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, Nirvana, Foreigner, Green Day, Blink-182, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Paramore. I never really dove into all their albums but yeah it’s like a blend between all the generations. I just loved the energy that all brought. They made me wanna yell and just go hard while using my own flows and different approach. I’m a fan of good music and being able to blend rock and rap wasn’t intentional. It just came out one day.
What’s the most rewarding part about being an artist and why?
Probably seeing everyone enjoy my music and having fans DM me saying that I’ve helped them get through something. That’s all that matters.
Your bio on SoundCloud includes the phrase “Introverted Dreams”. What do these words mean to you?
I consider myself an introvert. I like to be alone and in my own head. I’m always thinking about how I’m gonna make this music shit work and sometimes it drives me crazy. No one can take away the power of your own mind, though.
What are your goals for music? Ideally, where do you want to be in five years?
I want to be one of the best of our generation besides X and Peep. I’m really just taking it one step at a time. I wanna make sure all my family and friends are good first. I’ve got a long road ahead.
Lastly, what can fans expect from Lil Cxxp in the future?
A bunch of singles, music videos, and a project before the end of 2018.
Connect with Lil Cxxp on:
graduationmusic.wordpress.com 