Following on from a string of much-loved offerings this past year, Vienna-based artist 419C is now looking to cement his dynamic legacy to date with the release of his eagerly-awaited debut EP 'WHEN A ROSE DIES'.
As the first part of his larger project 'THORNES OF A DEAD ROSE', which is set to arrive soon, this new four-track collection makes for a dazzling addition to his ever-evolving repertoire to date. Filled with broad and immersive textures perfectly elevating his soulful vocals throughout, 'WHEN A ROSE DIES' continues his ascent as one of the more impactful names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first time someone shoved a guitar into my hand I was 6. Learning it was a painful experience tbh. I did end up flailing in love with the instrument and can call it an extension of my hand today. I would call production using an instrument in a way Ableton unlocked something inside me when I first used it. I first learnt producing on FL Studio 11 back when all I had wanted to do was find a way to record my guitar in my bedroom. Once I switched over to Ableton my approach and relationship to music changed completely. Ableton not only made me fall in love with the instrument but with music itself.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up my parents played anything from Nigerian Gospel on old VCDs to Michael Jackson. I remember being 14 and bluetooth file sharing just becoming a thing. Before that my taste was largely based on what my parents heard, what played on the radio and the soundtracks of the video games I played. NBA Live 2003/2K14, Skate 3, NFS Most Wanted and Fifa were big. The first song a classmate had sent me at the time was Miguel’ Sure Thing.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Growing up there was always a lot of music around me. The first album that had really caught my eye was Childish Gambino’s ”Because The Internet”. The release of this project involved so much media, it was impossible to miss.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Most of the songs I write come from very personal experiences. I imagine other artists go through a similar process at times. So it's difficult to say that I would have wished to write someone else's song. If I had to make a choice though, it’d be Amy Winehouse’s “Love is a losing game”.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Experience Life. Experience Life. Experience Life. I can’t write if i haven’t seen, grown, lived. Key part.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been running Naomi Sharon back again. Skaiwater is also very cool.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
So many really. I’m at the start of doing this right now. I want to find my place in the music world. I do have a bunch of friends worldwide I work with but I really want to expand my horizons. The artists at this are endless. Most importantly, good people.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When I left Vienna, I never expected to meet all the people i did. Being an artist exposes you to so many interesting people and their stories. It’s an inspiration for your daily life and it feeds back into your creative form. The most rewarding part about being an artist is the people and what it does for your life.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It takes hard work and dedication. Finding and staying motivated especially if you’re in a place globally that doesn't really support making something of yourself artistically is extremely hard. What I think is important is loving the journey to getting there.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never stop.
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419C's debut EP 'WHEN A ROSE DIES' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.