Fresh off the back of his highly-praised studio album '99: Corleone' last year, Indianapolis-based rapper Casper Merci is back for 2023 to deliver his progressive new single '100 Foot Limousine'.
Bringing back more of that smooth and dreamlike hip-hop flow he is known for, '100 Foot Limousine' makes for a rousing return to form for the artist at the helm. With its fresh and bouncing textures and killer hooks layered throughout, he is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was definitely the bass guitar. I had been making beats on my laptop for a long time before I picked up another instrument but I always knew I wanted to get cold at the bass. A quality bass line has such a unique ability to get people moving and instantly capture an audience's attention. I knew I wanted to utilize that within my own music so I went out and got one!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Definitely hip-hop, rap and RnB. I was exposed to a wide range of music since I was a kid though. My dad being from England put me on to all the classic rock bands that he saw live when he was young like, Led Zeppelin, Status Quo, Genesis, Dire Straits. That definitely left a huge imprint but I’d have to say rap music was the first genre of music I discovered for myself that really changed me to this day.
What was the first album you remember owning?
As far as owning a physical copy of an album, I think my first vinyl was The Best of the Isley Brothers.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Probably the Burn One Interlude off of Brent Faiyaz’s album Sonder Son. The songwriting on that joint really cuts deep and I really resonate with the perspective Brent sings from. Also that chord progression is sexy as hell.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
For sure, the biggest one is just living an exciting life and pursuing new experiences. I’ve found that if you’re really living your life in a way that opens your mind to new and interesting feelings and experiences, the music will always flow freely out of that place.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It’s been a mix between indie alt rock, and underground alt hip-hop right now. I’m a huge fan of John Wells out of Baltimore Maryland, as well as Sage Elesser’s musical alter ego Navy Blue. I’ve also really been loving Jean Dawson’s new album CHAOS NOW*
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I don’t know if it has to be a current artist/band but if I could pick anyone, I would want to open for the Fugee’s World Reunion tour. I remember hearing word a few years ago that they were thinking of doing something like that but it never really materialized sadly. Lauryn Hill is one of my favorite artists and just seems like such a special person. It would be a dream to meet her one day.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
All of it, the act of writing and recording music is the most fun job anyone could ever have. Getting to hear the finished result after it's all said and done is a high like none other. This truly isn't a job, it's a dream and I’m so thankful I have the ability to share pieces of myself to this world through my music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Awkward small talk with people who aren’t in the creative world. I think we’ve all been there when you’re trying to explain to someone you just met what you do and they just can’t grasp the fact that we operate in a completely different mental, emotional and spiritual state than the majority of corporate America!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Listen to the speakers, everything else is noise.
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Casper Merci's new single '100 Foot Limousine' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.