Following on from a string of highly-praised offerings these last few years, North Carolina's FRGN-SPCMN have now returned to share their brand new album 'RIDE AROUND THE SUN'.
Bringing back more of that broad and innovative aesthetic they have earned a reputation for over the years, 'RIDE AROUND THE SUN' makes for an incredibly rich and absorbing listen throughout. Brimming with warm and breezy textures, a progressive atmosphere, and stellar grooves layered throughout, they continue their ascent as one of the more adventurous names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Ron- The first instrument I fell in love with had to be the drums, it's the first instrument that caught my attention when I heard music.
Dré - First instrument I started playing was the saxophone, but the first instrument I fell in love with was easily the guitar. It has always been the coolest instrument to me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Ron- I loved listening to everything from Michael Jackson to hip-hop like Biggie, 2pac, and Jay-z. I was heavily influenced by east coast hip hop when I was younger.
Dré - My mother played a lot of funk and disco (George Clinton, Cameo, Ohio Players, Donna Summers etc.) but my father gravitated to more Motown and soul music. Gospel was also a major influence in my house. At an early age I was also introduced to Jazz through my music education. I remember 6th grade music instructor gave me Miles Davis - ”Kind of Blue” and Coltrane’s - “Giant Steps“ to take home and study. I’ve been hooked ever since.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Ron-The first album I remember owning was College Dropout by Kanye West. It was the first CD I went into the store and purchased myself. Before that though it was Mobb Deep Infamous Album. My cousin left a tape cassette of it. It was the first album I consumed on my own.
Dré - When I was 5, my mother bought me the My Way album by Usher. That was the first album that personally belonged to me. I played that album constantly. I also remember having Michael Jackson’s “History” on cassette tape that I actually ruined from playing too much haha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ron- Golden Lady by Stevie Wonder.
Dré - What I wish that I wrote? I would say “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal. The writing on that record is incredible.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Ron- Really just making sure the Studio space is clean and that I have a clear mind going into it. So I'll most likely go for a walk and listen to what type of music I want to make before I get in that mode and mindframe.
Dré - I second what Ron said with long walks for sure. I also like to sit in public places by myself watching people and different interactions to gather inspiration. That could be a park, a diner, a market etc. I like to brainstorm sounds and lyrics to match whatever I'm seeing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Ron- Mk. Gee, Leon Thomas, Eem Tripplin.
Dré - Definitely Leon Thomas, Sampha, Doechii and Blk Oddysey
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Ron- Kendrick Lamar, I think in terms of hip hop and overall stage presence and performance he’s the best. Very intentional.
Dré - Kendrick Lamar for sure. He is my favourite artist. It would be an absolute honour.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Ron- I think the most rewarding part of being a musician is having an idea and bringing it into existence. It's such a great feeling to execute something to exist that's in your brain. Very hard to duplicate that feeling.
Dré - The moment when you put one specific piece on a record and ties the entire thing together instantly. No better feeling. I'm obsessed with the creative part of it and the feeling of fully expressing yourself. Everything else comes secondary haha.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Ron- The Most frustrating part I think at this moment is that it’s not about talent and music anymore. I think to some degree it never was about that but artists to an extent could focus more on their craft and not be a content creator. Being an artist now you have to be multi-faceted. So I think that can be a big challenge for a lot of artists these days.
Dré - I agree with Ron, artists are required to be “Content Creators” now which sometimes comes at the expense of the music quality. Many feel they can't focus on really making timeless music because everyone’s attention span has been cut drastically and it's all about “moments” vs real connection. I don't blame the artist because we are all trying to survive but it is unfortunate because I know many musicians probably would like to be able to focus solely on the music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Ron- To build your own foundation so that you won't have to rely on other artists and musicians. And to make yourself undeniable. And the rest will follow.
Dré - STUDY STUDY STUDY! Listen to genres you may be unfamiliar with. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Position yourself as a student, try and recreate the music you love and naturally you will develop a sound that is unique to you over time. Having your own identity will help you to stand out, but it has to be authentically you.
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FRGN-SPCMN's new album 'RIDE AROUND THE SUN' is out now. Check it out in the player below.