Having already established himself with a wealth of riveting releases these last few years, US rapper and producer Smoothwaffle is back to his best once again on the breezy new single 'NOiR...!'
Continuing that smooth and alluring jazz-infused hip-hop aesthetic he is known for, 'NOiR...!' makes for a brilliantly broad and emotive return for him. With his shimmering textures, sweeping atmosphere, and his own killer flow at the helm, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
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 most lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with has to be the MIDI keyboard. It gave me keys, it gave me drums, and it gave me freedom for my imagination.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up I was a fan of all genres of music, but nothing influenced me like Hip-Hop. Favourites of mine included 2pac, Nas, Dr.Dre, The Neptunes, A Tribe Called Quest and Kanye West just to name a few.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Lmao my first album owned had to be Lil Bow Wow’s “Beware of Dog” album, thanks to my parents. But you can’t deny its legend. I still can’t forgive the dick who stole it from my collection. No really lol. However, when I grew to be more invested in what I was listening to, the first albums that felt precious to me were “Late Registration” by Kanye West and “The Black Album” from Jay-Z.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is a hard one. Too many genres and songs to consider, however in my realm, Nas’s “Rewind” record from “Stillmatic” or his “I Gave You Power” which are phenomenal and leave you at the end like “Woah”.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Sometimes the easiest way for me to write without any distractions, believe it or not, is to write without a beat. To allow my mind to just roam, open my thoughts with a silent rhythm in mind and allow my mind to dump out my feelings.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately I’ve been obsessed with Jamiroquai and Tyler just dropped Chromakopia so i’m locked in.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tyler, The Creator or Kendrick Lamar. One day I will have an opportunity to open up for Pharrell’s “Something In The Water Festival” in my home of Virginia.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It has deepened my self-innerstanding through creative expression, offering me confidence and courage while serving as a diary for my thoughts and innermost feelings. The experience of performing live, witnessing listeners resonate with the lyrics, and connecting on that shared wavelength brings profound purpose to my spirit and is way better release than sex. It’s the most fulfilling reward, reminding me of how powerful a connector and escape music continues to be for me as a listener.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating aspect is the oversaturation of 'death culture' and the lack of genuine skill promoted by the industry, encouraging consumers to embrace and imitate superficial trends. Real artistry and talent are being diluted as we celebrate microwaveable “content”, while labels and streaming platforms continue to diminish the worth and value that artists rightfully deserve. Thankfully, a strong representation of true artistry does exist to push the boundaries and the test of time, and I believe a paradigm shift is on the horizon. This new wave will inspire a demand for depth and meaningful substance in the talent we celebrate, along with more direct to consumer methods, as we continue to challenge an industry that increasingly seeks to suppress true independence in music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
My advice: Love yourself, make what you like, do what you love, and don’t allow fear or anyone to shift your discovery or dim your light. If something doesn’t work or fails, learn from it, shrug it off and keep being open to learn and build each day…!
-
Smoothwaffle's new single 'NOiR...!' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.