V0CALYST

Let’s start off with the basics. What made you develop your passion for music?

Basically, my passion for music came from being able to feel a lot of emotions from the songs I love so much. My passion for rapping specifically came from xaviersobased and yhapojj, just seeing how they inspire other people and make positive, emotional, personal music.

Is there a specific xaviersobased song or yhapojj track that made it click for you at first? Like one that made you say, "Oh, I want to do this too"?

I’d say "linda," "what r we posed to b," "patchmade," "JJETTLAGG," and "Tummyache."

You mentioned how they inspired others—is that the main goal for your output with RAINOUT? Do you want people to feel that same emotional release when they hear your music?

My main goal is to inspire people in all ways, specifically in music and in being yourself. I’d hope people feel the emotional intentions I have in my songs when they listen to them and can make music or art inspired by it.

Speaking of emotional intentions, if you had to show one track to represent "V0CALYST," what would it be?

Probably either "faceless" for a more serious tone, but if I want to show a more outward and fun song, I’d say "one of one." As well as that, I’d say my general sound in a song would be "Blood on my teeth" or "Undead rising."

What is it about those two songs specifically that makes you say, "Yeah, this is the V0CALYST sound"? Is it the beat selection or the vocal performance?

I would say a mix of beat selection and the way I perform vocally. A partial reason for my name [V0CALYST] is how I enjoy switching the way I do vocals in all directions. The beat selection really spoke out to me and defined how I made my sound as a whole.

In my opinion, artists get stuck on one flow, but you're intentionally switching it up. Do you feel like that versatility is your biggest strength as an artist?

I feel as if the way I can adapt to most beats, and switching my flows and the way I use my voice, is one of my biggest strengths as an artist and in general.

That versatility definitely sets you apart. Shifting gears to your upcoming work: I know the [ZOMBIEBOY DELUXE] is on the way. Is that your main focus for solo releases this year?

[ZOMBIEBOY DELUXE] is definitely my main focus for a solo release this year. I will be expanding my sound in a rage type of way, but still keeping my versatile sound.

I feel like that "rage" energy fits the name ZOMBIEBOY perfectly. Do you feel like this deluxe version is the final form of that project?

I think the deluxe version will be a more solid sound for the ZOMBIEBOY aesthetic and the entire idea of the project.

Since this is about solidifying your sound and aesthetic, are you keeping the deluxe mostly solo, or can we expect some RAINOUT features to pop up?

There definitely will be some features from RAINOUT, but I look forward to a more solo run.

I love the mindset. Since you’re focusing on this solo run and building the legacy, what is one thing you want listeners to take away from your music this year?

I’d like my listeners to see my music and think that they can do something that inspires someone.