Sound Lava ❧ 
“Music is a journey for the spirit and soul. I’ll always keep you close to my heart”.
Q. What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
A. I’ve always had a passion and love for music. Ever since I was a child, I’ve written songs and poems. When I was 19 years old, I got hooked up with FL Studio. This was after a rough patch in my life when I was running around, doing crazy stuff. Got myself into trouble a few times, but it was time to settle down and find a hobby. I started out taking samples from Splice and mixing them into songs. I have a YouTube channel that I posted those on. After a while, I took a break from making music. About a month and a half ago, I was going through a rough time. A family member passed away, then a childhood best friend. Then there was a girl, thought there was something there, but it just ended. After all of this transpired, I needed a way to express myself, and got back into music production. Each beat, I’m getting better and better, loving the music that I create. I’d say I’m my biggest fan. This recent period has made me realize how much I enjoy making music, and just my love for the community in general.
Q. Tell us about your new music (Song/EP/Mixtape/Album)? And what’s the story behind it?
A. Ah yeah, so my first release “Starlight” first part of the “Sedimentary” album. Starlight tells a story in the beat alone. It was my first expression of these feelings I was holding in. About a month ago, I was at work, and I started to get this intense flow of creativity. Immediately, I knew I would name the song Starlight. I also gave someone a nickname after the song, but we don’t talk anymore. One could argue the song was inspired by the person, but I didn’t expect things to end the way they did when I began working on the song. Starlight was my first serious stride in the music production field. I spent 2 weeks mixing and mastering, experimenting with different samples and plugins to find the perfect beat. The album art contains a few symbols, but those remain a mystery.
My latest single “Last Hour” was my experimentation with LoFi type beats. I sat down, opened my DAW, and lyrics just started flowing in. It tells a story about two people waiting on each other. Life is short and the two shouldn’t waste anytime making the most of the time they are given. It’s a bit of a romantic vibe. The lyrics resonate with me, but I’m not singing about anything specific. The lyric “It’s 100 seconds” is a reference to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists warning that the world is “100 Seconds to Midnight”, an allusion to the Doomsday Clock. The clock is closer to midnight now than it was during the cold war. It’s a reminder that times are uncertain and short, and we should make the most of the time we have while we still can.
Q. What makes your music unique? How would you describe it? (genres/sub-genres)
A. To be honest, what makes my music unique is me. All of my lyrics and beats are produced from my heart. I add different symbols and references to my songs that pertain to situations in my own life. They tell a story about me. I mix different styles. A lot of the work I do is experimental. I would categorize some as LoFi, House, Pop, and Dance. In the future, I’d like to experiment with HipHop and RnB type beats.
Q. Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
A. DJ Pain 1, TM88 and Mustard are probably my biggest influences, as far as producers go. DJ Pain 1 gave some good advice in a reply to a Tweet to him and said “Just have fun”. 3 word that I took to heart, and I really do have fun every time I open a DAW. I make music because I enjoy it.
In the future, I’d love to collaborate with bigger names. It’s all a dream I’m working towards, but I’d love to collaborate with artists signed to Warner Music. I enjoy a lot of music produced by that label.
Q. How long have you been in the music industry?
A. Not too long, I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I am working every day to meet the dreams and goals I have in mind. I started when I was 19, and got serious about it a month and a half ago. That’s when I got more involved in the community.
Q. Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of? (awards, projects or public performances etc.
A. So far, just small milestones like my first release, first copyright. My friends listening to my music and genuinely enjoying it. There is much more to come in the future, but I am just thankful for all of the support from different producers and artists I’ve met along the way, and the support from my friends and loved ones.
Q. How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
A. I work A LOT. 60 hours a week. But when I get home, I play around with beats. On my day off is when I usually drop a project. At work, I have a lot of time in my head, so that’s usually when the melodies and lyrics flow. It all just works out. I don’t have a girlfriend, wife, or any kids. As far as obligations go, I help people whenever I can first, and music comes after.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
A. You CAN do it. Don’t give up, and just have fun. The more you work, the better you get. You’re going to make music that is not that good. Not every song or project will be a hit. Keep producing and producing. Practice makes perfect.
Q. If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
A. I love you all, and if the music I make reaches only one person, and that one person enjoys it, it was all worth it. Life is hard, but don’t give up. There are brighter days ahead!
Q. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
A. Yes. Many, many to come. I have planned collaborations with different artist and friends. I also have plans to release music videos for future works as well. Stay tuned, the party is just getting started.
Follow “Zyantos” on Soundcloud, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
