ONHELL Discusses Tour Life, Favorite Plugins, Manicures + More [Interview]

Los Angeles based production wizard Angel Rubio-Hale aims to bring a distinct perspective to the world of music. You may perhaps better know him by his alias ONHELL, which is a phonetic respelling of the Spanish pronunciation of angel. He’s recently built a loaded catalog of unreleased originals and edits which are on display in the ONHELL <3’s YOU 2020 MIX. Rubio-Hale carries an unprecedented energy that exposes his character and humbleness. From playing out at a number of festivals including Shambhala, Wakaan, Untz Festival and more, to completing a solo tour across Asia and freshly off the Moon.Landing tour, ONHELL offers to deliver a newly harvested breath of life into the electronic music scene.

His sound reflects his interests of a forward-thinking future as he melds together sounds of hip-hop, bass, trap and all things experimental. His latest remix of Danny Brown’s ‘Blunt After Blunt’ puts this on full display. We had the opportunity to catch up with the ambitious craftsman to discuss overcoming challenges, adjusting to the road life, favorite plugins and more below.

Growing up in Norcal and seeing the bass music scene take off from ground zero must have been incredible to be a part of. What do you think it is about Northern California that is so conducive to bass music and bass music culture?

Idk what it is. Maybe it’s the hippie culture in the bay that encourages people to experiment. Maybe it’s the fact that people are more inclined to wanna support each other and encourage each other, instead of being competitive. Maybe it’s something in the weed and mushrooms. But one thing I can say about the west coast is that it likes to be experimental and find the new new but also have a good ass time.

Around what age did you start producing and taking music seriously?

Started at 17. And I’ve probably started taking it more seriously like this year ahaha. So 10 years after I started. Still don’t feel like I’m putting in my 100%, I get distracted easily. I’ll give my babies my everything noooowwwwww.

How did going to Outlook and hanging out overseas with Plastician and crew change your perspective on the music you make and the scene you’re involved in?

Always been more attracted to UK music. Love the levelz crew and dub smugglers (both based in Manchester) and just everyone out there. Just showed me that I can make music with some of the most talented amazing producers and MCs and soak up loads of inspiration. Love them all very much.

probably my own mind. Navigating through all the bullshit, which could be: feeling like shit because my whole Instagram feed was other DJs taking pictures in front of big crowds, or thinking my music wasn’t good enough. Lots of self doubt type shit. Running, friends, and nature helps with all that shit though.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a growing artist in the industry?

Hmmmmmm. Idk if it’s the biggest, but probably my own mind. Navigating through all the bullshit, which could be: feeling like shit because my whole Instagram feed was other DJs taking pictures in front of big crowds, or thinking my music wasn’t good enough. Lots of self doubt type shit. Running, friends, and nature helps with all that shit though.

What were your expectations out of your first tour bus run? Did anything make you nervous?

Well the tour just wrapped a few days ago and was sick asf. Feel like I’m 10 times better at performing than before. I’m ready to do like 10 more tours. Nothing really made me nervous about going out on this tour. Currently I’m nervous about raising the bar for myself and creating the sickest music I’m capable of right now. Like I need to just make some super sick tunes for all my babies.

Being on the road limits the time you would normally have in your own personal creative space. Do you think you will easily adjust to having to write music on the road?

Noooooooppppeee. This tour I wrote like no music. That shits hard to do. But that’s mostly because all the people I was on tour with already were or became my close friends. So all I wanted to do was kick it.

What’s your favorite Plugin right now?

Hmmmm. Decapitatior or Kramer delay.

I’ve learned how important it is for me to trust my instincts. When I was just starting out and wasn’t fully aware of what I wanted from my sound, I could get side tracked by trends or emulation at times.

What’s one thing that you do now as an artist that you wish you would’ve started doing when you were just breaking into the scene?

I trust myself way more now. I’ve learned how important it is for me to trust my instincts. When I was just starting out and wasn’t fully aware of what I wanted from my sound, I could get side tracked by trends or emulation at times. I know that’s part of evolving as an artist especially early on when we don’t know yet what we really want. But it can be super easy to get lost in the sauce with it.

I recently learned you are roommates with some incredible people. Can you talk to us a bit about what it’s like to have Mr. Carmack and Tsuruda as roommates? Have they contributed to your growth as an artist?

Promnite is also my roomie. Those guys are genius level producers. They make me wanna just make loads more beats. We play a lot of video games and they eat the food I cook. I love cooking for my friends.

Fame and fortune. Maybe some more cooking knowledge.

What is something you are looking forward to gaining out of 2020?

Fame and fortune. Maybe some more cooking knowledge.

What can we expect from the ONHELL project next?

More music. The shows will be more lit, more loud, more life, more poppin’, more lovely ladies having a good time, more self confidence, more self empowerment. Nonstop. I’ll never stop making music.

Have any tips for all the guys out there thinking about getting their nails done?

Get a gel manicure. Costs 25 dollars, but it’ll last 2 weeks and look amazing the entire time.

Now is the time to dive into the sounds of ONHELL as he is approaches the next level of his journey through life and music. After reading his responses to these questions as well as watching the way he conducts himself, it’s apparent that he is now more self-aware and free spirited than ever. He’s remained true to his roots and promotes a positive outlook on life and encourages those around him to discover their true selves. We are excited to watch the continued growth of the ONHELL project and what he has in store for all of us this year. Look out for his upcoming release Grime Beats Vol.1 dropping April 24th on a 100 run limited edition cassette tape as well as digitally on Deep, Dark & Dangerous. The cassette will include a mini-mix of all original beats conjoined with an array of “screwed” grime acapellas. Catch him on tour in select cities and keep up with all things ONHELL here.