For the past few years, Pennsylvania’s tearsofmine has been a mainstay on our site. With tracks like ‘Flytrap,’ ‘Mirror Edge,’ ‘Angel’s Ghost’ and ‘Push The Gas’ steadily impressing. Last week he unveiled his debut EP ‘MIDNIGHT GENESIS’ which absolutely blew us away, presenting an incredible mix of trap and wave that balances hard-hitting sounds with an emotional undercurrent. The EP is a true statement-making body of work that marks his arrival as a must-watch artist for 2023. To celebrate the release we’ve connected with tearsofmine for a very special guest mix + interview.
The guest mix features a number of IDs from the artist and his friends plus a number of additional heaters. It’s the perfect introduction to the artist or companion piece for the EP. As for the interview, we discuss what inspires him to create, lessons learned at Icon Collective, the new EP, his picks for most underrated trap songs of all time, and even his passion as a music writer on FUXWITHIT. Dive in below!
First things first, paint us a picture. Where are we going when we press play on this mix?
With this journey, I definitely wanted to showcase where I am currently. Creatively and spiritually. But also where I’m trying to go down the road. Even included a couple of fun ID’s from me and some music friends! Wanted this experience to feel as if you’re going through a wind tunnel at full speed.
North Eastern, Pennsylvania isn’t known for its electronic exports. How has the area shaped you as a person and as an artist? Have you spent most of your life there?
Yea I have! I moved to PA when I was very young and have been here ever since. From the beauty of the nature here to the overall calm atmosphere surrounding me, I’d say it’s inspired me a ton in terms of my own characteristics and traits. As a person as well as an artist. My parents adore nature and science in general so I learned to appreciate the world for its colorful and charismatic charm.
Even with its pros and cons, this form of self-expression is the strongest and most powerful gift I’ve acquired.
What inspires you to create?
That’s a tough one honestly. After all this time, I still continue to ask myself the same thing haha Best answer for now is my own journey and its current written chapters inspire me the most. Hope that doesn’t sound too conceded but I sacrificed a lot in order to pursue this wild profession and dream. However, I’ll never regret choosing the path. Even with its pros and cons, this form of self-expression is the strongest and most powerful gift I’ve acquired. One I’ll always appreciate and never take for granted.
You attended the illustrious Icon Collective a few years ago. What was the most important lesson you learned during your time there?
Besides the technical aspects, learning to let go was a huge lesson for me I’d say. Sometimes I’ll pressure myself into thinking that every piece I create has to be the craziest or at least good enough to be shown to the world. To prove I deserve to be doing this in life. This prohibited me to finish ideas while getting lost in a dark suffocating void. I still go through it today but I definitely have a better grasp due to that lesson specifically. Reminding myself to just have fun and try not to overthink everything.
From your name to the melodies and soundscapes in your music, there’s a strong emotional edge in your music. Where does this originate?
Thank you man I’m honored! I’d say I’ve always been an emotional person throughout life. It’s a part of who I am and was never afraid to express my feelings through my words or especially through my music. Which explains the meaning of my artist name and how I create my works. Just want to express those emotions from my perspective through sound and more. Hoping at least one person resonates with it besides myself!
In addition to your career as an artist, you’ve been a strong voice championing underground artists as a music writer. Has your experience in that world impacted your career as an artist?
100% without a doubt! I honestly never really pictured myself being a writer before. But it’s such a beautiful self-expression on its own. Being a part of the FUXWITHIT team is nothing but a privilege and honor. Everyone is killing it and doing such big things. And the fact I have the opportunity to help out these incredible up-and-coming musicians completely inspires my workflow. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Y’all have supported me from the beginning and I can’t thank you enough. Wouldn’t have gotten this far without the team’s support and love.
It represents the time, passion, and strive I put into making this something I can always look back on in life.
This EP has been a major milestone on the horizon for quite some time. What does this body of work mean to you?
The EP means everything to me. Creating the project was definitely challenging but fun in many aspects. Tons of reworks, overthinking, and stress, but I really did believe in this vision and wanted to show the world who I truly am as a musician. To prove it to myself that I can actually finish and showcase this body of work. It represents the time, passion, and strive I put into making this something I can always look back on in life. Saying I actually achieved that goal.
What’s next on your list of goals now that this one is complete?
That’s a great question. For now, the main goal is to rest and recharge. Take it easy and take things at a slower pace. Form new music over time and continue to embark on this adventure. Maybe collab with other artist friends while planning for the future ahead. In terms of long-term goals, would love to play a couple more shows again or maybe even a festival in the future. Most of all, I want to continue to harness this energy and really make my project even bigger and more cohesive.
What was the last book or film that really impacted you? How did it affect you?
Love this one! I can never pick one but flims such as Blade Runner, Dune, and more have all captivated me and inspired my works. But specifically, there’s this one video game that’s basically a movie in itself. It’s called Death Stranding. Created by the legend himself, Hideo Kojima. From the complex story, breathtaking characters, and stunning music, it’s an experience I’ll never ever forget. The intro track off the EP, ‘timefall,’ was actually heavily inspired by the game’s main soundtrack. Had me in complete shambles by the end in the best way. Making it my favorite game of all time. Such a cathartic and refreshing adventure.
What brings you joy outside of music?
When I want to just step away, I like to travel, play video games, spend time with friends and family, and hit up a museum from time to time. Just going for a spontaneous drive is also an amazing activity I try and do more of. They help broaden my horizons and keep me inspired to work harder.
What are your favorite wines? What makes them stand out to you?
I’m a simple guy I’d say. Nothing crazy, but I’ll never say no to a nice Cabernet or Merlot! I just love the qualities and characteristics of these wines. Plus they can be paired with many things which I appreciate. Gives the process and purpose more meaning. Very versatile.
What’s the most underrated trap song of all time in your opinion?
Damn this is definitely the most challenging question! This one has me going back in time to when I was first introduced to the genre haha I always thought ‘Red’ by xxyyxx was an underappreciated gem. The atmosphere and attention to detail are just brilliant. Another one is ‘SQUIRREL’ by Losi. I was thrown for a loop when I discovered that one. So ridiculous and wild but a personal favorite. Deserves a lot more attention.
I just wanted to say thank you to not only the FUXWITHIT team, but literally everyone who even bothered to hit play on my music. This is such a full-circle moment for me and I’m still processing the reality of it all.
Any final words?
I just wanted to say thank you to not only the FUXWITHIT team, but literally everyone who even bothered to hit play on my music. This is such a full-circle moment for me and I’m still processing the reality of it all. None of this would be possible without y’all. I hope you enjoy the mix and stay tuned for more music in the future!
Tracklist
tearsofmine – ID
WEVLTH – TURN IT UP
ISOxo – Nightrealm [tearsofmine edit]
BROKN – DARKSIDE
ROSSY – DEITY
Xerxes & BAARIC – Oracle
Farrah – Arrival
Altare & Dravyn – Iris
Tove Lo – Habits (Lemay Bootleg)
Lightyear & tearsofmine – Push The Gas
tearsofmine – ID
tearsofmine – shattered memory
KAT – Take Me
tearsofmine – Angel’s Ghost
tearsofmine – voidout
rvnti – ID
tearsofmine – ID
SZA – Low [tearsofmine remix]
tearsofmine – ID
Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding – Miracle (Altare & Bafu Remix)
Bafu – ID
Falldren – ID
