With a new album on the horizon and an impressive catalog behind him, we felt it was long overdue that we catch up with the talented producer for a Guest Mix + Interview. The mix is all-originals, perfectly showcasing the breadth of his sound. As for the interview, we discuss his introduction into music, creating in the face of doubters, battling illness, his own record label Bloom Child, and much more. Check both out below.

What’s the vibe for this mix? Paint us a picture of the sound.

Get ready to strap in, this one might be pretty widely spanning when it comes to genres, I am doing an all-original mix of new and upcoming tunes that make me smile super big when I listen back to them. I want to give a window into my current headspace which is a bit of everything currently, electronic, dance, bounce, pop, rnb.

As a Multi-Instrumentalist Musician can you take us through your background in music? Where did you get started? How did you go about picking up new instruments and producing?

My father is a musician since he was born just about and plays in bands still, I’ve always had instruments all around me and when I was young he would show me chords on guitar and listen to really dope classic and progressive rock music. I always wanted to be a part of music and grew love for drumming first and played in a metal band when I was young, I was in marching band playing xylophones and marimbas, and played guitars and bass guitars in my free time for fun. I became “Sofasound” officially in high school when I started playing around with the sequencer in FL studio version 06 on my dad’s computer. I started making beats for rappers for a few years and eventually it evolved into a way for me to truly and fully express myself with my instrument past and enter a new dreamy area of my mind where I could fuse electronic elements too. The freedom in my writing lead me to pursue a solo career around 2013 and it’s been so much fun ever since. I get emotional looking back at all the things I’ve achieved and all of the lifelong friends I’ve made, and watching even them succeed too around me!

I feel like I HAVE to write and create. It’s my way of speaking, it’s what keeps my soul on fire.

What drove you to keep creating when people around you didn’t believe in you?

Music has never been about “making it” or “proving myself” to anyone I feel like I HAVE to write and create. It’s my way of speaking, it’s what keeps my soul on fire. If no one listened to me I’d still be doing the same ole thing here and I think that’s what draws attention, pure expression of self. The art itself is what kept me going through the growing phases. The love.

The Longest Journey was inspired by your own challenges with illness and your fight to overcome it. For those unfamiliar, can you provide a bit of background on this aspect of your life? How was the experience of translating it into music?

If you know me personally you know I’ve been pretty sick for the past 4 years with auto-immune disorders that have been very difficult in managing and living with. I’ve lost over 130lbs and was unable to walk or write at one point. I ended up in the emergency room numerous times and even this year on Easter again. I’ve never suffered more in my entire life, but somehow all of the suffering put a new perspective in my heart. After all of my dreams and relationships crumbled along with my physical health I started to see no end in sight, when my eyes opened and I saw that we are on this journey and though it’s long and painful, all we need to do is set the next foot out in front of the previous and continue on. Even when I wanted to give up, this new thought brought me through and placed inspiration deep in my heart to relay the message through an album that was released through my favorite label growing up. I’ve always been such a huge San Holo fan so it was the perfect full-circle moment for me as well.

How did you connect with San Holo and bitbird? What’s it been like releasing with the label?

I actually can’t believe the way it unfolded, I was playing a show out in Brooklyn and had met up with a friend I made online through music who happened to work at cinematic which is a subset of sony records. He invited me to the office where he worked to show me around where he introduced me to a friend Sheila who was managing an electronic artist there. We chatted and she really enjoyed my music and my vibe she said, fast forward some months she left cinematic and ended up on tour with San where she showed him the album I was working on called “The Longest Journey” and he says he fell in love with the title track almost immediately. The rest was history! :)

I have it tattooed on my body as well because it’s not just a label it’s a way of life and I remind myself that daily.

How did the idea for Bloom Child come about? What brings you the most joy around running the label?

Bloom Child was always about giving smaller unrecognized artists a place where they didn’t have to pay any money to be heard, I would use all of the resources I gained to promote myself to promote the underdog musicians who deserve to be seen and heard. The label represents blooming into your truest self and being unapologetic for your art and who you are. I have it tattooed on my body as well because it’s not just a label it’s a way of life and I remind myself that daily.

You’ve dropped a few Drake bootlegs. What are your top 3 Drake tracks of all time?

I’m actually not a huge drake fan, ironically haha. If I had to choose there are a few that I really really did enjoy for many years like ‘How Bout Now’ or ‘We’ll Be Fine’ or even ‘Charged Up’ I think the fact that it’s like a ballad diss track is absolutely the coolest.

Future beats, lo-fi or chillhop?

All three baby!! In a perfect world that is, which is why I try to fuse the 3 into all of my different genres of music. If I had to pick, future beats changed my life forever and made me find who I truly am as an artist starting out years ago.

You’ve got an album on the way, can you give some insight into the concept and direction? Do you have a release date locked for it?

Yes! I have a full-length vocal album that I self-produced and filmed music videos for that comes out on July 1st called Back 2 it’s my absolute baby and I’m so unbelievably proud. The project is mostly me playing my instruments and singing about how I miss my past and how things used to be more simple. I am a huge Jamiroquai fan and became friends with the keyboardist Matt Johnson who features on the final track of the project. Back 2 is sort of a sequel to my first vocal project Stupid Boi both being super RnB soul and pop electronic fused.

We need to be living in momentary happiness NOW. JUST DO WHAT YOU LOVE EVERYDAY. To me, nothing else matters.

You previously tweeted, “I want to buy a grave plot and a headstone so I can go visit the place where I’m going to be buried. I think it’s cathartic and can be a good reminder to be alive while I’m breathing.” Do you think about death a lot? Does it scare you?

Yes I sure do, being that I’ve dealt with health issues for the past 4 years that have forced me to accept the reality of our mortality, I’ve had to really get comfy with the idea of dying maybe even sooner rather than later, things have gotten really dark at times. I think it’s an eerie thought but what I meant by the tweet was that, “use it before its expired” mindset. We need to be living in momentary happiness NOW. JUST DO WHAT YOU LOVE EVERYDAY. To me, nothing else matters or makes sense with my perspectives now.

What do you want most out of 2022?

Pure Unfiltered, Unapologetic Happiness and Self-growth, Healing, A Juno 8 LOL

Tracklist

0:00 – Waiting All My Life (bitbird)
1:46 – Life Is So Beautiful (bitbird)
3:25 – That I Got feat. Past Worlds (unreleased)
5:38 – We Got Problems (Self Release)
8:03 – Soular Flare (Unreleased)
9:51 – Sofasound x THREESIXTY – Your Favorite (Unreleased)
11:51 – Lyin To Myself (Club Edit) (Unreleased)
13:49 – Don’t Fight It Feat. chromonicci. (Good Society)
15:32 – You Been On My Mind Feat. Falcxne (bitbird)
16:50 – Sofasound x Bronze Whale – ID (Unreleased)
18:18 – Telephone (Self Release) (Music Video)
21:22- Blueberry Sky (Self Release)
24:09 – Music Set Me Free Feat. Matt Johnson (Self Release)
26:52 – Psychadelic Potions (Unreleased)
29:23 – Heal My Soul (Self Release) (Music Video)

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Sofasound has truly become a prominent and powerful force within the industry. He continues to rise to brand new heights day after day, pushing boundaries to the highest degree while staying true to himself and his endless goals. From teaming up with bitbird and Good Society, to self releasing countless hits, there’s no stopping this powerhouse from bringing positivity and joy to the community. Becoming stronger and stronger with each composition. He’s even created original pieces for well known video games such as League of Legends and Black Desert Online. Bringing electronic music to a wide and broader audience.

During the process of molding this journey, there were some fierce challenges he had to face in order to evolve and rise. Battles which tested everything he had. This is where the EP started to take its form. A complete reflection of those trying and difficult times. But in the end, he formed one of the most heartfelt and memorable pieces of 2021. Each track is filled with beautifully crafted qualities and emotions. Showcasing how strong he is in a gorgeous fashion. Not only as an artist, but as a human being. Lifting your hearts to a realm you never knew existed. You’ll have this on repeat for a lifetime, but the good news is he also just dropped his follow-up I’ve Grown EP as well! Make sure to go show support by streaming both everywhere via Sterofox and listen to Forget About Me below.

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And to celebrate years of hard work and dedication, they have released a very special album called, THE HEIST. A thirteen-track wonderland chocked full of some incredibly gifted musicians who have released on the labels themselves. As well as making a huge difference within the industry, pushing greatness and perfection for the world to see. Each artist on here has touched the and hearts and auras of many listeners out there. Creating a brighter and memorable world for any beatmaker waiting to start their journey. So sit back, grab a snack and travel with them along this easy-going journey of melody and groove.

THE HEIST contains some real catchy flows, melodies and overall arrangements. Musicians such as Sofasound, The Kount, Louis Futon and many more have all channeled undiscovered energy to create a piece to honor both labels to their highest degrees. Every track is like taking that first sip of coffee or tea in the morning. An instant wake-up call for us all. Injecting nothing but warm emotions and visions into your inner mindset. You’ll be left with nothing but smiles and good energy all around. A true breath of fresh air for any music lover. Looking for something brand new to become addicted to. You’ll find yourself replaying the album over and over again from its purpose and artists alone. Building for a better tomorrow within the industry. So if you love soothing hip-hop/funk beats, then this is your ticket for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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An upbeat, playful house track created with lifelong music friend falcxne, ‘You Been On My Mind’ showcases Sofasound’s diversity as an artist while still maintaining his signature lo-fi, soulful sound. It’s bouncy, cheerful, and layered with intricacies that will have you reminiscing on the good times that accompanied the longer days. The song is an indirect way of Sofasound showcasing his hopeless romantic nature, while giving fans a hopeful outlook on what’s to come. Don’t miss ‘You Been On My Mind’ below.

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Ready for your cozy days spent stuck between the bed and sofa, the magnificent Sundae Sauuce, which is relentless emerging as the NY answer to the iconic Brownies&Lemonade, has dropped upon us an exquisite collection able to compete even with the immortal ‘lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to‘ YouTube mixes.
Forget the fluttery build ups or vicious drops, ‘Almond Milk’ is an elixir, a prodigious medicine that treats simultaneously body, mind, soul and restores the peace of your senses. Instead of dirty synths you’ll face cinematic strings, instead of bone crushing basses you’ll deal with silky pianos, instead of headbanging you’ll have your neck slowly wiggling back and forward, buried in a pile of pillows.

Props to the curators of the projects who have successfully made consistency and quality coexist equally, creating a journey through sound that keeps unspoiled, from start to finish, its beautiful, sweet, dreamy soul.

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bd hbt

Milan & Sam come together to form LA based duo bd hbt. They first graced our ears with their standout banger ‘og’ from Sounds From Below vol. 2. The track finds that perfect sweet spot between hard-hitting trap and experimental bass. This rings true for the bulk of their work; they have knack for keeping it weird, but not so weird that it’s off putting. In the span of just a few months they’ve consistently wow’d us with releases like ‘No Refill,’ ‘Don’t Spill’ and a killer flip of Smokepurpp & Mura Beatz ‘123’. Don’t surprised if you see bd hbt flooding your SoundCloud stream from this day forth.
–C

ilo ilo

It’s not often that artists can conjure up an air of genuine mystique. ZHU did it to perfection but few acts have been able to follow in his footsteps. That is until now. ilo ilo has used the veil of mystery and anticipation to create something special. Their debut release ‘wait’ premiered on This Song Is Sick after they mailed them a usb with a letter. Since then it’s been gaining momentum online and even landed in Louis The Child’s latest Playground Radio episode. They’re beautifully styled Instagram provides a number of quick and enticing visuals with promising background tracks which may be forthcoming releases. While little is known about ilo ilo, one thing is for certain, ‘wait’ is phenomenal. The track feels like a mix of ZHU and Mura Masa, fusing steel drums and summery feels with gorgeous and addictive vocals. With the right support ‘wait’ could easily become one of the biggest tracks of the summer. Given the quality of their debut, the thought put into their roll-out and the teases we’ve heard on Instagram, we’re expecting big things from ilo ilo. Do. Not. Sleep.
–C

Milano

A Lost Dog from Lake Tahoe, Milano is different type of beast. When I first heard ‘Serpents’ I instantly commented, “this is completely fucked. nicely done.” A statement I stand by 5 months later. The sound design on ‘Serpents’ is a great introduction to what Milano has to offer. It’s quite unlike anything else you’ve experienced. It’s part cartoon acid trip, part dungeon exploration. It’s dark, disturbing and crazy fun all at once. Another focal point that’s sure to convert you to fandom is ‘I Love You.’ Its intro provides a glorious and serene soundscape that drifts into a heart and neck-breaking barrage of bass. Milano is a mad scientist and we can’t wait to see what he concocts next.
–C

Jaymie Silk

We’ve always been proponents of Jersey Club here at FUXWITHIT, both for its club qualities and undeniable energy, and Montreal’s Jaymie Silk brings both in droves. While starting in the house sphere, his productions have always showcased a plenitude of potent percussion. Of course Jersey Club is best known for its bouncy bootlegs, and Jaymie has more than his share of stunning successes: see his Sinjin Hawke ‘Don’t Lose Yourself To This,’ and Blocboy JB ‘Look Alive’ edits. But his skills also include authoring awesome originals. With two EPs already this year, he’s been able to exhibit his experience in the ballroom and vogue scenes, crafting truly unique club tracks. His latest, Savage, is just that, a three piece afro-baile banger. If you’re in the market for floor filling club cuts that jump out the speakers, look no further than the sensational Silk.
–OJ

Sofasound

My first encounter with Floridian feels fabricator Sofasound came when he dropped a dizzying reconstruction of Justin Timberlake in ‘Don’t Think About It.’ And believe it or not, his most recent release ‘Twilight On The Hill’ also takes on JT, yet the two tracks are sheer standalone splendor. That said, Sofasound is no one trick pony. He’s as adept at working with vocalists as he is at chopping them. But for my money his brilliance is best seen in his incredible and unmistakable music ability. This is no flash in the pan talent. He clearly knows what he’s doing and does it extremely well. Whether it’s more chill R&B based future bass or more fiery funk, Sofasound’s productions always burst at the seams. Take for example the awe-inspiring ‘Very Wow’ which showcases a soft touch, sensational sound design and masterful musicianship. Just press play and you cannot miss.
–OJ

Listen to our Focus Five: Volume 4 playlist below.

Words by Colin & Oggie James.

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