ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Parunormal
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Parunormal
Hello Parunormal! We've been huge fans of your productions for a while now! One of the most Vaporwave-style artists out there, what is it about the Vaporwave Aesthetic that you find most attractive and inspiring for your music?
Vaporwave for me is a euphoric, out of body experience. Reminiscing on the good ol' days, sort of disconnecting from reality and walking into a doorway of the past.
All the different art I see, music I hear, and the things i experience in real life - those are all important factors that come into play when it comes to inspiration. I put myself inside of all these different pieces of Vaporwave & Aesthetic art and I think to myself.. “What would this sound like? What am I supposed to be hearing while I’m inside of this place?” I try to emulate that, so you could see those elements inside and outside of my tracks. I’ve enjoyed it all really, very fun.
When did you start making beats and was it Vaporwave influenced trap beats?
I started producing and experimenting with FL studio since I was 13-14. I remember watching tutorials about "How to make Dubstep". As goofy as it was, it set me up for a whole new spectrum of information. As for my sense of inspiration and style, I’ve found myself exploring a very open range of different music. I’ve dabbled in most popular genres, but my go to favorites are definitely Lo-Fi, Vaporwave, Synthwave and Boom Bap.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of your music and where do you get the most inspiration from?
First thing that comes to mind whenever I think about my music specifically is that little orange pepper that pops up on the screen (FL Studio). But seriously, I think about the long spent hours on that screen, brainstorming and thinking about new ideas and projects to start up. I believe I take in a lot from my favorite producers and artists from the Internet. Although, I gather most of my motivation by simply wanting to create for others to listen and relate to.
I try to do it to its fullest extent. This is something severely important to me and I’m more than thankful to be able to express myself freely.
Tell us more about your beat making process. Where do you start making music from? Beats? Samples?
I’ll start off of however I’m feeling at the time. If I’m in the zone, I lock into this mojo and get tunnel vision on this specific sound. I’ll start from scratch, but sometimes I’ll just grab a sample from my library and work on it. I’ll spend anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours pinpointing exactly how I want the vibe to be. Once I get the sample to my liking, I already know what the beat is going to be. I just lay it down and deliver some bangin' drum patterns that I’m very satisfied with.
Oh yea, a lot of backwoods and propel water keeps me in tune as well when I’m working.
Is Parunormal your only project? How often do you work with other artists and who are they?
I’m currently working with 2 separate collectives. My movement here at home in Louisville is Drip Unit. We are 5 members strong - Myself, Yvng Tai, Murda Matt, Traptek, & Bruceman. We collaborate very often and that’s where I exercise more of a modern Juug/Trap influence side of Parunormal. I haven’t really worked with lots of other people other than the same ones I already know, but I’m very open to work with anyone. I love collaborating and creating with others. That being said, there are a few friends of mine that I really enjoy working with. For example, Murda Matt, ItsDaKid, ThrowedToBin, SuperQ, $ Kobain and a few others. All really cool dudes, so be sure to check them out on your free time.
On the other hand, I’m a long time member of Virtua94Records. This is were I tend to do lots of my experimenting music wise. I’ve released a wide range of stuff via Virtua and it’s all been super fun! Founders ToadOfSky & Mr.Hideyoshi recruited me back In 2015. Words couldn’t explain how grateful I am to have the chance to interact and work with these folks.
Currently, Parunormal is my only alias. But, then again, who knows what the future holds? We shall see ...
How far do you think you could take your art and where do you see yourself in the highest point of your career?
I always attempt to create new goals and challenges for myself. Some - I reach, and others - might not get accomplished. No matter what the circumstances are, I will always have a passion for creating music and being able to share it with the world. I believe that I can go as far as I wish to & I’d also like to believe that I can maintain a positive outlook on the situations and stay happy.
I can't predict the future, but I do think that there is something big in store for me. I just have to keep focused, take things very seriously & just keep pushing forward. I try not to think ahead in time too much - but it is something that should be thought about. I’m just here doing my thing and seeing where it goes.
How often do you perform and where could we experience your performance? Can you tell us a little about your upcoming shows?
I absolutely love performing. I love seeing reactions from people when experiencing my tracks in real life time. I’ve always had deep love for live music. It’s more than just listening, you are also able to experience the actual sound and frequencies in a tangible form.
I’ve only had one actual performance, but I’ve hosted lots of parties as a DJ and I’ve done a few shows in my local areas. It was a blast, and definitely something I’d like to continue doing. Keep on the look out for upcoming shows around the Philadelphia and Louisville area! Trying to put together many things this year. Got a few events later in the year already planned out and just really trying to go crazy with it.
Finally we would love to ask - What would you say to up and coming artists who want to pursue their passion?
Do it for YOU and YOUR PASSION. The money shouldn’t be a factor but a bonus. Don’t let the money throw you off. The music industry is as more corrupt than it has ever been! Labels owning masters, holding expenses from previous albums etc. Just tons of factors that are in play and it’s all very unnecessary and really just disrespectful to artist and the “game” all around. Don’t let yourself be an example of industry slavery! DIY is the way to go! Anyone can do it.
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