Shot by CONTRADASH
Write-up by: Zach Serrano
An artist's vision and creative focus often lend itself to multiple forms of music and output. From starting out in graphic design videos, the IE’s Contradash is now here with his newest single “Blocked.” With only two songs available, Contradash has a unique energy that’s ever-present in his music. His image, cover art and beats all tell the same story of an artist having absolute fun with his music, and he wants us to feel the same. Both his tracks “yo-yo” and “Blocked” showcase a new wave of West Coast artists with a heavy creative focus and a unique blend of talent on both sides of the industry. The Nuance Magazine recently reached out to Contradash about his start in music, where he grew up, and where he finds the inspiration for his sound.
Q: How did things start for you creatively? Did it directly start with music?
A: ““I started making trickshot videos on CoD when I was like 12. I used to make my own YouTube backgrounds on pirated photoshop so I spent a lot of time doing graphics. I was a graphic designer for Tyga for about 2 years. But after a bit, I said, “fuck this I’m tryna be something bigger. I spent hella time doing graphics, which led to cover art, which led to music.”
Q: How did you start off making music and piecing together your overall sound/vision?
A: “I was always a graphic designer, but it sucked putting in al this effort for someone that’s not me. Once I started recording on Soundcloud and putting some money in it for myself it started working. My buddy Dom got me Logic Pro X and it was over from there.”
Q: Where did you grow up? Are there any influences or artists that drive your overall sound from there?
A: “I grew up in Orange County but then moved to the Inland Empire when I was about 13. LBE is my #1 inspiration always and I love Kesha and like 2004 Lil Romeo and shit.
Q: You can feel that energy in both of your tracks, how do you get into that process?
A: If I can close my eyes and imagine I’m 10 years old again I can really get into another headspace. I keep a tech deck on me at all times”
Q: Your newest track “Blocked” dropped Wednesday night, can we expect something new from you soon? Any EP’s or visual projects on the horizon?
A: “I wanna drop a new EP on my birthday, that’d be dope.
New artists are always popping up. With new songs released every day, it’s not easy to find something that stands by itself, something that breaks the mold. With just 2 songs, Contradash has already proved himself as an artist to STAY following. With a vibrant sound and the heart of a child just looking to have fun, make sure you keep an eye on this new artist. Stream his new single “Blocked” out now on Spotify and Apple Music.