I had the privilege to sit down with the 20 year old trap producer from New York City, EXSSV, former member of The Insurgents, and conduct his first interview yesterday. We talked inspirations, his first release on Buygore records (Out Now), and more. Check out the script below to see what he had to say!
Why the name change? How does the name EXSSV sum up who you are as an artist?
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The Insurgents was originally a duo, but in the past year it transitioned to just being me. When 2015 hit I decided to leave The Insurgents in the past, and create the EXSSV brand.
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I’m nothing if not excessive. My motto is – “too much is never enough.” But seriously, it’s all about living life to the fullest and not being afraid to go after what you want.
How did you get into producing music and what are your main influences?
When I was around 9 years old I began taking piano lessons. Eventually, that led to me taking Voice Lessons and performances in school musicals. My father was a DJ/Producer and used to own a House music label called One Records. I remember meeting people like Deep Dish and Stonebridge, and going into huge recording studios with SSL consoles. Watching my father work all those faders was the coolest thing ever! When I was 12, I started playing around with GarageBand. After a few years, my father set me up with a controller, some small Yamaha monitors and a copy of Logic Pro. I’ve been at it ever since.
As for influences, I would have say Diplo (of course), but Flosstradamus were the guys who really sent my creative energy in the Bass/Trap direction. The crazy things is: three months after my first release, I sent a remix I did of Wiggle by Jason Derulo to Floss, never thinking I’d get a reply. A day later, Curt hit me back with a show edit he made of it. I was beyond stoked!! Soon after, they played it on a mix show they did for Annie Nightingale on BBC Radio 1. It was life affirming.
Do you have a certain genre you will be putting out for upcoming releases? What can we expect?
Expect everything from Trap to Future Bass and maybe even some Jungle Terror.
It looks like you've been spending a lot of time out in LA working on projects. Can you tell us anyone in particular that you're working with?
I’m currently working on new material with Party Favor, Jayceeoh and Kstylis (the vocalist on Diplo’s & Alvaro’s Sixth Gear).
Your single Starstruck that came out on Buygore records today is your second release with Trap Gods Styles&Complete, can we expect more projects from you guys?
Styles & Complete are my big bros. You can definitely expect more heat from us. Starstruck is just the beginning!
Who are some artists that you would love to work with, producers and vocalists?
Djemba Djemba, Boaz Van De Beatz, Carmada, Santell, Alison Wonderland, Kalibwoy, Stylo G.
Any upcoming tour dates or shows that you'd like to share with us?
I’ll be doing the Buygore WMC Pool Party on Sunday, March 29, along with the man himself Borgore! Look out for confirmation of more WMC dates. We've been holding off on shows to really focus on the studio, but WMC should kick off a bunch of dates.
What's the craziest thing you've seen someone wear to a show you've played before?
I don’t know about crazy things people have worn, but naked girls jumping on stage always throws off my mixes! I have ADHD you know!
If you could go back in time and hang out with any musician for the day, who would it be and why?
That would have to be Michael Jackson. I would have referred him to a new doctor.
What's the first thing you would buy if you played a million dollar gig?
F**k that! The minute I spend any of it, I would stop being a millionaire! Straight to the bank it goes.
What does your ultimate night (or party) look like?
Hard to see what anything looks like when you’re being smothered with ass!
