This week, we sat down with Conrad II — a 17-year-old up and coming artist from a small town called in Virginia called Warrenton. His sound is a little different; as he describes, “I try to be [lyrical] strong on the songs — but I also try to make the songs fun at the same time. Like I could make a song that’s 100 percent serious then I could make another song that is just completely a joke.”
Conrad took some time out from recording to answer a few questions for our site about his music, his influences, and more. Check out the interview below.
How did you get involved in music?
I got involved with music when I was young because my dad was an artist. I found it fascinating — and knew I wanted to try it out. I started making music when I was around 12, but I just started making serious music this year.
Who are some of your Influences?
My sound is influenced by Hopsin and Jay Idk lyrical; but, instrumentally by MadeIntyo, Father, and [kind of] Jaden Smith.
What have you released thus far?
I released a couple of songs on Soundcloud to get my name out there — but I deleted them because they aren’t what I’m trying to do with my music. They weren’t made with my full potential. I’ll be releasing my first official song on my 18th birthday (September 6th).
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on my upcoming album. It’s my first official project that I’m working insanely hard on. It’s early in the works so I don’t have a clue of when I’ll release it.
What would you consider to be you biggest achievements to date?
So far I have a couple. I’m getting my name out there all on my own. (with the help of you mag people), I co-produced a song that got noticed by Jaden Smith, and he ended up tweeting it. I was stoked about that. S/O to my man Ian for spitting on that track. That was all him.
What do you want people to take away from you as an artist?
I want people to listen to my music and be able to hear that I have something to say in my lyrics. EVERYTHING I say on records has some meaning to me — I’ll never BS a song and write pointless lyrics unless it’s a joke track but my upcoming album is 100 percent serious so I just hope the listeners can understand I have something to say.
Where’s this all headed?
My goals as an artist are what I just said for the last question — but I have a few others. I would like to create a wider fan base. I also want to be able to give back as an artist; as in, give back good relatable music and give back art.
What’s coming up?
I’m working on my upcoming album –and I’m dropping my first single on my 18th birthday (September 6th)!