In a recent conversation, Siliguri rapper Xenon Phoenix, known for his genre-blending style, shared insights about his musical influences, and the Northeast hip-hop scene, and gave a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, collaborations, and much more. Here is the full interview:
1. Could you tell us about your musical journey? What inspired you to start creating music, and was it a lifelong passion?
Okay, so my journey into music began during my high school years. It all started when I transitioned from writing poems to discovering Hip-Hop music, a genre that immediately fascinated me. In 2014, I took my first steps into the world of music, releasing my debut along with an EP that is exclusively available on Bandcamp.
To be very honest, becoming a musician or a rapper was not a lifelong dream of mine. It was more of a serendipitous discovery. As I delved deeper into the music scene, I found myself not only creating and sharing my art but also connecting with individuals who resonate with my sound from all corners of the globe. This unexpected journey has opened up a world of opportunities for self-expression and meaningful connections, and I’m really grateful for the path I’ve chosen.
2. Your music often defies easy categorization, you blend elements of different genres and styles. Can you elaborate on the process that leads to the distinctive sound characterizing your work?
I’ve always had a passion for experimenting, and it’s been a defining characteristic of my music from the very beginning. I’ve ventured into a wide range of styles, be it — Synth, Acoustic, Trap, or Drill — relishing the challenge of adding my voice to multi-genres.
At the moment, my creative focus is directed towards introducing a distinctive blend of hip-hop and house music to this region. While I’m not sure if anyone else has explored this fusion, it’s a sound that has captured my heart. I firmly believe in staying versatile and adaptable in my music. In the words of 50 Cent, “Hip-hop culture has been broken, so every now and then, there will be someone coming up with something new.” This perfectly encapsulates my approach, as I continuously explore subgenres that seamlessly integrate with the ever-evolving world of hip-hop.
3. What makes your music unique and how do you stand out in a crowded industry?
Well, my unique approach centres around authenticity, a dedication to my craft, and a belief that the rest will naturally fall into place. I’m not one to contrive artificial elements in my music; I’m the type of artist who eagerly explores sounds. From laying verses on DJENT and Witch House tracks to exploring Trap and, this year even dancehall, my musical journey is a continuous exploration. In fact, my next collaboration is set to grace a Phonk beat, and I’m excited to see where this creative path leads. However, regardless of the genre, the one constant is that it all must be sonically pleasing because, ultimately, it’s all about the music.
When it comes to lyricism, my wellspring of inspiration flows from real-life experiences. I strive to weave these moments into my verses, aiming to create a connection with listeners who can find their own stories echoed in my songs. So when they tune in, they can relate to the content. That, to me, is what makes it all worthwhile.
4. Could you tell us about the rap scene in Siliguri and mention some noteworthy local rappers?
Even though I rap in English, in which I am comfortable, Siliguri is home to a diverse pool of immensely talented multilingual artists who can perform in languages like Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi as well — TC Star, Drastic, and many others readily come to mind.
5. Better late than never! Do you have any goals in particular for your music? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
The sole objective of my music career is to achieve financial freedom, enabling me to continue creating music for the entirety of my life. I mean, who wouldn’t want this? I guess Russ is the only artist who has accomplished this seemingly insurmountable goal and is currently living it.
Furthermore, on a deeper level, my aim is to have a meaningful impact on people’s emotions and assist them in confronting their inner struggles. If one of my songs has the power to save someone from a critical situation, such as preventing “suicide,” that, to me, holds far greater importance than any Grammy award.
6. Could you give us some examples of the musical influences that have inspired you and how they shaped your sound?
I don’t have an extensive list of favourites, but it continues to grow. At the moment, I can describe my style as reminiscent of a blend of Pop Smoke, Flume, Tame Impala, and James Blake.
7. Now, can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new song? How do you approach creating a cohesive musical experience?
Well, earlier, my creative process involved freestyling the entire piece and making slight touch-ups afterwards. However, I noticed that this method sometimes lacked consistent cadences. So, I’ve since adapted my approach. Nowadays, I begin by creating a stream of gibberish over a beat or reference soundtrack. This serves as my initial canvas. From there, I build the melody and, subsequently, craft the actual lyrics. If any fellow artist finds this method beneficial, please feel free to give it a try.
8. We frequently hear that audiences in Indian hip-hop may not fully appreciate the talent of Northeast Indian rappers. For artists from the Northeast, what are the primary challenges you encounter when pursuing a career in music, and how do these challenges impact your journey in the industry?
Racism, unfortunately, remains a pervasive issue, often rooted in shallow judgments based on appearance and attire. Changing these deeply ingrained mindsets is a challenging task, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of the broader narrative.
To tackle this, I believe it’s essential for people to first recognize our presence as artists from the Northeast. This recognition should extend to the rich artistic and cultural landscape that flourishes in this region. Our talent transcends the boundaries of rap and encompasses various music genres. Only when we are acknowledged and appreciated can we work towards ending exploitation and fostering genuine respect.
In my personal journey in the industry, I’ve been fortunate to have a relatively smooth experience. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals who share a profound sense of camaraderie and have become more like family to me.
9. What can listeners expect from you? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?
A lot of new music in the pipeline. I have an R&B track that was originally scheduled for release earlier this year, and it’s been eagerly anticipated. Also, there’s a major collaboration set to drop on November 24th with Teri Miko. This collaborative effort is being released through a Dutch Label, Skink, curated by Showtek.
10. And my final question for you is: What message would you like to convey to your fans?
All I want to express is my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been there with me throughout the years. Your unwavering support in sharing my music and consistently rooting for my growth and success means the world to me. Thank you for being a crucial part of this incredible journey.
Listen to Xenon Phoenix’s latest track on Spotify
