We spoke to Vibhakar, a 20-year-old music producer and an engineering student from Hyderabad, his mission is to express himself through the music he makes and to channel his passion for hip-hop into something meaningful. He also hopes to create music that can inspire or make a difference in someone’s life, just like the way it did for him. Here is the interview:
What inspired you to become a rap music producer?
Ummm, I’ve always had a passion for hip-hop since my school days, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit and lockdown was enforced that I started diving deep into hip-hop. Artists like Kanye and Kendrick Lamar played a huge role in igniting my love for the genre. I stumbled upon music production by coincidence LMFAO. I came across an app called Bandlab on my phone and was intrigued by it, so I started learning more about it. Then I installed FL Studio on my laptop. I don’t have any musical background nor can I play any instruments, so I had to put in like 4-6 hours every day with my online classes running in the background to learn the craft through YouTube tutorials and practice. My friend, and a fellow producer CAPTAIN PUNE, was instrumental in guiding me along this journey Along with my childhood friend Abheesht who listened to my wack-ass beats at that time and called them masterpieces without discouraging me.
Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new beat or track?
When I’m cooking up, I don’t follow a specific process, I just go with the flow. I simply open my DAW, sit down, and start experimenting with keys, drums, or samples until something grabs my attention. I just let it come to me naturally instead of forcing it. It’s all about embracing the spontaneous flow of creativity and building upon whatever feels right in the moment.
How do you typically draw inspiration for your music?
inspiration for my music comes from being a passionate fan of music. Cuz I know what I like and what I want to create, I immerse myself in art as much as possible also i consume various forms of art and, I naturally integrate those influences into my music.
Looking back at your discography, what project or track are you most proud of and why?
Reflecting on my discography, the track “Karam Kaand” featuring Sahaj, Rebel7, and Ayetee stands out to me as a source of pride. The beat for this track was made over two years ago literally. It also demonstrates the importance of consistently putting out music and never giving up on the craft. It’s a reminder of the journey and growth I’ve experienced as a music producer.
Can you share some insights into your most memorable collaboration with a rap artist?
One of my most memorable collaborations was with my bro A. Roy. He was featured in a song I produced for $arthak called “Sigma Energy”, and when I sent him some beats, we immediately connected. We ended up cooking up a four-song EP in just a week, even though it didn’t see the light of day , the vibe and creative synergy we shared made it my favourite.
What do you believe sets your production style apart from others in the industry?
At the moment, I don’t believe there’s anything that sets my production style apart as I haven’t yet established a distinct “sound” for myself. However, I feel that my approach tends to be more experimental, with a willingness to push boundaries creatively. This will distinguish my work as I continue to evolve and refine my craft.
How do you see the evolution of your sound throughout your career?
I’ve noticed my sound evolving towards a more underground vibe, reminiscent of Griselda. However, I still have a strong affinity for trap music, so there’s always a possibility of blending different styles in my work. I’m open to trying everything and exploring new avenues, so my sound is continually evolving as I experiment with different influences and techniques.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m thrilled about several upcoming projects, but one that stands out is producing for the Spit Dope Tape curated by A. Roy and Sahaj, set to drop sometime this year. We all know how much Spit Dope and MC Kode have contributed to the culture so far, so it’s an honour for me to be involved in this tape. I’m excited to see how it all comes together and to be a part of something that celebrates the essence of hip-hop. I’m also very excited about my work on Ashant Anu’s upcoming EP “Contradictions“ and he is the most hardworking artist I have ever worked with.
Are there any specific artists or producers who have had a significant influence on your work?
Kanye, The Alchemist and Tyler The Creator have had a significant influence on my work and my music. At the same time there’s this artist called $ohunnid who I collaborated with in my initial days and who inspired me a lot to make better trap beats as Bro was and is always ahead of the curve.
Looking towards the future, what are your goals and aspirations as a rap music producer?
I want to live off my music without sacrificing my artistic integrity. It would be amazing to collaborate with all my favourite artists and create shit that truly connects with people. As my bro Roy said to me once “Make good music, with good people and, get the dough.“
Listen to Vibhakar’s tracks on Spotify:
