Interview - Sir EU
CSDC: You dropped latest your EP,23, last year. Meant to represent your 23rd year, it's filled with political skits and social commentary. How have the slowly rising levels of awareness and understanding among your peers play into the concepts of your releases?
Sir EU: I put a few political skits and views into my songs on 23 because I felt like tweeting my opinion or being vocal about to whoever is in my direct vicinity wasn't enough. I think that most of the time, I find myself irked with how much people overlook slavery's impact on the United States and the rest of the world; whether it be impatience and judgement towards people who are products of environments they did not ask for, or people who support perpetrators of the some of the same things that perpetuate poverty and white supremacy. I hoped to use my sounds to broaden perspectives by giving my stance on the current events, which was the presidential race at that time.
CSDC: What do you think is most important about pairing visual art and music? You have some of the most unique visuals I've seen to date.
Sir EU: Thank you very much! I think that the best music sets scenes for the listener to begin with, and sometimes the images we associate with what we hear are based on the original serving. When you give an image to match content you create, it betters the chance of the person viewing it having a more accurate view of who you are, where you're coming from, and a better chance at a resonating connection in general. You know exactly where somebody is at and can feel what they're saying more on FaceTime rather than just texting. Visuals realize message.
CSDC: Your lyricism is definitely noted, but one of the things that make you stand out the most are your beats. Not one track sounds like the other and you have a way of making lo-fi rap work. You are one person that comes to the top of my mind when people throw around the term "genre-binding." Do you make your own beats? Who are your favorite producers to work with?
Sir EU: I'm honored to be seen as such! I hope to one day produce the entirety of my releases, I have a lot of growing to do as a producer but I have made it to making my own sounds to create to. I believe that no dream works as good as it would with team work, and as often as possible I collaborate with other creatives to capture who we are as best as we can. Some of my favorite producers to work with and closest friends are Baltimore's Ghostie, my nomadic brother Pacific Yew, and Hymn. I love the challenge of working with a like-minded person to make something better and more special than we could have on our own. You can only do but so much on your own.
CSDC: Tell us how you linked with Eternal DC to create the capsule collection. Can we expect another shirt or other kinds of collaborative merch?
Sir EU: Coming together with Eternal DC on the We Back Capsule Collection was an honor that came about through us occupying the same spaces as far as location but creatively as well, and recognizing that with open arms. We had been supporting each other for a while via showcases, mixes, and sharing the same goal of platforming our area. We have more on the way for you very soon! Shoutout to Chukks and EDC.
CSDC: You and one of my favorite rappers Junglepussy share a similar sentiment in choosing your words wisely after experiencing just how powerful they can be. You mentioned that Nike Boy, specifically, brought you to a certain mind space after performing because you couldn't face the audience and rap during the first verse. Can you tell us of a moment where you felt your words had a positive impact since making that change?
Sir EU: I characterize myself through music, hyperbolically alot of the time, which I did with Nike Boy. I got a really good glimpse of what my actual character was at the time. In that same application I made Super Baby Nigga, a song that is ironic just the same but in accord with the understanding I gained on the weight of my words. I was kind of neutrally narrating a bus ride, and wanted to translate it in a cause and effect type way. This is one thing I've made that I feel accomplished in doing based on the lyrics that people cite from this one, like "Who the fuck knows what the homeless know?", or other lyrics like "They tried to tell me I couldn't call you a nigga" that initiate the dialogue about the state of this country. I'm just very appreciative that some people have been able to endure the cynical humor in approach enough to think a little bit about what was on my mind in a way that I feel felt rather than evaluated. I like that I can make something that a person can potentially grow from, or find a reason to not write a living person off about.
CSDC: What can we expect from your performance at TNT??
Sir EU: At TNT, I can only vow to do my very best to connect and entertain as much as possible. I promise to give you my all!
CSDC: What do you have in store for 2017?
Sir EU: In 2017, you can expect to hear from your friend E.U in very secure and ambitious doses.