Boston based hiphop act FreshfromDE just dropped his Roca Beats produced project “The Ritual” which is a 9 track offering. We recently sat down with the man to catch up with all things fresh from music, his life and more.
Track in this story
FreshfromDE – 04 Doin Numbers
For the benefit of anyone who’s been living in an underground bunker for the past few years…who on earth are you?
Im FreshfromDE hiphop artist, performer, and engineer originally from Delaware but based in Boston
Congratulations on the release of your new project “The Ritual”. What is the meaning behind the title and how did you and Roca beats connect to craft the entire project?
Thank you. The tone of the project gives you a sense of “self-empowerment” and I wanted people to listen to it ritualistically to feel that message. Whether its before going to a job interview or before going out to party, I feel like this was meant to be herd to give you that extra confidence in your self when you need it most. Me and Roca connected online when we first made “Aston Martin”. After that song I knew I had to make more songs with his sound.
How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?
As a kid I had a lot of energy and most people would say I was a performer already. Some of that energy transferred to music at the age of 10 when my father passed away. It became a way to vent and another way to channel all that energy I had.
Do you remember the first song/beat you ever made? How did you go about it?
I remember the first song I recorded in my bedroom on a cheep computer mic. I spent like $40-$50 bucks on it so at the time I thought I was top of the line. The song was called “Nope” and I remixed someone else’s song, but I don’t remember who’s song it originally was.
What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?
Right now a lot of people complain about the state of the music industry but in my eyes I feel like were in the golden age of independent music. Artist like me can flourish with or without a big label. If you can cultivate your following theirs a lot you can do on your own.
Are there any other interesting facts about you that hardly anyone else knows?
I took Karate classes for almost 2 and a half years in high school. The style of Karate I learned was Kempo
If a movie about your life in music was to be made, what interesting/strange moments and stories would you share to make the movie cool?
I would include all the random different encounters I’ve been in and have had with people. I’m a very universal person so a lot of times I tend to fit in everywhere. But the range of drastically different situations I’m in, i think would be most interesting. From wearing ties and working at Harvard as an A/V guy to working as a stage hand, all the way to performing at some of these same stages. A lot of things are coming full circle right now with my buzz building and I think that would be interesting for people to see a few different aspects of what made me successful.
Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?
Leaving Delaware to go to Boston for school, to learn about audio. Performing at SXSW in Texas. Going on a few tour dates with Raekwon. and putting together my first headlined show in Downtown LA.
What have been the biggest highlights?
My performances in Portland. For what ever reason the people out their really show me love and they have a lot of energy. I had 2 performances their that were perfect examples of what I call a successful show. Good turn out , crowd involvement, and high energy.
What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge is balancing my engineering and my artistry. I still have not overcome it. Everyday I try to work on balancing them out but soon one will override the other
Who are your heroes? Why do they rock your world?
My Grandfather is my hero. He has help a lot of generations including my own in the family. I want to have as big of an impact as him if not more
Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?
My Teachers at The New England Institute of Art in Boston. They taught me everything I know about sound and revolutionized the way I make music. And each teacher gave me specific skills that I use even to this day.
Listen on SoundCloud
When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved?
I want to hear the new sound and see all the new artist that I ushered into the game. And I want to look back at all the stages I performed at.
What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
My performances at Raekwons shows. Because most of the people didn’t come their to see me but I left with more fans just based on my performance.
Track in this story
FreshfromDE – Young Pharaoh (Prod. by ŦΙΜ SΛRΘCΣ)
What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?
I had a studio session as an engineer for Benzino. I was expecting hard beats and aggressive rapping but he just did autotune the whole time……
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Action Bronson would be an ideal dinner guest. And I wouldn’t serve him anything I’d let him make some type of crazy dish
What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?
Greatest song: Queen – We are the Champions
Greatest album: Jadakiss – Kiss the Game Goodbye
Greatest book: The Crucible (I know its a play but I was first introduced to it through a book)
Greatest Movie: Coming to America
Greatest TV show: Rick and Morty
Greatest website: Reddit.com
Name 5 songs (yours excluded) that we would expect to find on your iPod or Music Player?
Jefe Replay – Sips tea , Dutch RaBelle – I Can’t , Plad Fine$$e – Cheese , Cousin Stizz – Lambo , Michael Christmas – Michael Cera
What special-hero type skills are you blessed with?
Vision and Drive!!! I can see what others can’t and I can endure longer distances then most!!!
Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?
All my social media is @ FreshfromDE. Twitter , IG , snapchat , Facebook, soundcloud all @FreshfromDE
Any final thoughts?
Live long and prosper
Listen on SoundCloud
Keep up with FreshfromDE : Soundcloud : Twitter : Instagram : Facebook
