Start Listening To: MEANRUSE

From licensing beats to creating authentic music: MEANRUSE’s journey to self-expression.

In this interview, we'll delve into MEANRUSE’s creative journey, exploring his musical influences, the development of his unique sound, and the inspiration behind his EP Character. We'll also discuss how his love for video games inform his creative process. Meanruse will share insights into his experiences as a DJ, aspirations for the future, and the significance of embracing one's true self. Join us as we unravel the artistry that defines Meanruse's music.

How would you describe your musical style and the influences that shape your sound?  

For all my projects, I feel like I find influences in so many different places. That leads me to produce music in a myriad of different styles. I do find myself returning to making experimental electro-pop and hip-hop, especially when it comes to MEANRUSE music. I must credit SOPHIE and JPEGMAFIA for their strong influence on my gritty, futuristic production as well as MF DOOM, Rakim, and JID for their impact on the witty, wordplay-focused writing style I employ. For others, I return to artists like Daft Punk and Joe Hisaishi, just to name a few out of a thousand I could mention.

Can you tell us about your journey from licensing beats to releasing original music under your own name as MEANRUSE? 

When I started making beats, I found the “type beat” lane to be attractive because it dominated search engines and was a quick cash grab. That market wasn’t as saturated as it is today, so it really was a good option at the time. However, I felt that I wasn’t feeling fulfilled making music that didn’t feel like a genuine piece of me. It was always churning stuff out with somebody else in mind that I may not have even liked at the time. I was making some original music projects on the side and found myself having more fun with those. After a while, I pulled the plug on the beat store to focus on enjoying making music that I could proudly call my own.

What inspired the creation of your EP Character and the development of your rap persona? 

Most of my favorite rap acts have aggressive, in-your-face music that I wanted to try my hand at making. Putting that under Zamir Stills didn’t sit right because it didn’t fit the brand that I’d been building up with the more bright and colorful music that’s been attached to it. The idea then occurred to me to create a persona that’s the abrasive and bombastic side of Zamir, what would become MEANRUSE. “Character” is the introduction to that persona, which presents the self-confident and self-advocative personality. It’s also extremely cathartic to work with that persona because I struggle mightily with self-esteem at times, and this allows me to pump myself up and pat myself on the back now and again.

How do you approach remixing and covering music from video games and anime while maintaining your own unique style?

When I choose a song to rework, I first decide what elements of the original that I want to preserve. The melody is almost always worked into the remix because it’s something familiar that the audience will be recognize. I don’t necessarily focus on maintaining my own unique style but rather learn from these songs that ignited a spark in the first place for me to use later. Subconsciously, my unique traits will come out anyway. You could probably find riffs with trills in every remix I’ve ever done. The main goals for these remixes/covers are to exercise my creative muscles by staying active as a musician and to just have fun. Everything else just flows from that.

What has been the reception to your remix of songs from the ‘Persona 5’ soundtrack, particularly from fans of the game?

Overwhelmingly (and shockingly) positive. I think this was the jumping off point for getting more into remixing video game music. It started when I made two tracks because I was excited that “Persona 5 Royal” was coming out. Erika Harlacher, one of the game’s English voice actors, tweeted about streaming the game and I replied with links to the songs, saying she could use them for stream music if she wanted. She retweeted it, and many fans started to like and comment that they enjoyed it. Erika, thanks if you see this. I also ran a very successful ad campaign for it. “Butterfly Kiss” was also met with a lot of praise, which is awesome because I like being able to nerd out musically.

Apart from music, you have a passion for video games. How does your love for gaming influence your music and creative process? 

On one hand, it makes me procrastinate a lot because there are many days where I’ll play a fighting game or RPG for 4 hours and forget to work on a song. More seriously, though, it’ll make me think about the setting and atmosphere of a project. With my favorite gaming soundtracks, much of the enjoyment I get comes from being able to envision the moment in time a certain sound/song plays. I approach a lot of songs with the intent of being able to paint that setting in a listener’s mind, even if it’s an interpretation that’s different from my own!

Could you share some insights into your experiences as a DJ at live events and how that aspect of your career has evolved?

My first ever gig was a free one at my friend’s house party during college. I did a couple more of those before I graduated. Live events took a backseat for a while after that while I was figuring out many things in my personal life. Once I settled in, I found a group called CartridgeATL that let me do a set for an hour at their gaming events. That was also for free. Those led to actual paid gigs at a concert, one for a non-profit, as well as one for a poolside club that I won’t name. For the latter, it rained, nobody showed up, and I had to basically hound the owner to pay me. I try not to do free gigs anymore. I hope to perform at a gaming/anime convention at some point. That would be fun. 

How does your background as a musician playing various instruments inform your production and composition process?

I believe the time I spent with all those instruments mostly taught me just how wide open the world of music is. I’m able to think in different contexts when scoring, producing, and even DJing. This introduces unique new perspectives and ideas. One great example of this that doesn’t involve me is Japanese guitarist, Takeshi Terauchi, who strikes his guitar in a similar fashion to a shamisen due to his mother’s background in playing the shamisen. I always think of things like “What if I shorten the lengths of these crunchy 808s to make it sound more like a bassist when they’re changing finger positions between notes?” It makes things interesting.

Can you discuss the significance of being true to yourself and the journey of self-discovery that led to the formation of Zamir Stills as an artist?

From what I’ve gathered from professionals across all fields, I find that those who do the best work find the most enjoyment in pursuing their craft. Personally, I believe that enjoyment comes from being part of something that speaks to your true essence as a person. Being Zamir Stills is all about embracing my quirks that make me unique and what all makes me tick. When I’m not actively trying to filter out things that make me who I am, I’m able to be more creative and take more chances. It all just feels much more therapeutic and rewarding to explore myself through music. Displaying this true self also gives something for people to connect with through that music, which I think is beautiful.

What can listeners expect from the EP Character in terms of its themes, production style, and overall sonic experience?  

I often describe “Character” as an unflinching exercise of self-advocacy and healthy shaming. Most of the EP discusses the themes of believing in yourself when nobody else will and remaining true to yourself in a world that’s increasingly devaluing genuine expression of the self. Admittedly, it’s disguised with a lot of bombastic braggadocio, but that’s what is at the core of it. The production matches the vocal performance and lyrics with its aggressiveness. I take a lot of chances with the instrumentation and sequencing, but the payoff is there for those looking for dark and experimental rap beats with influences ranging from old school Memphis hip-hop to avant-garde electronic music.

How do you hope your music and your story will inspire others to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with self-worth and being so hungry for external validation. I hope people that also have these struggles can hear this and recognize that they don’t need to look to others for validation. I hope they can recognize that they’re pretty badass as they are and that they can be what they want to be if it doesn’t hurt anybody. Put yourself first, fly your freak flag, and don’t apologize for it.

Could you elaborate on the emotions and experiences that influenced the creation of Character and the message you want to convey through the EP?

At the heart of this EP is a lot of pent-up frustration but also determination. I repeatedly call back to how I would be beaten down by a world that honestly felt like it didn’t want me to exist. Through it all, I’m still standing. I want this EP to serve a testament to my ability to not only survive through my personal hells but also to emerge stronger than ever as a result.

What are your future plans and aspirations as an artist, both in terms of your own music and collaborating with other creatives?

I’ve recently started on a road map for the next several projects over the next few years, both as Zamir Stills and MEANRUSE. I am also working on building my YouTube/Patreon following with music and videos in between releases. I’m trying to perform more at venues and events aswell. More broadly, I’m continuing to educate myself on the music world to grow into a strong professional in the industry. As far as goals go, I would of course love to get to a position where I can be a full-time artist and live off my passion. Beyond my own work, I want to be a part of helping other creatives achieve their visions, whether that’s composing for a film/game or producing/featuring on somebody’s album. One day, I may even want to become a concert pianist. I’ve still got a lot of practicing to do before I’m ready for that last one, though.

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