Getting To Know... Rod212

After spending the last few months unleashing a frenzy of fresh and driven releases, fast-rising Chicago native Rod212 returns once again to deliver his explosive new gem 'Really Not Okay'.

Teaming up with vocalists Sal Ly and Rico Maz for the release, 'Really Not Okay' makes for a brilliantly enticing listen. Blending a heady mix of R&B and drill-inspired aesthetics throughout, this new offering marks another bold step forward for his sound to date.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Music is an art form that's meant to be enjoyed by many, but this can be hard if you don't have a drum. The drum is a very important and versatile instrument in music. It can provide a steady beat, add excitement and energy to songs and create a wide range of sounds and rhythms. The drum is also often considered the backbone of many types of music, as it helps to keep other instruments and musicians in time and on track. Overall, drums are highly influential in music and have been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

Hip-hop is the music I enjoyed the most when I was younger. Hip-hop is what the listener makes of it. It encompasses many styles, but has become widely associated with a particular sound and culture. Hip-hop music often deals with themes of social and political issues, as well as with themes of personal experience and self-expression. Many people enjoy hip-hop for its energetic rhythms and catchy melodies, as well as for the creativity and originality of its lyrics. This is what made me fall in love.

What was the first album you remember owning?

I was only 10 years old at the time and I bought the CD, Beware of Dog, from a music catalogue. Bow wow's music at the time was very relatable to kids and teenagers. Beware of Dog was such a great album, it featured a few hit singles that received major airplay on the radio like "Bounce With Me " and "Puppy Love".

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

I wish I could have written “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. "Uptown Funk" is a popular song written by Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, and a team of other songwriters. It was released in 2014 and became a worldwide hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries and receiving numerous awards and accolades. The song features a catchy, upbeat funk-pop sound and is known for its memorable hook and danceable beat. If you enjoy music composition and have a passion for creating new and innovative sounds, you may be able to write a song that becomes as popular as "Uptown Funk". It can be helpful to study the techniques and approaches of successful songwriters and to practise and develop your skills through practice and experimentation.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

In life, I try to listen to what other people are going through and live my own life to the fullest. Creating music that resonates with an audience can be a very rewarding experience, and it can also be a powerful way to connect with others and to share your thoughts and feelings. To make my music more relatable to my audience, I want to consider writing lyrics that address common themes or experiences that many people can relate to. I might also try to craft melodies and chord progressions that are catchy and memorable, as this can help to engage listeners and keep them interested in my music.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Whenever I drive around a city, I listen to Drake's music because that's the time when I listen to music. Drake has a reputation for creating catchy, radio-friendly hits that explore themes of love and relationships. As a fan of rap music, I also enjoy exploring artists who are similar in style or who have influenced his work such as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. The relationship between Drake's music and a wider history of hip-hop is integral to understanding how he has become so popular.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

If I could open a show for anyone in the world, it would be Bad Bunny. He’s the biggest artist right now and has the biggest shows. Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who has had a very successful career in the music industry. He is known for his unique blend of reggaeton, trap, and Latin music, and has released several successful albums and singles that have been popular around the world. Many people admire his talent, creativity, and originality, and he has a large and dedicated fan base.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

It is very rewarding to see people respond positively to my music. My goal is to use my music to connect with an audience, and by sharing my passion for music it allows me to inspire others.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Creating music is the only thing that truly relaxes me. When I was producing and not vocalising on my tracks I would get frustrated with the talent around me not taking music seriously. Particularly when we saw other artists receiving recognition for lacklustre content. However, it's important to remember that success in the music industry can be influenced by a wide range of factors, and it's not always easy to predict which artists or songs will become popular. It can be helpful to focus on developing your own skills and craft as a musician, and to create music that is authentic and meaningful to you. By staying true to your own vision and values as an artist, you can create music that you are proud of and that resonates with listeners.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Take a full-time interest in the music business. Musicians should spend money on all aspects of their music, not just the songs themselves. In addition to investing in the production and quality of your music, it can be helpful to focus on building a strong brand and identity as an artist. This can involve investing in things like album artwork, music marketing, and professional website design, as well as in the development of your stage presence and performance skills. It's also important to invest in equipment and technology that will allow you to create and record music to the best of your ability. Finally, investing time and effort into your music is crucial. This may involve practising, collaborating with other musicians, and seeking out opportunities to perform and share your music with others. By investing in these various areas, you can create a strong foundation for your music career and set yourself up for success.

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Rod212's new single 'Really Not Okay' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.