FEATURED ARTIST
Retrofitted
Phoenix, United States
ARTIST BACKGROUND
Retrofitted is a group of 6 artists with diverse backgrounds and tastes. With that in mind, the music produced covers a wide range of styles within the hip-hop community. Their latest EP 'To The Moon' was directed by Big Carlo. I decided to have a listen to this 6 track project and also grabbed Retrofitted in for a TJPL NEWS interview! So, let's get into it then...
TO THE MOON
REVIEW
Retrofitted have recently released their latest project entitled 'To The Moon'. This project contains 6 tracks that highlight the groups' diverse nature. Opening the project is a track called 'Smokin Drinkin' a track that mixes Hip-Hop and RnB in a way that captured me both as a reviewer and as an artist immediately. Talks of demons, dreaming, and losing focus are all present in the lyrics of the piece. This track is a great opening piece to the project and gets the listener curious to hear what the remainder of the project entails. Track 2 entitled 'Most of US' brings some 808s and bell synths that offer the perfect backdrop to the variety of rap flows that come into the track. The autotuned vocal element brings something similar to the vocal style of rapper Future'. 'Pressure' brings something darker to vocal performance. Offering whispered vocals we feel and hear the demons behind the words. The production is basic containing hip-hop drum loops and a wired synth along with a few 808s to keep the lyrical content at the front of this production. 'My Therapy' lifts the tone with a windpipe sounding synth and sprinkles of dreamy keys. Heavy 808s and a steady hi-hat loop allow for the hip-hop feel to remain in the track but also offer something dreamy in the use of melodic samples. Talks of drugs as therapy are the main theme of the track in a conscious rap that recognises mental struggles and journeys. The penultimate track 'Come Thru' is a track that got me hooked and fast. Catchy lyrics, smooth RnB, and catchy rap elements grab the listener instantly in a mix of old and new. Concluding the project we hear the title track 'To The Moon', a magical journey through the stars that are enhanced by trap soul and 80s synths. Retrofitted are a group that expresses their minds in a way that is both commercially viable and also extremely relatable to many. I loved this album. It addresses so many demons and disguises them in both a dark and uplifting way. Definitely, ones to watch.
INTERVIEW
What would be your ultimate achievement for your latest single?
Our goal is to have our music or in this case a song, reach as many people as possible and to be able to relate to as many people who are in a similar situation or have similar feelings.
Is there a particular vision that you had when putting the song together?
yea with 6 people in our group, there’s is no shortage of ideas or concepts for songs. we were wanting to make a song that anyone can relate to whether it’s being a stoner or battling through mental health issues.
If you could define music in one short sentence (no cheating) what would you say?
music is an outlet and a therapy, it gives you an escape but also lets you express your feelings in a song.
One artist you would bring back to life?
this is tough because so many legendary artist have paved the way for us but if i had to pick one i would chose Michael Jackson not only for his music but because he was business minded .
When did you first realise that you had the potential to be an artist?
it all started a year ago and we were originally messing around and not taking it serious, but one day someone we didn’t really know was telling us how much they enjoyed our music and they were showing their friends and we began to build a fan base.
Is there a memory that has stuck in your mind as the turning point for you?
it would be when we transitioned from a closet studio to an actual recording studio that other big name artist go to.
Do you play any instruments? If not, is there a specific one that you'd like to learn?
(Big Carlo) when i was younger i played the clarinet so that helped to be able to stay on beat and follow rhythm. i would love to expand and learn to play piano & guitar.
How would you define your sound?
we are trying to bring back R&B with some rap included. i believe we are unique because everyone has their own unique sound with their own flow.
What's the story behind your artist name?
for the longest time we didn’t really have a name, but one day we were deciding what we should call ourselves. we went through every name imaginable but after discussing what we are and what music we make, we wanted to be “Retro” in which we created Retrofitted
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as an artist?
biggest challenge would have to be our first live show. we didn’t know what to expect or know if anyone would show up. the preparation for the show was tough as well, trying to coordinate our movement and timing. but in the end, we ended having an amazing time and had an amazing turn out.
What are your future plans?
to continue making music and to expand our knowledge in different areas of music.
What can we look forward to for the rest of 2022?
we have our debut album on the way, on top of having a wide variety of music on the way and some music videos that are being made as we speak!
Where would you like to be 5 years from now?
5 years from, we would love to be on the radio, to be able to keep making relatable music and to have a even bigger following
Where can we find the track? Links to socials and distribution handles
you can find us on instagram @retrofitted_productions
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WnmMxQMOUPDWeZcWMAE7t?si=QDlhDIKCTTyMEsOVTJbeBQ
Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/retrofitted/1607919188
Youtube : https://youtu.be/ZamWPNQp_WM
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