A Wild Hyper-Pop and Rap Record from CJ Stowklyn

The latest release from CJ Stowklyn comes through with a righteous display of rambunctious hyper-pop blended with several other genres to create an atmosphere that's thick, edgy, decimated, distorted, and in your face.

One of the things that really hits the most about this record is the artist's ability to sculpt sound.

Beats are affected with all kinds of different approaches, giving the record that alternative overtone along with the fast-paced beats and the element of color amongst it all, which is why it's technically considered hyper-pop; however, it definitely brings in other elements like rap, EDM, and electronic music.

What really grabs you about the record is that it's got character. This is an album that's laced with personality through and through, and as it unfolds, you get loads of surprises around its corners and different approaches to the production style.

There are loads of hooks everywhere. It's not just wrapping, but it's singing as well, and the whole thing has this massive pop sensibility attached to it, but it's sort of buried a little bit underneath all of the edgy sounds.

Tracks like "UND3R YOUR SP3LL" display both rapping and singing that complement the almost invasive beats while remaining poppy. The whole thing still has that pop overcoat, and I think that's an important element because that's the flare of the record.

Now, this is definitely experimental, especially in its production; however, there's also experimentation in the vocals and how they are approached.

Even a lot of the vocals have effects dripping from them so that you never have anything dry. The whole thing is swimming in these sorts of distortions and decimations so that you have a certain kind of aesthetic that comes through, bringing together the roughness of the alternative overtone, along with the pop underbelly.

Those fast paces and almost rambunctious approaches both instrumentally and vocally are what make it hyper.

"GO!" exemplifies a lot of this with great vocals that give you Hooks and lyrical phrasing that bounce firmly in between the deep-rooted grooves and beats; meanwhile, there's loads of synths layered in there giving that electronic feel and still keeping that high-energy level throughout it all.

The energy is a huge element to the record. It's one of the main reasons it works. He displays such intense energy a lot of the time, even when he's laying in some vocal hooks; the energy's almost through the roof, and that goes right along with the production.

The more experimental side of things comes from tracks like "SYNTH3TIC DR3AMS", which have more of a glitchy sort of approach focused on the element of wild soundscape and outside-the-box thinking.

"V1RUS G1RL" hits with a bit more of a heavy-handed hip hop approach, some extra vocals, thick hooks, and everything is very melodically based.

You still have the element of experimentation and edginess; however, tracks like this one feel more radio-friendly amongst the batch.

What's really cool about this release is that it reaches into a lot of the personality of the artist. He doesn't really hold a lot back when it comes to lyrics or how he's performing. He's all out. He gives all of his energy to the point where you want to go see it performed live just because these songs have a strange way of putting you in the moment with them.

I definitely dig records like this one. They give you an example of creators that think outside the box and albums that are built with almost no walls built around them.

Yes, there is consistency. The record is confluent. The songs blend into each other and go together perfectly as an album should. However, it's got far fewer boundaries than whatever you may be used to.

Even for avid listeners of hyper-pop in general, this record branches out and hits other areas, along with layering on those effects to give it more punch.

As I mentioned earlier, the whole thing is like a lesson in sound sculpting, and it's amazing to listen to all the way through, in one shot.

It's a pretty big record with 11 Tracks in total, but all of them have a life of their own. Some of them, like the ones I mentioned already, stand on their own two feet very well as singles, but listening to only a few tracks from this record just won't do.

This comes from a person who utilizes the creative mind to express things and puts together songs and production in the moment so that you have something quite memorable.

As I mentioned earlier, the rambunctious side of things is always there, but so is the pop element. Bringing in the hip-hop, rap, and hyper approaches really helps the record mold its own soundscape, and that's probably what I like most about it.

It's been a while since I've heard a record with this much character and avant-garde songwriting and thinking in terms of production and style.

Upon listening to it, I knew I wanted to have a chat with the artist, so that's exactly what I did.

So, while you dig into this record, have a read through of our interview with CJ Stowklyn.

Hello CJ! N3URAL DISORD3R was wild! How is it you put your sons together?

Does it start with a beat and then you move into lyrics once the instrumental is complete? Or is it lyrics first and then you work around that?

Hello! Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. N3URAL ORD3R was definitely one of my most ambitious projects yet.

Most of the time the process starts with the production or a melody first. I build a vibe sonically and then the lyrics come naturally from the emotion of the instrumental. Sometimes I’ll freestyle ideas first and shape them into full songs after.

This is a pretty big release! How long did it take you to put it all together?

This project took a long time to fully come together because I wanted every track to feel like part of the same world. A lot of experimenting, revising, and evolving happened throughout the process.

Are you there for the final mixing or mastering process?

I’m very involved in the final mixing and mastering stages. I care a lot about details and how the music feels emotionally and sonically, so I like being hands-on until the final version is complete.

What's your DAW like?

I mainly work in logic and build ideas from there. I’ve always been super into production, vocal processing, and creating atmosphere.

Did you produce these songs on your own?

A lot of the songs were executive produced and creatively directed by me

Do you pull influence for life experience when writing lyrics?

My lyrics definitely come from real experiences, emotions, relationships, pressure, growth, and the environment around me. Even if a song sounds futuristic, there’s usually something personal behind it.

Do you play live shows? If so, how do you pull that off exactly?

Yeah, I perform live shows and touring has been a huge part of my growth as an artist. In 2024 I toured with Mark Battles across multiple cities in the U.S. and U.K., and performing live really taught me how to bring the energy of the music into a real-world experience.

Do you find writing cathartic?

Writing music is definitely cathartic for me. It’s one of the main ways I process emotions and ideas.

Did you always write and produce your stuff?

I’ve always been heavily involved in both the writing and production side. Even early on, I wanted to understand how to create the full vision myself.

Did this album come out how you expected?

The album honestly evolved into something even bigger than I expected. It became more cinematic and experimental over time while still feeling emotional and human.

What's your favorite aspect about this record?

My favorite aspect of the record is probably the world-building. I wanted it to feel immersive from start to finish.

Is there anyone you'd want to thank for being a part of the release?

I’d definitely like to thank everyone who helped support the project creatively and personally, along with everyone listening and believing in the vision from the beginning. It truly means a lot.

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