An Interview with praytell.

A very flavorful new record from praytell. just dropped and this release is packed with a unique and very experimental form of hip hop that really holds together in such a unique fashion. This is an album that reflects the artist and his personality but also boasts such a colorful and outside the box sort of approach when it comes to production and even vocals at times.

The album is called I love myself and I wanna die, and it certainly doesn't waste much time getting to some of this sort of sporadic and slightly edgy but still pop-coated and bright soundscapes.

The first track, "mynameispray", sort of eases you into the record, in a sense. It's not as full-on experimental as some of the other tracks, but you start to get the idea of how this whole thing is going to be a little avant-garde and think outside that box.

You also start getting a feel for the personality behind everything because the lyrics are actually very honest.

This is an aspect that stays consistent throughout the entire release. You get lyrics that are often coming from a real place, and throughout that, you get an inner thought that comes spilling out for all to soak up.

This gives the record so much robust and thick-bodied character that you just can't turn away from it.

If I were to have to describe this entire record in one word, it would certainly be character.

I feel like that persona is what keeps you there. That character is so in your face, but still well-balanced.

You also get R&B flows, vintage hip hop, along with underground sort of art forms of hip hop, and so much more, all rolled into this one release.

At times, the record could be so straightforward lyrically that you can tell he's just giving pieces of himself in the music. He's having fun with it and doing it in this sort of colorful manner, but those lyrics are really right in your face.

Sounds like "peopleiknow" serves as a damn near perfect example of exactly that.

He's letting those thoughts out. He's not building barriers or walls around the art that he's delivering and creating, so it's very addictive.

Again, you have that experimental avenue in terms of the beat and how songs can come together, utilizing sound sculpting for percussion and keys, synth tones, and loads of unique textures that pop in and out throughout the record.

By the time you get three or four songs into this album, you begin to expect the unexpected, which is incredibly refreshing.

This is something that stands tall because it's not exactly one genre or style. It is blending unique attributes of R&B, pop, Indie, and hip hop, so that it forms an atmosphere that is all its own.

Again, all of this comes with that robust character that you get attached to.

"fukmylife" is probably my favorite track, because of the way his lyrical phrasing is formed, how the song flows, how the entire sound of it comes together, but also how upfront he is again with those lyrics.

By the time you get to this track, you really have a good understanding of what this is all about. The songs are like chapters in his life. These are almost like diary entries.

When you read a book, you don't skip chapters. I would not suggest giving songs on this record just the same.

There are no two songs that are really super alike. He always seems to be branching off in different directions, experimenting, and coming up with soundscapes that are really vibrant but still have this strangely smooth underbelly to them.

This was such a fun record, and unlike anything I've heard before. Being able to blend this experimental indie approach into hip hop and R&B was just brilliant, but what really gets you is the honesty and character building throughout it all.

Those combinations are what make the record really special, and I would suggest just about anyone to listen to this release. It's not for one type of person. Anyone can get into this.

What's cool about it is that it's a love it or hate it kind of record. No one's going to stand in the middle and say, "Hey, this is kind of cool".

You're going to eat or love it, or you're not. I personally loved it because it was a breath of fresh air in a world of everything sounding the same.

I think this is exactly what we need in music right now. To step outside the lines and just do something with no boundaries.

This was quite a brilliant release, and I definitely suggest listening to it all the way through, from start to finish, all in one shot.

Upon listening to it we definitely knew we wanted to sit down with the artist to find out more about where it actually came from and what might be coming up next for him, so as you listen to the record, have a read through of our interview with praytell. below.

Remember where you heard it first.

Let's talk about I Love Myself and I Wanna Die! This record was experimental and blended all kinds of lush pop elements with hip-hop super well! Where did this album come from?

It was just me playing around, I think. I like to try and make something new, every time I make a project. For this one, I actually recorded all the vocals first, to a click track, and then made the beats over the vocals after. Lyrically, I was in a very dark place, so the lyrics come from me being really depressed and just feeling awful, but trying to make something out of it.

I'm hearing a few different styles to this record! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

I am inspired by all sorts of hip hop, mostly. Some of my favorites are JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Tyler, The Creator, Death Grips, ASAP Rocky. But really

I’m inspired by anyone who does their own thing. I love it when people are just themselves.

How did this all start for you as an artist?

I started really early making music. I got a guitar for my 12th birthday and started instantly playing every day. I fell in love with music at a very young age. Then at 19, I started at The Rythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, where I studied music composition and production.

During this, I hurt my hand really bad, so I started producing with my left hand, because I couldn’t play guitar. And that’s where this praytell. project comes from.

Are you performing live right now? Any touring in support of the release?

I wish. I am currently trying to get some shows, but it’s hard out here. I am very active in the studio tho! Making a shit ton of music, so hopefully that will result in some upcoming shows!

Did you record this at a home setup, or a bigger studio?

I prefer to make my music at home, actually. It’s just more comfortable. And I have all the gear I need at home. I have a studio, but I rarely use it. Unless I have sessions with other people. Then

I prefer to be in the studio.

Now that this is out, what's next for you?

Taking over the world, haha. I’m just trying to get my name out here. I think my music is awesome, so I want people to hear it. I would love to go on tour and connect with people in real

life. I feel like that’s where the magic happens.

Who's in your headphones right now?

I love the new ASAP Rocky album. Been waiting 8 years for it! And then I’ve been diving back into Pixel Bath by Jean Dawson. That is a masterpiece. I really wanna work with him.

Are you working on anything new now?

I currently have a plan to release a project every three months this year actually. So yes, working hard! Two is done, I just need to mix them.

What would you tell people they can expect on this release?

You can expect a project that has something to say. I think I’m really honest about some dark subjects on this project and I would love for people to feel seen by it. To feel that they’re not alone. ‘Cause I know a lot of people struggle with the same things I do. And then you can expect some fun productions that really plays around. And, in my opinion, something new. I don’t feel

like there’s a lot of music that sounds like this.

Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?

I love you. This music shit means everything to me, and if you resonate with it, I am profoundly grateful. I will make sure to have more for you in the near future!

SPOTIFY

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE