Tell us a few things about your new song “In My Head”. What is the story behind it?
During 2020 I started to place a bit more focus on my mental health. This was a time where I was just laid off from work because of the pandemic and I only had time on my hands. I didn’t want to continue the detrimental cycle of habits and I put a lot of effort to be as productive as I could be in bettering my mental health, and I’m so glad that I made that decision. But around the start or the middle of 2021, I realized that this pursuit for mental stability doesn’t simply end and it can actually turn into a cyclical chase to better oneself without the payoff of doing so. Essentially when I resolved one problem, another problem arose and it became more of a toxic state of mind. This was the lens that I was looking through when I wrote this song.
How would you describe your musical progress over these months?
Compared to my prepared releases, I’d say my newer songs and style have continued to evolve. It sucks because the music that people hear is music that I made like a year ago but it’s kind of nice to know that I’m sitting on some tracks that I think are musically the next step forward. The downside is I begin to hate my music pretty fast so by the time it’s out, I don’t enjoy listening to it. Nonetheless, I think with each song, my style is evolving and I’m starting to dip my toes in other genres that I want to incorporate into my music.
What first got you into music?
I’ve been playing music since I was like 8 years old. You know that stereotype that all Asians took piano lessons? Well… I fit that stereotype. But honestly, it wasn’t until my dad taught me my first few chords on the guitar when I really got into music. After doing my first couple of lessons, it was an upward trajectory from there with my interest and skills in playing the guitar which ultimately got me into writing my own songs.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Back when I was in a band, I definitely enjoyed performing music live more than writing. Now that I’m kind of a single act, I think I enjoy the confines of my room while I make songs, but I’m playing more shows and really enjoy it still. Also, playing music with others definitely relieves the stress of messing up and embarrassing yourself.
What would you change in the music industry?
I’d like to switch all business-oriented executives running the industry who don’t understand the life of an independent artist to be switched out with musically creative professionals who have an experienced background within the business side of the music industry. Something that would be fun is to take those business executives, give them the living situation and budget of the average independent artist and tell them to start making their own music while building their own fanbase without the connections that they have. I think that would be a great reality show!… don’t steal my idea.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would probably berate him with crippling insults on his moronic behaviors (past and future) first. Then I’d say “Buy Apple stock and Bitcoin.”
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
There are quite a few stories I could share here but I’ll share a more tamed story.
In middle school, my friend and I stole some alcohol from a market and we were chased out by the security guard and some cops that happened to be there. We bolted out of the store and took a sharp turn into the alleyway where there was a bush with a small opening. While my friend kept running forward, I dove head-first into the bush, went full prone position, and watched the dudes chasing me run right past me. Good times.
Thank you!
Follow Kubota
Instagram
HipHop Paranoia 