Music Waves Q&A: 92elm

learn more about 92elm through dipity's monthly music interview spotlights

May 16, 2024

Introduction

92elm is a music producer, audio engineer, and sample maker residing in Philadelphia, PA. His music combines elements of R&B, electronic music n’ pop into a chilled-out blend. He's credited on work with Anitta, Khalid, Max Fry, Malik Elijah, and more artists that you might not be familiar with, but probably should be...

Q: What is your name? Where are you located?

92elm—I’m based in Philadelphia, but from Massachusetts originally.

Q: What is the backstory behind your artist or band name AND What does the name mean to you or signify?

92elm is based on the house I grew up in, 92 Elm Street...I had a really open, explorative childhood and created a lot in that house growing up, so the name represents that sense of pure, unfiltered creativity.

Q: How did you begin your journey into the world of music? AND How long have you been in the music industry?

I began writing rhymes and making beats when I was 15 or 16, and gradually got into the world of music from emulating artists I looked up to. That was around 2011, so it’s been about 13 years!

Q: What inspires you as an artist? Give us some insight into your creative process.

It’s hard to pin down really, I’m influenced by so much music. I love pop music and sticky melodies, from childhood favorites like Justin Timberlake to artists like John Mayer who was one of the first artists I discovered on my own as a teen. Indie hip hop is also a big influence on my lyric writing and rhyme structure, particularly artists like Atmosphere, Dilated Peoples, and El-P. I also have a love for R&B, like Kehlani, Victoria Monét, Lucky Daye to name a few.

Q: What's your favorite song you've released? Why is it your fave song?

I would say my favorite song I’ve released so far is “Stasis”, which came out in April this year. I think from the production, to the lyrics, to my vocal recording, I feel it really nails a lot of my influences and sounds how I wanted it to in my head. Topically it’s an important record to me, as I feel it’s very relatable, even though it stems from my own personal experience.

Q: What's an upcoming project or which event(s) are you excited about?

An upcoming project I’m excited about is my EP, There You Are which will likely be released by the time this Q&A is out! It’s a 5-song EP that feels really different for me, because I’m the vocalist on all of the songs, in addition to producing and mixing it. The subject matter feels very authentic and different to me.

Q: We love to read and get inspired by lyrics. Share the title of a song and its lyrics (one of your favorite songs you've either written or released).

Mask.
This song is about how we as humans hide our emotions and experiences from each other as protection, for fear of being judged or perceived in ways that we can’t control. It comes from my own life, but feels like it’s a concept that many people could relate to.
[Here are] lyrics for my song “Mask” from my recent EP:

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

tough learning about loss & change
like children wish it could stay the same
we’re putting on a face, maintain
like the fear it’ll break might take away
all of our control, ways we come to know
untold damage we don’t show
can’t let it go
what we want & fear the most

I’d rather ask about you than talk about me
taking up space doesn’t come naturally
but now we’re stuck in this room and maybe it seems
letting it down might be a relief

can we drop the act?
so exhausting, tell me
can we take off the mask?
can we take off the mask?

they wanna see more, not less
pull the veil & look deep into the depths
cause people wanna know, not guess
do away with all your pretense
ooh, leaving this shelter hurts sometimes
it’s true
but don’t you go run & hide

I’d rather ask about you than talk about me
taking up space doesn’t come naturally
but now we’re stuck in this room and maybe it seems
letting it down might be a relief

can we drop the act?
so exhausting, tell me
can we take off the mask?
feel it all collapse
let the pieces fall
go head and take off the mask

Q: What are your thoughts about the world of poetry?

I honestly am very unfamiliar with the world of poetry, I can’t say I’ve read a poem outside of academic/school settings. My experience with poetry really comes from lyrics in music, but I have a deep appreciation for words and how certain words, phrasing, etc. can communicate feelings in different ways.

Q: What is one book you’d recommend to others?

One book recommendation I have is Subliminal (2013) by Leonard Mlodinow. It’s a fascinating book about how our subconscious mind processes information, and a lot of the decisions or evaluations we make in life are not based on rationality, but on processes running below the surface inside our bodies.

Q: What was the last song you listened to or music video you watched (excluding your own music) that you recommend others listen to)?

Lucky Daye - HERicane

Q: Who are some of your favorite artists and musicians that you listen to?

So many! Check out Malik Elijah, Max Fry, Asha Imuno, Mk.gee, and Jasper Tygner.

To Check Out More of 92elm’s Music Visit:

Their Website

https://92elm.com/

Instagram: @92elm

Follow and listen to more on Spotify [Here]
Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@92elmmusic
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/92elm
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@92elm
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/92elmstreet

Any other thoughts, comments, or shares after reading the interview?

[Interview Processed By VFORROW]

Thank you so much, 92elm, for sharing and submitting to Dipity Lit Mag! ~ Jazz Marie Kaur (Vevna Forrow).

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