Exclusive Interview
Produced by: Rudy Manager
Edited by: Rudy Manager & Andrej Aroch
Nascent – Artist & Producer Behind SZA, Kanye West & Brent Faiyaz on His New Project
Studio Talks caught up with Nascent, this time in person in LA on April 14, for an update interview about where he’s at creatively, the process behind his upcoming album Already Won, They Just Forgot to Clap, and how he balances his own world as an artist with his work as a producer. A seasoned producer who has worked with artists like SZA, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, Brent Faiyaz, and many more, Nascent continues to carve out his own lane through his solo releases. In this conversation, he opens up about the making of the album, talks about the difference between working on his own releases and other artists’ projects, and shares advice for music producers.
“There are still dope people making dope music, and it’s there for you if you want to look for it.”
- Nascent
How have you been since we last spoke last December?
Since we last spoke, I’ve been locked back in on my album. I like to take my time with these projects because there’s a certain level and standard I want to meet or exceed. I don’t want to rush anything.
So that’s really been the main thing for me right now, getting back into the album and focusing on that.
How has the process been working on the album, and how do you choose the artists you want to include on the project?
I would say the process for this album has been pretty similar to last time. A lot of it is me chasing down artists to get the features, and it’s not just one, two, or three people. It could be 12 or 15 features, so it’s about making sure the timing lines up with everyone’s schedule.
It’s been pretty cool, though. I think this time around, I found maybe two new artists that I’m going to introduce on this project. That’s really been the main focus right now, along with tightening up the songwriting and making sure the production and everything else meets or exceeds what I did last time.
I’d say one of the biggest obstacles is not getting in my head too much.
Sonically, how would you describe this new project compared to your previous one?
Sonically, I tried to stay in my world with this album, but also elevate it from my previous work. This album is called Already Won, They Just Forgot to Clap. It’s kind of an underdog story, but it’s also about realizing that the validation we seek isn’t always something we actually need. At the same time, wanting that validation is a very human feeling. We look for it from wherever we think we need it.
Another layer to the title is me trying to be transparent and tell the story of what I’m currently going through. Why do I feel like the underdog? Then, by the end, there’s that realization that constantly chasing validation can be a disservice to yourself. I also believe there’s a certain level or place you’re trying to reach that might not actually exist, so you’re always seeking something more. For me, it’s about trying to be more present.
Sonically, I don’t really know how to explain this one yet. It’s going to feel familiar if you know my work, but it’s also going to be dope. I think people are just going to have to wait and hear it.
In terms of timeline, when can fans expect the project to be released?
Right now, I don’t know exactly yet. The music should be done this year, and I think it’ll definitely be worth the wait. Hopefully, it comes out this year. That’s my goal.
What is your creative process like? Do you have a set routine, or does it change depending on the situation?
My approach to working on music varies from situation to situation. Right now, we’re working on the album in LA, locked in at a house and trying to find what we’re looking for. There are a lot of different people here right now, so a lot of it is just us collaborating.
If I’m not doing a camp or something like that, then I’m usually at home. I work on music every day. It’s like putting up free throws and making sure you stay sharp. Even if you’re just chopping up a sample or making a beat, it’s good to stay active creatively, even though there are definitely moments when you don’t feel inspired.
Every day, I like to go box and then come home. It gives me a clearer mind, and from there, I can get to the music.
You’ve released your own projects, but you also produce for other artists. How do those two worlds compare, and what changes when you’re working on your own music?
When I’m working on my own music, I have full creative control. It’s the story and the world I’m trying to build, so I can curate everything the way I want to. There’s more freedom for me to be creative and have fun with it.
When I’m working with other artists, it’s about meeting them where they are. Sometimes your role changes, and you have to show up in different ways depending on what the situation needs. I enjoy both, but I don’t chase anyone. I don’t try to get on anything that’s already super popular or that everyone is trying to be a part of.
It’s not to be negative, but I’d rather create my own wave or find an artist who’s talented and help build them up than join something that’s already hot. It’s easy to join something like that, but it’s not easy to take someone nobody knows yet and help turn it into something. To me, that’s what really separates the chiefs from the Indians.
What advice would you give to producers who haven’t released their own music yet, but want to step into that world and release projects with artists?
I would probably start by finding three or four artists you really work well with, or people you can get in the room with, and maybe put out a single just to feel it out. Be mindful and intentional with the artists you’re putting together and the story you’re trying to tell. Also, understand the business, because you might hit some roadblocks when you’re trying to clear songs, especially if you have a lot of artists involved, depending on whether they’re signed or not. Those are all things to keep in mind.
Just be patient, because one problem I usually run into is aligning everyone’s timing. Some people are touring, some people are working on their own projects, and some people are going through personal stuff. It’s about figuring out the right time and then trying to capture the magic in that moment. That can be difficult, so you have to be persistent with it.
As far as music in general, you have to want to work hard. You have to want to work harder than the next person, but you also have to be a little delusional. You have to be patient, and you have to be able to fail without being shaken by it. Failure should go in one ear and out the other. A lot of people say they want to quit, and honestly, if you want to quit, then quit. You’re only taking up space from people who really want to do this and are willing to sacrifice for it. So I always say respect the music and respect the grind.
What do you think about the current state of the music industry right now? You can speak on the business side as well as the music that’s been coming out.
My thoughts on the music industry are interesting because I don’t really feel like I’m in the industry like that. But I would say there are a lot of things that need to be addressed and a lot of things that need to change, specifically with songwriters not getting paid and producers getting paid late or getting paid last. There has to be some sort of system in place to make sure these people get their money, get paid properly, and are able to make a living from their work, especially when these companies are making billions of dollars off the art and the creators behind it.
At the same time, I feel like there are so many opportunities for young artists to change their lives overnight because of the internet, so that’s a positive. But like anything in life, there’s duality. There are a lot of great things happening, but there’s also a lot of nonsense, so you have to sift through both sides.
I love some of the music that’s coming out. I think we have the option not to listen to what we don’t like, so I don’t really understand why people complain so much. I don’t listen to music I don’t like. If I don’t like something, I change the song. When people complain about the state of music, I think there are still dope people making dope music, and it’s there for you if you want to look for it. Maybe you just have to look a little harder and not entertain the nonsense.
What artists can you shed some light on that people should check out?
There are so many good artists I’d recommend people check out. I think a lot of people who are familiar with my work know the artists I’ve worked with and the careers I’ve helped build up. I love Jordan Ward, I love Orion Sun, Duckwrth, Saba, Rizz Capolatti, and Sailorr.
One newer artist I like is Rhakim Ali from New York. He’s really, really dope, and I like him a lot. There’s also an artist named Hailey Knox who’s super talented and really dope. I’m trying to think off the top of my head who else I’ve been listening to, but those are a couple of names that stick out right now.
There’s a lot of great music out there. I love Leon Thomas too. He’s really dope and incredible. That’s about all I can think of right now.
Follow Nascent on Instagram: @nascentbeats
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