Abhi The Nomad – Abhi vs. The Universe

By starrymag | October 5, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) The hardest question I’m asked. It’s on a constant curve of change project to project. Although I’d say I reside somewhere in the alternative hip hop range.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) The range is so wide – melodically I think I pull a lot from legacy rock artists like Beck, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age, but lyrically and topically I feel I exist in the Anderson.Paak feel. Make sense?

 

Q) I see that the “Nomad” in your name derived from your experience in constantly shifting from one place to another in a few years. Did the experience you had in different places effect your music somehow?

 

A) Only in the sense that my world view and perspective is different than that of others. Travelling a lot gives you a unique perspective on life. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different. You’ll hear that being something I speak about relatively consistently in my music.

 

Q) Where did the idea for this virtual world around Abhi vs The Universe come from?

 

A) Well, I’ve been playing games in my downtime and I always want to build an aesthetic around each project that serves a purpose. This time, it’s to display how life’s like a video game and you can get better with each chapter, through trial and error. It also has a lot to do with decision making and how the outcome of things is totally up to you depending on the choices you make.

 

Q) What made you select “Long Nights” to be the first track released off the album?

 

A) It’s not first on the tracklist, but it was the first single to come out simply because it slaps. I think people understood immediately that this new phase of music wasn’t in the same world-topical and eco-focused themes of Modern Trash.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I don’t know if my fans always lyrically connect with the song as far as my reasons for writing them or what my intentions were. I just know that when it sounds good, it sounds good and they vibe with it regardless of its exact meaning or reason.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Always music before lyrics. Sometimes I’ll have verses written that fit other songs rhythmically and I’ll rearrange the words or go in and modify things before recording it, but usually I make a fully fleshed out beat, and then start writing.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Usually, all of it. Sometimes I employ the skills of my peers to help me out with some 808s, drums or instruments that I can’t play like sax, anything brass or intense guitar solos.

 

Q) Do you prefer a particular setting to work in when it comes to creating your tracks or are you easily adaptable?

 

A) I must have all my shit with me. I do not like studios with nice fancy equipment. It halts the ability to focus on the music.

 

Q) What are some themes we see you exploring on this new album?

 

A) Happiness, dealing with the weight of the world, confidence and conquering my own goals.

 

Q) What were some challenges that you came across while creating the album?

 

A) Being in a pandemic while finishing it hasn’t been the easiest. Developing all the assets for it, handling the team behind it doing all of this while stuck at home isn’t convenient. [laughs]

 

Q) What songs on Abhi vs The Universe hold a special significance to you?

 

A) All of them. You’ll see.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to this album as a whole?

 

A) I always hope for the same thing – that people appreciate life, stay aware and question things while being comfortable in their own skin and loving themselves. That’s the start to happiness. It’s not the grind or the achievements. Attempt to love yourself first, ask questions and then you can start wondering about changing the world.

 

Q) You have garnered over a million monthly listeners on your Spotify channel. How does it feel to have such a global influence?

 

A) It’s amazing. But it could all crumble into pieces if I flop or take a misstep, so I’m usually either extremely grateful or extremely anxious. It’s a good anxiety though.

 

Q) You’ve also recently been hosting game nights on Twitch. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) It’s not just an important way for me to connect with fans, I have several channels where people can reach me and talk to me – I also want people to realize I’m kinda just like them? Aside from the music, I’m pretty regular. To be honest, I’m not even that good at any video games. Twitch is a peak behind the curtain where other social media doesn’t give me that ability.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) At this point? I’d like to work with any of my musical influences. Whether it be production or features.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’m listening to an old favorite right now: Mars Volta. Everything they do is strange and amazing, the musicality of each song all the way from the percussion to the chords and lead melodies are incredible.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you. I literally wouldn’t exist without y’all. Hope you like what’s to come.