First, tell us your name, where you’re from and where you live?
My name is RZ Rhymeztein and I was born in Washington, USA, and raised in BC, Canada, since I was like four. I currently live in BC.
How long have you been making music, and how much of the process do you have a part in when it comes to the entirety of a song?
It’s a long story lol. I’ve been making music since I was a baby. We had drums and a piano, my older brother let me hit them and make noises, and then around 1994 I started writing my own rock and roll songs. I started releasing music under the name RZ Rhymeztein in 2010. I create my own beats, write my own lyrics, record and master my albums, plus create my own artwork for the music. I do have to add that a lot of my process also comes from outside inspiration from around the universe.
How has staying true to your own vision contributed to your journey? - Are there any downsides in doing so?
I feel it has contributed to my journey by allowing me to be able to look in the mirror and not feel like I did something that went against my vision. I enjoy knowing that I stay true to myself when making my music because I always looked up to my future self as being humbly self-righteous. Sticking to your vision is also in long term a very valuable marketing factor as fans who last long want to follow a genuine artist over time. Some downsides might be not having certain listeners wanting to hear my music because I don’t sell my soul creating songs that go against my own morals.
What are some of the influences that drive your creativity?
My biggest influence is my mother. She is one of the hardest working people I know, with the biggest heart and is also a very creative artist. My father is also a big influence from always having an upbeat attitude and quick wit; he was also the first person to get me a musical instrument, lessons, and a jam spot for my band to create music.
I’m also influenced by Snoop Dogg, Eminem, KRS-One, NWA, Rakim, Run DMC, Gang Starr, and Sublime, just to name a few; and I’m also influenced by many local, and worldwide, graffiti artists.
What is your greatest joy in making music?
My greatest joy making music is when I hear something that just hits right. It will usually be a melody or a lyric that gives me butterflies the first time hearing, saying, or creating it.
Do you have any fears that challenge you when you’re creating?
I try not to allow fear to get involved when making music nowadays. Music and art is one of my happy places, and if fear enters my creative process I just don’t roll with it. I just keep focused on a path of happiness when creating music currently. I have created a process and formula that is very relaxing to work through so that I enjoy the process and the music comes out that way too.
What’s your writing process like and how important are lyrics to you?
My writing process is kinda simple but highly developed individually advanced. I used to write rhymes on paper then when cell phones came out, I started using them.
I try to make my lyrics easy to read in a rhythmic pattern. I will usually start listening to beats I make then I’ll just sing to them and come up with a chorus. After the chorus I start right away on a verse or set a time to create the verses. I then practice going over the lyrics for a couple days then I record the song.
Lyrics are very important to me because one of the main reasons I started to rhyme was because I really liked how much you can say in a hip-hop song compared to a rock and roll song. I also feel that lyrics are a very powerful part of music and life, as words hold incredible amounts of power and so they must be used very wisely.
What does your audience mean to you?
My audience means a lot of things to me. They are the ears who pay attention to my words, visions, and ideas. They also give me the feedback on my music that helps me elevate in so many ways. I truly feel that my audience, over time, has helped to shape my music through all their creative criticism and support. They help give me more purpose when making my music and I want to connect with them all as much as I can to show them how much their support means to me and the success of my music.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Knowing that I am given time to be alive on this magical planet, in this epic universe, with so many people who love me. Having the ability to create and enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer.
When you're not making music how do you spend your time?
I spend lots of time with my loved ones, or creating art, working other jobs, school, researching, and watching funny media mainly.
What’s coming up next for you?
I would say another album for summer of 2023, new merch website, graphic design career, and hopefully get back on a decent tour to showcase some of my new music.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? Upcoming release dates, recent/new projects... anything.
Yes, for sure, my new album “Legend Has It” just released on all digital platforms in March 2023, and just working on my next album, mostly creating the beats for it at the moment.
Thanks for sharing your time, we look forward to all that is to come from you.
Thanks so much for having me. I truly appreciate this experience. Much love!
https://www.instagram.com/rzrhymeztein/
https://www.youtube.com/therealrz
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KwjyAknYODlZXM4AvpuIR?si=xGt340BqQvyExRLN_fr3aQ&nd=1
Check out all that RZ Rhymeztein is up to by clicking the links above.
Peace, More Love.