A consistent trend throughout almost the entirety of music history it seems is the fact that the people behind the boards fail to get the recognition they so clearly deserve from the grander masses, at least compared to the musicians they produce for. The amount of passion, fortitude, and sheer dedication to their craft is something that often goes unnoticed for quite the large majority of producers as it stands — even the biggest and most prolific of them see this issue affecting them for years on end.
To say that 4am – an artist/producer out of Arizona – has laid claim to this exact sentiment throughout essentially his entire career is a complete and utter understatement; this absolute gem of a superstar has been essentially carrying a great deal of the upcoming next era of pop music on his back as far as production is concerned. Though figures like Blackwinterwells, Glasear, and Dolly among many others see their frequent ventures into production acclaimed and allotted for both its quality and/or quantity, 4am has not been categorized with them as much as he really should be in the process.
Through that aforementioned spirit shining through in his remarkable production work, along with his equally defining work as a solo artist on his own, the Novagang forerunner is ready to change whatever preconceived notions are placed upon him — because his music life is all he has, and all he’s ever wanted.
You have been easily one of the most prominent figures in this rising underground music scene since its inception, so describe your background with it all and how you got your start with everybody.
I discovered the underground SoundCloud scene in 2017 and that inspired me to start making beats. I started making beats just as a hobby but over the years it eventually formed into a full-time thing as I noticed I was getting bigger fast.
What was that moment where you felt like things were picking up?
I normally have a lot of fun with music, but after a while I started having down moments where I didn’t like any of the music I was making. But I still try and make as much music as possible, even when I don’t feel like it. I know I have a lot of potential and I don’t want to waste it.
Would you say there’s anything besides your own potential that drives you to make the amount of content that you do, even on the down days?
One reason I’m sticking with music is because in all honesty, it’s all I have. I recently dropped out of high school to pursue music so I’ve had a lot of spare time recently. Since I don’t go to school anymore I’ve just been trying to make as much music and money as possible, so I can achieve my goals and make my parents proud.
You very obviously work insanely hard at your craft, maybe more than anyone else in your place. Yet you’ve expressed quite a lot that you underappreciated within the scene as a whole. Why is that the case?
This is something I’ve been going through for a while. I know that people fuck with me and that I’m in-demand, but sometimes I just feel like I’m slept on and unappreciated compared to others. But that just makes me want to make even more music, because I know if I start to slack, then I’ll start to fall behind the rest. No matter what, I’m always getting things done and I plan on keeping it that way.
Do you think there’s a specific reason as to why you have ended up feeling like this?
Honestly, it’s kinda hard to say. Sometimes I just feel like my friends are better and more talented than me. I tend to judge that by how many plays I get compared to others, which is a habit I really need to break. This brings me back to wanting to make as much music as I can, because the more I get done the more people will start to notice my potential.
And despite feeling like that, you show so much support to your friends and contemporaries that are going up right now. Who in particular has impressed you the most and made you the happiest to see them win?
It makes me happy seeing my fellow Novagang members go up, especially Angelus, Kuru, and Dolly. Those 3 people mean so much to me. I’ve known them for a long time and we’ve been through a lot together – good and bad – and it really makes me happy seeing them get the attention they deserve. Overall I’m just really happy seeing all of my friends make it in the scene.
One of your biggest goals is making people realize who you are as a singular act with all of this, so what do you have coming next that might work to accomplish this?
Aside from getting some of my favorite artists on my beats, I plan on dropping a lot of vocal songs this year too. I’m planning on dropping a music video soon, but I’m not sure for which song yet. I also want to have an EP out by the end of the year as well. This all works towards my goals of making as much music as I can, because in the end I know that will make me happy with myself.