Hello, it’s great to have the opportunity to chat with you. Who is Cypher Unknown?
A: Hey it’s good to chat with you too. Well I started out as a hardcore vocalist in my 20’s and got into hip hop later. My initial idea for Cypher Unknown was to create a sound and the spirit of hardcore but with beats instead of guitars. My first hip hop band was Tusken Coalition I learned a lot about hip hop in that band.I got the name Cypher Unknown from a lyric by Vast Aire from Cannibal Ox. I messaged him and he gave me his blessing to use the name, he’s a cool dude and very influential. I started writing songs on my phone and computer then I approached Johnny A Carter from the Moot Group who agreed to produced the LP. Johnny is a good friend and mentor who has elevated the songs, I couldn’t have done it without him. It’s been a real passion project from the start.
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your desired path?
A: You know I had a really hard childhood. My dad had epilepsy and my mum had Schizophrenia. It’s almost like a different life now. Music was my escape at an early age that helped me through some tough times. Writing lyrics and creating my own music is a dream, I couldn’t wish for more and I’m feeling blessed. I’m over my grief and I’ve passed those tough times and now I can express my feelings and thoughts better in the songs. It has been a journey but it’s a lot more for me, more like recovery.
We love ‘House Party’. Could you please provide us with some insight into it?
A: I wrote the song while we were all at home for 2 years watching the death toll on TV in the pandemic. In the UK it was sunny, so everyone had house party’s, had barbecues. The irony is, the song was wrote before our government got found out, apparently they had better parties! House Party also features Dave from The Seven O’clock Gun who has an awesome voice. I’ve known Dave for a long time and he used to be in an awesome hip hop band called Blu Monkey and my old band Tusken Coalition.
How do you ensure your continuous growth and development as an artist?
A: I can’t think too much about that to be honest. It’s not like I have a 3 year plan like it’s a business. It’s an evolving thing that began when was 15 years old. I just want people to enjoy the music and feel the passion I have for it.
What can we anticipate from your upcoming releases in terms of style and sound? How will they differ from your previous works?
A: I’m currently writing new songs. It’s taking time but I don’t want to release songs that I’ve done before. The LP Crisis Point was diverse in sound so I want to keep that going. I’m going to keep my sound but evolve it. I started music being inspired, then I emulated, now I’m innovating.
Where are you located? Can you share with us how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
A: I’m from Nottingham, right here in the middle of England. A metropolis of charity shops and student hang outs. You have your posh restaurants right next to your kebab take aways. I mean even Nottingham Castle went bankrupt. Music has always been rebellious in Notts, I mean a busker with a xylophone became more popular with locals than Robin Hood in this city. I reckon we need a Sheriff! do you know any?
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
A: We’ll CBGB’s but alas it’s no more. Would love to play in the infamous basketball court where Fugazi once played. Not sure I’d be able to climb in the hoop like Guy Picciotto, I’d give the fucker a go through.
Can we anticipate a forthcoming EP or album from you soon?
A: I’m currently working on the next LP. The start is the best and how it evolves into the finished record. I’m really excited about it.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what plans do you have for 2024?
A: I will be writing new songs in 2024 with my producer Johnny A Carter from The Moot Group. I would like a label support too. Then more gigs, really looking forward to next year it’s gonna be good. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback so I want to take this moment to thank everyone who’s been involved, listened and enjoyed the music of Cypher Unknown.