|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Rodney Hazard is a multi-talented artist whose work spans both design and music. Originally from Worcester, MA, he began his creative journey in his teenage years, quickly developing a unique sound that blends electronic, afro beats, and hip-hop. Hazard’s work isn’t just confined to music; as a designer and creative director, he has founded Le Loup Studios, where he seamlessly integrates design, film, and music into cohesive artistic experiences.
In this interview, Hazard shares insights into his creative process, the interplay between his music and design work, and his journey from a local DJ to an internationally recognized artist.
Let’s dive into the conversation.
Q1: How would you describe the type of music you make and your unique sound to someone who’s never heard your work before?
Rodney Hazard: I describe my music and sound as cinematic and dynamic—an eclectic mix between electronic, afro beats, and hip hop. I feel like my influences tend to show up in my music even if it’s for a second.
Q2: Your career spans both design and music. How do these two creative outlets influence each other in your work?
Rodney Hazard: These two creative outlets are constantly in flux and are continually helping one another. My approach to design is similar to my approach to music, specifically in how I communicate the message of a piece in a few steps. I try not to complicate my process and let the nuances of being human take the lead. That means mistakes and trying over and over again until it feels right. Whether visually or sonically, my work is informed by human nature.
Q3: Can you tell us about your journey from Worcester, MA to becoming an internationally recognized artist?
Rodney Hazard: I started making beats when I was around 14 or 15 years old. I used to reverse beats in virtual DJ and send them to rappers. I aimed to win awards for being a DJ in my city, so I started showing up at venues at a young age to make connections and DJ for some of the more established artists in the city. Even though I didn’t have much experience, I took risks to make myself known locally.
After a few years of establishing myself, I decided to pursue graphic design at St John’s University in Queens, NY. Moving to NYC was a turning point in my career, broadening my horizons and exposing me to the possibilities of being a full-time artist. During my freshman year, I landed some of my beats with lesser-known artists, with the most notable one being with Joe Budden, who was working on releasing his final mixtape of the Mood Muzik series.
Following this, I continued DJing locally in NYC and producing music for various artists on campus. It wasn’t until I was 20-21, getting ready to graduate from college, that I got a call from a singer friend to come to the studio with Heavy D, which turned out to be life-changing. I worked closely with Heavy D for about two weeks, spending long hours in the studio. He pushed me to stop sampling and start playing the piano. After those sessions, he released his last EP, “The Love Opus,” and tragically passed away shortly after. Rest In Peace to the legend.
After college, I began my independent journey. I continued producing for myself and other artists, striving to secure placements, entering beat contests, and spending late nights in the studio. Eventually, I sought management and was submitting beats for a Method Man project when I noticed that the person requesting them was an art director for one of my favorite record labels, Rawkus. Drawing inspiration from Questlove’s book, I asked him to manage me. During that time, I released albums like “The Art Of The Sample,” “Victim Volunteer,” and “Saint Or Savage,” and worked with well-known artists such as Bipolar Sunshine, AZ, Meyhem Lauren, M.O.P., A$AP Mob, and many more.
Fast forward to now, I have released 10 albums that have charted internationally and in the USA. These experiences have broadened my audience and allowed me to perform all over the world, from Canada to Prague to Cologne to Miami to Los Angeles, among many other locations. The journey continues, and I’m grateful to pursue my passion every day and share my music with the world.
Q4: What is your creative process like? Do you have specific topics you tackle in your music?
Rodney Hazard: I usually start my creative process with melodies. While many people begin with the drums, I prefer to make the sound cinematic before adding the drums to the track. After that, I continue to brainstorm until I feel like I’ve run out of ideas, then I move on to vocals and then drums. I enjoy writing songs from scratch and ensuring that my vocal performance can match up with my favorite artists. When it comes to lyrical topics, I try to address real and human issues, drawing from experiences I’ve lived through or feelings I’ve had towards someone or something. Whether it’s a positive or negative emotion, I’ve experienced it and can express it through the mood of the track.
Q5: You’ve collaborated with artists like Heavy D and A$AP Mob. How have these collaborations impacted your career?
Rodney Hazard: These collaborations have led me around the world and have opened my eyes and ears to different sounds, sights, and experiences that make their way into my music to this day.
Q6: Your latest single is “Lift Me Up.” What inspired this track, and how does it reflect your current artistic direction?
Rodney Hazard: “Lift Me Up” was inspired by a deeply personal mantra for myself. For this album and my direction, I was very focused on manifesting victories and prioritizing self-worth. I wanted the song to inspire listeners to embrace resilience and self-love, aligning with my broader artistic vision of blending emotional depth with immersive soundscapes.
Q7: How has your approach to music production evolved since you first started making beats in your teenage years?
Rodney Hazard: As a teenager, I used to sample a lot when making beats. Sampling was a major part of the sound of hip-hop, and it was considered an art form. Nowadays, I play the piano and some guitar, and I incorporate organic percussion instruments in all of my music. I tend to sample my melodies rather than using anyone else’s. It’s a different sound, but one that can be replicated.
Q8: Can you share an experience where your design work has influenced your music, or vice versa?
Rodney Hazard: My music always inspires my design, never the other way around. I look at music as colors, shapes, and forms so, as I compose a piece, I can imagine the composition of the design. Whether it’s an illustration or a photograph, I can foresee where I want the art direction to go when making a new piece of music.
Q9: Your music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. How does creating music for these mediums differ from your personal projects?
Rodney Hazard: I always aimed to create emotive and cinematic music that could be featured in films and TV shows. I’m humbled that people enjoy my music enough to include it in their projects. Making music for films and TV doesn’t differ much from my usual projects because my music naturally fits that medium.
Q10: Songs like “Love Me Back” and “Don’t Worry” have resonated with many listeners. Would you like to talk about these songs?
Rodney Hazard: Please continue to stream “Love Me Back” and “Don’t Worry”! Share these new tracks with a friend and create content with them to help spread the word. I’m thrilled that people love them. I produced them at a time when I was unsure about continuing my music journey because I wasn’t certain that people still wanted music from me. So, if you’ve streamed the music even once, I love you, and thank you for keeping the dream alive. Working on this new album has been a liberating and self-discovery journey, so thank you for your support.
Q11: As someone who’s worked in different creative fields, what advice would you give to young artists trying to find their unique voice?
Rodney Hazard: Iteration is the way to find your voice and creative identity. Don’t ever stop creating. Take risks, try new ways, and add to your process. You will always surprise yourself at the end of the day.
Q12: What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Rodney Hazard: I’m excited to announce that my new album, “Love Me Back,” is set to be released in mid-September. However, I’ll be releasing it a few weeks earlier, on EVEN. To join the waitlist for the album and gain access to free concert tickets, personalized merchandise, limited edition prints, custom cassette tapes, and much more, click the link below. By signing up, you’ll receive something special.
www.even.biz/releases/love-me-back
Q13: Any closing remarks?
Rodney Hazard: Thank you if you’ve made it this far. I feel like I’m just getting started so thank you, thank you, thank you. I look forward to continuing this journey with you by my side. See you soon.
Conclusion
As Rodney forges ahead, breaking new ground in his creative pursuits, fans have much to look forward to. His latest single, “Lift Me Up,” offers a taste of what’s to come. To keep up with Rodney’s upcoming projects and latest works, follow him on social media. The next chapter in Rodney Hazard’s artistic story promises to be as dynamic and inspiring as his journey so far and we can’t wait to see what he creates nex!
Instagram:@rodneyhazard | Facebook:RodneyHazardMusic