MRALD Discusses His Production Style & Personal Connection With Music

Intro:

23-year-old musician MRALD is pushing the genre with cutting-edge beats & song arrangements. MRALD (pronounced “emerald” without the “e’s”) has been invested in music for almost half of his life now. During our interview today, the young producer touches on a range of topics about himself & his career. We all love learning more about the people who work behind the scenes to keep the industry moving. Before reading our full conversation below, you can also follow the artist on all platforms at @prodmrald and @mraldarchive to stay connected.

Meet MRALD

Me: First, how would you describe your music production style as a creator?

MRALD: I believe that it’s a back-and-forth blend between beauty and darkness. I really can’t classify it as too deep though. However, I’m feeling that day is the vibe I go in and make. It’s hard for me to control. I do have plans to change my own personal style apart from the beats I make.

And how did you start getting into music at first?

I pretty much grew up in the middle of nowhere. So I had no neighbors, no parks, no nothing anywhere within walking distance. So outside of school, I didn’t really have much going on socially before I got my license. When I was ten I began playing guitar and that changed everything. That’s essentially when I started building my studio.

Do you remember the first beat you made back in the day? What was it like compared to what we know now?

I do. The first beat I ever made definitely made me cry and I dropped it on my last project. Prior to that moment, I believe I was at a rock bottom point of my life, and the moment I made it, was the moment things started going in the other direction. I ended my last project with it thus enforcing the “Through the Storm” name. The project was basically me telling my story without a single word. It still amazes me how well it fit with a project that was made all in a couple of months before the release, almost like it was made to be there.

That’s awesome man! Who are some people you would like to work with around your area? And who are some you dream of collaborating with?

I’d like to get songs with Malay, Ayo Nick, and my boy Salim. My favorite rapper was always Dolph so that’s who I always dreamed of working with. But next to him, it has to be Chief Keef or Trav. That’s my top three.

Your solo discography is pretty impressive. But who are some of your favorite artists & producers to work with?

I haven’t officially worked with many artists in music so far. But shout out the homies Oryah, CozyClyde, ER Black, and SADBOIDREAMZ that went crazy. And shoutout my homies Deester, Steve, Nick B, Klam, Deane, and Dan for being around me in the studio when I first started.

What are some other talents & hobbies outside of making beats that some may not know about you?

I’m very deep into photography but most people know that. I do stream on Twitch playing a variety of games with my friends. I still like to work on clothing designs. I have too many creative and business endeavors, but it gives me something to always be actively working on. I just like to make stuff honestly.

For those that don’t know, how did you come up with your stage name?

Honestly, it’s a whole lot. MRALD was originally the concept name of a clothing brand I was going to start before deciding to produce. I began producing under the name instead and never changed it. It references my love for Pokemon, Sonic, and Minecraft as a kid. Green is my favorite color, and I believe that I am a multifaceted character. So I wanted to pick a name that reflected that.

That’s actually pretty cool! What do your friends & family think of your music? Have they always been supportive?

I would say all of my real friends definitely support it, and my family just doesn’t know much about it overall. I try to only surround myself with supportive people now, and it’s helped my creativity a lot.

Is there any advice you would give to someone who is thinking about getting into music?

Take no advice and just go for it. Don’t ask people around you if they think it’s a good idea. Just start doing it and do it the way you love to do it.

What does a world without music look like in your imagination?

There are some things you just can’t imagine. A new color is my favorite example. Our brain isn't able to process something we’ve never seen or seen something like. I believe I couldn’t process a world without music in my mind.

And last, how would you describe your instrumentals in ONE word to someone who's never listened before?

Uproar