Cairo: Much respect and thanks to ThaWilsonBlock Magazine for the opportunity to share my music and perspective on your platform. I’ve been good, man. Staying on my grind, focused on growing and improving as a producer and artist in general.
Mistah Wilson: For our audience reading this, could you give us a background on yourself?
Cairo: My name is Cairo. I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri and I’ve been based here in Portland since 2015. I’m a rapper and producer; I’ve been making music and writing songs for most of my life. Cairoglyphs is my music project.
Mistah Wilson: Checked out a lot of your beats on Instagram. I heard some pretty eclectic styles. What's your creative process when producing new instrumentals?
Cairo: My creative process starts with picking the mood I want to create; choosing what key I’m going to play in. From there I set the tempo and program the drum & rhythm section. Then I’ll improvise a bass line, which is the frame or skeleton of the song. Once the relationship between kick drum and bass sounds good, I’ll start adding synths, chords, fx, samples & automation to help flesh out the vibe of the story I want to tell. If I’m rapping or singing on the track, I write my lyrics on my phone while listening to the beat. When the song and lyrics are committed to memory, I do a final recording session, mixing & mastering and consider the track complete.
Mistah Wilson: What would you say is your ultimate favorite genre of music and why?
Cairo: Ultimate favorite genre? That’s a tough one to choose. I’ve connected to a specific genre more than others at different ages of my life. Ultimately, the genres that resonate with me most are those that were either birthed from or influenced by negro spirituals. Those songs became the soul-stirring music of the so-called “black” Christian church, which is the origin of blues, r&b, soul, rock n roll, and which influenced the creation of funk, reggae, hip hop, house and many more. The roots of so many branches that I love and appreciate. Why? Because I felt the power in that music growing up, every Sunday, and I personally believe it is the music ministry that connects with and affects the soul of a person in a way that transcends language.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some musical producers that have helped influence tha sound you produce today?
Cairo: The Neptunes, Timbaland, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Larry Heard, Frankie Knuckles, Com Truise, Nocturnal Sunshine, Deadmau5, Glasser, Madlib, Ariel Pink, 808 Mafia, & Zaytoven are some of the producers/songwriters that have had a major influence on how I produce today.
Mistah Wilson: I saw your music video for FLAMES and it gave me tha impression that you actually have much to say. What means more to you as an artist: being a rapper or producer and why?
Cairo: Great question! When I first started writing rhymes, around 4th grade, I connected to the lyrics of songs I loved more than I did the music. As I started programming my first beats in my teens, the production aspect gradually became equal to my enthusiasm for rhymes. As I continue to grow as a producer, I have noticed lately that production is the most fun for me, but because writing was my first passion, I think it will always mean the most to me as an artist.
Mistah Wilson: What software or hardware do you specifically like to use when producing music?
Cairo: Ableton Live is the software I use to compose, arrange, mix and record instruments & vocals. I use Adobe Audition software for mastering. Hardware: I currently utilize an Alesis 25 Midi keyboard, a couple mics for vocals and my laptop.
Mistah Wilson: Who are some artists you'd like to work with and why?
Cairo: I would be interested in working Omar Rodriguez, Com Truise & Madlib. These are producers who have captivated me with their unique artistry & truly changed the way I thought about making music. Some music just really hits a resonant chord of emotion with me, and there are many songs of theirs that I consider timeless.Mistah Wilson: Where can people find and follow you online?
Cairo: You can follow me on Instagram @Cairoglyphs
You can find my songs on most major streaming platforms like Spotify & Apple Music.
Mistah Wilson: Yo, Cairo! It's been awesome having you here with us for this exclusive interview with ThaWilsonBlock Magazine. If you have any shout outs, let's hear em ...
Cairo: It’s been my pleasure to share my thoughts and perspectives with ThaWilsonBlock and I want to thank you again for the opportunity! Shout out to the talented artists of Portland: Jeffrey Rothman, Diction Uno, Rambo Rich, Smokey Sundays, That Fucking Ivan, Rhymewave, Adam Cedar, Makk-E, 4-Tress, Tyre Pinlight, Tr4duce, Rob The Universe; producer homies The Chopper Man, 42 Cloudz, AlignWavers, & everyone who has ever supported my art & vision! Peace to all!
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