Off the Record

Ewan Pratt 0:00
Okay, what's good everyone you're listening to WKNC at 88.1 FM HD one Raleigh, we're a student run nonprofit radio station based out of North Carolina State University. I'm Ewan aka DJ off belay. And this is the alt rap pipeline deep cuts, where we interview some of the up and coming talent out of the alt rap underground. Today I'm here with Diz. What's good man? How's it going?

Diz 0:23
Hello, hello, hello. I'm pretty good.

Ewan Pratt 0:27
Yeah, so how about you give yourself a little intro for maybe people that haven't heard you, don't know what your music sounds like? Sort of like your story?

Diz 0:36
Yeah, um, well, again, my name is Diz. I'm from Boston, Massachusetts. I don't really know. Like, I kind of love listening to jazz, and like, the alternative Hip Hop stuff, you know, like, Earl and Mic and Lucky and all of those guys. Anything, anything that's like, off the beaten path a little bit. It's really cool to me, because I'm pretentious. But also because I think it's just really fun music.

Ewan Pratt 1:24
Yeah, I think that's a good way of summing up. I feel like your sound is a lot like, like some rap songs and Mic and stuff like that. Especially Ultraviolet with the like, super short, almost like, another. Off that album, the tracks are so dense, it's almost like poetry where there's no fluff. It's all just like, one minute, two minutes of just like, poetry rap. Yeah.

Diz 1:46
Yeah, that's, that's kind of what I go for. Like, I don't know, I'm not. I'm not really good at like putting together full, like, structured songs. I kind of um, just like, let whatever comes out, come out and see where it goes.

Ewan Pratt 2:06
So yeah, you said you, your songs are sort of like short and concise more out of just like, that's just what happens when you make them, it's hard to like, or I mean, yeah, it's just like, what happens when you make them. In terms of like releasing projects, is it sort of the same way where you don't really go into it with a built out mind? You just make a bunch of songs, and then pick the ones that you think are the best? Or do you like, make the songs with the idea of that album in mind?

Diz 2:30
No, like, I definitely. Okay, so this is basically what happens. Like, I'll make, I'll make like one or two songs that like, I really like and I'm, like, really proud of right. And I'll be like, Oh, I don't want to just release these as a single let me put it in, like an album or something. So I take those, I take like, those one or two songs. And I try to come up with a theme from them. And then, and then I come up with the album. I think like the name is the biggest part of, of the album and like, how that connects to the different songs and what I'm trying to say. Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 3:23
Yeah, I sort of noticed in ultraviolet, I mean, you did touch on it, that your songs don't really have too much of a structure just because they're so short, but I did notice that Ultraviolet in a whole, sort of had like a little narrative and structure to it, that sort of gave those songs like a better context.

Diz 3:43
Yeah, I definitely, like, I put a lot of thought into how I want the songs to flow together. And I think a lot of times, like, I may not really specifically be going into an album, trying to like, tell one specific story like, I don't know of like, what happened to me in one day or some experience that I had or whatever. But I think like, just writing about things that are present for me and are currently happening and stuff like that. It just ends up being this kind of like, you know, not, not like 100% narrative driven thing, but still has this type of cohesion in and message behind it.

Ewan Pratt 4:52
Yeah, I feel like a lot of us just go through like um, periods in our life that are, I don't know, people say like eras, you know. So when you're in that time in your life, everything's sort of like, yeah, it's like a season of a show almost where they don't all go together. You can have like, spin off episodes or like, flipped episodes, but they all sort of have the same vibe and are about the same overall thing.

Diz 5:13
Yeah. Exactly.

Ewan Pratt 5:15
So when you're making music, I've noticed a lot of your songs talk about like, pretty vulnerable subjects about like, struggle and like, trying to stay positive in like, the face of adversity, or this like, long, like, road to success. Do you feel that making music is sort of like, therapeutic for you to get through this stuff?

Diz 5:32
Um, 100%, like, I'll I'll, like, have a bad day or something. And I'll write like, my best song ever? And like, after that, like, I'll completely forget about like, all the stupid that happened. And I'll be like, damn, I just wrote a fire ass song. And I'm super stoked on it. Um, yeah, so it definitely really helps. And like, I don't know, I think, I think it's just good to like, write things down and kind of give yourself a moment to, like, sit and think with things and you know, like, let it, let it ruminate. And let, let yourself accept and, and get over whatever you want to do.

Ewan Pratt 6:31
Yeah, like, a good part of like, the healing process is not to just, like, immediately rush into acting, but sort of just sitting with it. Yeah, understanding how you feel. So with that, what do you want other people to get out of your art? With like, I mean, you said, what you get out of it, do you want people to get the same sort of message out of it? Or is it different when you put stuff out there when you make it?

Diz 6:54
Um, I mean, like, I want people to, like, connect with me and stuff like that, and, and to be able to be like, oh, like, this person is going through the same things as me and stuff like that, because I remember, like, a lot of the times, like, when I feel really depressed, or like really anxious or something, I'm like, Man, I'm probably the only person that's feeling this way right now. It's like, Nah, there's so many other people. So, yeah, I think, I think that's one thing. And I also, also want to, want people specifically like, black kids and stuff, to be okay with being vulnerable. At least like, with themselves, you know, I think it takes, it takes a lot to be vulnerable with other people. And that's something that I'm still dealing with. But you know, I just wanted, want to be able to, like, spread that, spread that idea that, like, vulnerability is, is good, and people should definitely be, you know, like, at least, at least a little bit vulnerable. Like, you gotta, you gotta let people in.

Ewan Pratt 8:24
Yeah, I think your songs have a really interesting sound to them. Where all the message, not all the message, but you definitely are talking about like, like vices and struggling with dealing with that and anxiety and stuff, like, like that. But you also, it's all not like, a sad sort of theme to it, it's more like aspirational and like, hopeful, you have more songs about like, getting through adversity, or like, holding on and seeing better days.

Diz 8:51
Right. Yeah. Like, I think, I think that's like, a misconception that a lot of people have for me, it's like, man, you only make sad music. It's like, I don't know, I feel like, I feel like a lot of my music is, you know, like, it's sad, like the subject matter, but it's also, it's also like a little uh, a little upbeat and uplifting and stuff. Cuz yeah, like, I, like, everything, everything comes and goes. Like, like, today, I could be super anxious about something. And then the next day, I'm totally fine. You know, or, like, everything, everything you eventually get past. And of course, like, those moments where you do feel really bad are important moments and are things that should be like, thought about and talked about. But it's also just a moment, and just one point in time, and there's gonna be lots of other points in time, some are gonna be so much better, and some are gonna be the same, and some are gonna be a lot worse, but still like lots of, lots of different things to experience

Ewan Pratt 10:23
Yeah, and can't really have the high highs if you don't have the low lows. Like, if you were to release an album that's all just like, the same song, same monotone, it's not going to stand out as much as if you release it and like, like you said, like an album that has a narrative behind it.

Diz 10:38
Yeah, yeah.

Ewan Pratt 10:41
Um, just talking more about Ultraviolet, who did you work on with this project in terms of like, producers, features, visual art, like the music videos, anything like that?

Diz 10:55
Yeah, so like, the cover art in like the little outfit that I was wearing, was by my friend Ethan. He has this really cool brand called EB, should definitely go check it out. He also like, makes a lot of my merch and stuff like that. He's a great guy. And like producers, I worked, I worked mainly with like, C! and OJC. I don't know if you know them, but they're fantastic producers. Great people. And then also my my friend Alfred. And that's, that's like mostly like the, like core producers that I worked with. There is this one other producer that was on Ultraviolet called, named Owen Sagan Page. Who's, who's also one of my friends. But that was my first time working with him. He made the, the beat for what, that intro track.

Ewan Pratt 12:02
Yeah, that intro beat's nice.

Diz 12:03
Yeah, it's a really cool beat. But yeah, those are, those are like, that's like my little core, you know.

Ewan Pratt 12:11
And you have like, a background sort of in like, instruments and jazz, does that play into like, production and stuff with like, make, like, doing the production side of your music too?

Diz 12:22
100%. I don't know, I think like, just like, listening to a lot of, listening to a lot of jazz music and stuff, like, some of the rhythms that I try to bring into my music is kind of teetering on the line between jazz and hip hop. Um, and I think that's pretty cool. And I use a lot of jazz samples and stuff. And you know, like, I'll play saxophone on my songs. And, like, I'll call up some my friends to like, play some keys, like that. And, yeah, so I think, I don't know, it's something that definitely influences what I do. A pretty, pretty good amount.

Ewan Pratt 13:21
Yeah, so, you said you have sort of like a tight little, like, group of the producers and stuff that you worked on. Is that sort of, just from your philosophy with, like, making music, you want to like, keep it with your friends and all that would be like, super genuine? Or is it just like, a matter of circumstance with this album?

Diz 13:38
Um, I think it's definitely a little bit of both. Like, I, I'm definitely like, a creature of habit, and whatever I'm comfortable with, I kind of just stick to that. So like, they'll send me beats. And it's like, I know what I'm getting myself into, you know. But I also, I also feel like, you know, the people that I keep on going back to, to work on production with our people that I think can, like, add to my sound in kind of, like, the ideas that they put into their production are similar to the ideas that I want to write about. But recently, like, I've been doing a lot more of my, my own production. Just because I want to, like really try to zero in what I want, like, my sound to be, like, I feel like I still haven't found like, my own sound. Like, I think my music is unique. And, you know, like, it comes from me, it's my, still my music, but I like, I don't have that, like, that lane where it's like, oh, yeah, that's Diz, you know? Like, that's what I want.

Ewan Pratt 15:13
Yes. Yeah. So would you say you're definitely in like, still a period of like, self discovery and growth in your, in terms of your like, music?

Diz 15:22
Oh 100%. I mean, like, I think I'm always gonna be, hopefully. Like, I don't want my music to sound like one thing forever, because that's just boring. But yeah, like definitely right now is, has been like a huge period of discovery and trying to figure stuff out.

Ewan Pratt 15:50
Yeah, so I know you just released, well not just, but recently released a song with Frank Sativa.

Diz 15:55
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 15:56
You sorta gonna keep that, like, going with singles, or are you gonna sort of go into album mode again and release something in 2022 before it's over?

Diz 16:08
I'm kinda gonna do both.

Ewan Pratt 16:10
Okay, okay.

Diz 16:11
I have, I have um, another album coming out, hopefully, hopefully by the end of the year. So I'm just like, releasing a couple of singles before then. Just to, just to start the rollout. But it's like, it's pretty much all produced by me. I think it's definitely one of my favorite pieces of work so far. I'm super excited for people to hear it. Yeah, so definitely, definitely lots of, lots of new stuff coming.

Ewan Pratt 16:53
Lots of stuff coming. Yeah, lots of stuff coming. Yeah, I really liked that song. I feel like your guys's sound blended really well together. It's always nice when, like, I feel like in the alt rap scene that I listened to at least, it's always nice when there's two people that I've been listening to independently and then they link together and make a song.

Diz 17:13
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 17:13
Like, it's everything I hoped for.

Diz 17:16
Mhm. I think that's really cool. It, I don't know, like the community is, it's super tight. Like, like, we all kind of know each other. And we all talk to each other and hang out and stuff, which is, it's a lot of fun. Yeah, so.

Ewan Pratt 17:39
Yeah, sorta noticed that I'm definitely on the outside of it. Because I'm not like, making music. But with the few artists I have interacted with, especially in this scene, everyone's way more nice and inviting and focused on like, building each other up than I would have anticipated.

Diz 17:54
100%, yeah, that's, that's definitely something I've noticed. Like, everybody, everybody's just like, trying to be friends. You know? And like, like, it's not, it's not just about music all the time. Yeah, which I think is, I think is really great. Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 18:23
Yeah no, I think it's, I mean, I think it's definitely a breath of fresh air from like, what we see in terms of like popular culture surrounding music, there's a lot more like, antagonism and stuff like that, people just like playing characters and not being genuine.

Diz 18:39
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 18:39
Really refreshing from the underground to just be a bunch of, I mean, just a bunch of kids basically, just making good music and.

Diz 18:45
Yeah, yeah, it's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun.

Ewan Pratt 18:49
Yeah, who are your some of like, who are some of your like, favorite people in the underground right now?

Diz 18:55
Oh, man.

Ewan Pratt 18:56
Have to put you on the spot, yeah.

Diz 18:58
Okay. I really, I really loved Perry Maysun.

Ewan Pratt 19:02
Oh, yeah. Perry Maysun interview dropping soon.

Diz 19:05
Hell yeah. Bro, I think he's great. And like, he just, he works so hard. Like, it's wild how hard he works, and his music is fantastic.

Cisco Swank. He's fantastic. My friend just laughed at me cuz uh, he's, he's another Berklee student. He's killing, he's killing it. He's, he's so good. He's so good. Yeah, Cisco, Cisco is awesome. Man, who else. I just met Overpaid the other day. And they're really nice.

Ewan Pratt 20:02
I think Overpaid is a good example of someone that's really found their sound, like, any song he, any song they go on. It's just, you know it's Overpaid just from like, even before it comes on.

Diz 20:12
Definitely, definitely, definitely, definitely, yeah. Overpaid. Overpaid's doing some cool stuff. Man, there's so many people, and I can't even, I can't even like, name everyone.

Ewan Pratt 20:24
Yeah, let me throw you some of the people that I've played on the show and see if you're familiar with them.

Diz 20:28
Okay, word.

Ewan Pratt 20:30
You uh, I mean, you know Kwame Adu, like Kwamzay?

Diz 20:34
Of course. Yeah. Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 20:36
Um, we got Young Wabo, I mean, you have a song with him.

Diz 20:39
Wabo, love wabo.

Ewan Pratt 20:44
Let's see. Yeah, Overpaid, Scubadiver, Perry Maysun.

Diz 20:49
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 20:50
And, yeah no, everyone is just, yeah, it's just seems like everyone's, like you said, just nice and trying to help each other out more.

Diz 20:59
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 21:00
And it's not about the music even. It's just about like, making genuine connection.

Diz 21:04
Yeah, I think so too.

Ewan Pratt 21:07
Yeah. And I think that that's probably just also a product of most of the music in that space is just, well, I mean, it's hard to tell from just listening to the music, but it all seems like it's all genuine and honest-

Diz 21:20
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 21:21
-music, rather than like playing a character.

Diz 21:23
I think, I think it is super genuine and honest music. Yeah. So to, a lot of, a lot of great people.

Ewan Pratt 21:38
Yeah, let's talk a little bit about your live performance. Because, because you're kind of an exception in terms of like, the underground scene that we know, I feel like a lot of the people aren't really doing a lot of live performances, but you've got a good couple under your belt already. Do you have sort of like a pre show ritual or anything that you've done now, did you get like, into a cycle yet or?

Diz 22:03
Lowkey um, so like, before every show, I play Babytron? So like before I go on, I play Babytron. I just switched it up at my last show, and I played American Terrorists by RX Nephew.

Ewan Pratt 22:23
Okay.

Diz 22:24
I don't know. Like, I kind of, I kind of, I kind of really like, like, meme, meme rap and stuff like that. Like I, I do not classify Babytron as meme rap. Because I think Babytron's music is actually so amazing. But like, I think, I think like, generally, Babytron would kind of fall underneath the genre of meme rap. So yeah, like, meme rap definitely gets me going. Like, I pee before I perform. I feel like that's pretty self explanatory. You know, like, you don't want to pee on stage. That's not, that's not great. What else do I do? Um, maybe, maybe like, I'll have a beer or something. Man, um, I like dancing before I perform, like I always have a lot of energy before I perform because like, I'll just get really anxious. Or maybe like, I'll run around the block or something. You know, something, something to get my energy out, you know? So I'm like, I'm not as jittery. Yeah, those, those are, those are just, those are a few things that, that come to mind.

Ewan Pratt 23:53
Yeah, how was your last show? Like, how did it compare to previous shows? How was it similar? Like what was different?

Diz 24:00
I think the last show I did on Saturday, with Malik Elijah. I think, I think that was honestly like one of my best performances I've done. I don't know what made it, well. Yeah, I don't really know what made it different. But I don't know. I just felt really good about it.

Ewan Pratt 24:27
Yeah, when you're doing live performances, is it sort of the same idea behind releasing music in terms of like, what you want people to get out of it? Just like, like, connecting to the message and understanding like, I don't know, just?

Diz 24:41
Um, yeah, I mean, like.

Ewan Pratt 24:44
Like, is there anything different in your live shows that you're trying to convey than in your normal performances, or is it kind of just, you're trying to get your message out there still, just get people to listen?

Diz 24:54
Yeah, I think, I think it's definitely like, trying to connect with people and, like, have people understand what I'm saying and stuff. But it's also just like, I want people to have a good time. And, like, I try to like, crack jokes and stuff, you know, make people feel comfortable and interact with people, you know, they feel included and everything. Like, yeah, I guess, I guess. It's really, it's really just like, having that really like, personal connection like, where it's face to face and like, I can see you, you can see me. Yeah, I don't know, I think that's super special.

Ewan Pratt 25:52
Yeah, there's definitely, like, even just live recordings of performances can't really capture like, what being there in person does.

Diz 26:00
Definitely. Yeah. Like, just, just the energy at a live show is amazing. And if it's a good live show, man, it feels so good.

Ewan Pratt 26:16
Yeah. Um, if, I'm not sure if this is like, in the plans, but if you ever were to sort of start like, headlining shows, do you think you'd have a different take on it than most people? Or do you think you'd still just like, do you think you'd change up the energy than you have for if you're opening with someone or?

Diz 26:35
I don't think so.

Ewan Pratt 26:37
Pretty much keep to the same?

Diz 26:39
Yeah, I think I'd pretty much just do the same thing. I mean, I guess like, it would be somewhat different, because if I was headlining like, people would be there to see me. So it'd be like, obviously, different than just like, like a showcase, or me opening for someone, or something like that. But yeah. I think it would mostly be the same. I would, I would look at it as just performing.

Ewan Pratt 27:15
Yeah, and I mean, mainly, you're just sort of performing in Boston, where you're at, and then New York. Is that sort of just going to be a plan for the near future too? Or are you going to maybe try to branch out?

Diz 27:28
Um.

Ewan Pratt 27:29
I mean, I understand it's probably just like you said, creature of habit. It's easier to get shows there with like, Annabelle in New York and you here knowing people.

Diz 27:36
Oh, most definitely. Yeah, it's, it's easier just to like, be up here. But like, I've, I've gone out west and stuff like that. Like, I did a show in Oakland. But most, yeah, most of my shows are like in the Northeast. And I think that's partially because, like, I'm broke, you know, so like, pretty much like, I'm only going if I can get like, a $25 bus ticket there. Um, but yeah, like, I would, I would love to be going all over the country. Like, that'd be cool. I'd be fine with that. I'd be up for it. You know, no complaints, no complaints. But yeah, like when, when that opportunity presents itself. So be it. And I mean, like also, like, I'm at school, you know, so like, it's kind of annoying to do like, lots of traveling and like, going far.

Ewan Pratt 28:52
Yeah.

Diz 28:52
Cuz I got to go back to school. But yeah, things will happen. Places will be seen.

Ewan Pratt 29:06
Yeah. Um, outside of music, do you sort of have any way that you're creative or anything outside of, yeah, just music?

Diz 29:17
Um, creative? Not a ton. I mean, like, I paint and stuff sometimes. I like spray painting. And like, like charcoal and like, oil pastels and stuff. I think that's really fun. I also skate a little bit. Which is fun. I don't know. I don't know like, if you would count that as like something creative?

Ewan Pratt 29:46
I think so.

Diz 29:47
I think, I think some people would, I don't know.

Ewan Pratt 29:50
I mean, the level that I skate at, definitely not. I don't know where you're at.

Diz 29:53
I mean, I'm probably, I'm probably not too much, too much above you, to be quite honest. But yeah, I don't know, music, music has kind of become my thing. And, like, some days, I'm like, wow, I really, I really don't have a life outside of music. And then some days I think that, and then I'm like, that's okay. You know, because I really like making music. And I think it's a cool thing to do. And yeah, so I just keep doing it.

Ewan Pratt 30:36
Yeah, it must be sort of, um, I don't know, it must be weird to be in school and like, doing assignments and stuff like that. And then outside of school, having this music stuff taking out, sort of like, living a double life.

Diz 30:49
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 30:49
Do you feel like either of them getting, get in the way of each other?

Diz 30:53
Um, I mean, like, my music life definitely gets in the way of my school life. My school life doesn't really get in the way of my music life as much. Because like, most of the things I'm doing for school are to further my music life. So like, if I'm practicing saxophone, which is probably like, the most time consuming thing that I do, when it comes to school, like, that's still going towards, like, my greater music career. So, yeah, school doesn't really interfere with it too much. I mean, obviously, like, I can't stay in New York for like, two weeks straight, or something like that. Which is a little annoying, but um, yeah, other than that, it's pretty calm.

Ewan Pratt 31:51
Yeah, that makes sense. And it sounds like you're in school for music related things.

Diz 31:57
Yeah. I go to music school. I go to Berklee College of Music.

Ewan Pratt 32:05
Nice. I didn't know that there was one of those out in Boston.

Diz 32:09
That's, that's the, that's the only Berklee College of Music.

Ewan Pratt 32:12
Okay. Okay.

Diz 32:12
Well, I guess they have one in Spain. But it's like, the. There's not one in LA. Berkeley. But that's not a music school. Shut up. Yeah. Music school.

Ewan Pratt 32:30
Um, I did want to ask you some things, sort of been like a little recurring question with the people I've had on, just because I've found you guys all through social media, and like, Instagram and stuff. How do you feel that like, especially like TikTok and stuff influences how you're like, making music in terms of like, I don't know, I feel like a lot of songs nowadays are getting shorter and more catchy just because they'll pop off on Tik Tok. I don't think that's why you're making short songs, but wondering if it's like in your mind or like?

Diz 33:06
I mean, like, sure, like, I'll think about, oh, what part of my song is gonna, is gonna do best on TikTok? But I'm not, I'm not really like going into making a song to be like, Okay. What, what is going to do well on TikTok? Because, like, I don't know, like, my music still seems to do well, without me doing well on TikTok. You know? Like, I think I have.

Ewan Pratt 33:37
I don't know if it's just because I haven't been following you for a super long time, but it seems especially recently, I mean, you're definitely promoting your stuff on Tik Tok.

Diz 33:45
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 33:45
But you're not like, taking it like, super seriously.

Diz 33:48
No, no, I don't .

Ewan Pratt 33:49
You're making jokes out of it.

Diz 33:50
I don't. I don't make, yeah, I don't take TikTok seriously. It's kind of just like, if I think of making a video, and you know, like, I have this song to promote, then I'll go on TikTok. But it's not like, oh, like I'm gonna, I'm gonna get this to blow up on TikTok. And then like, I'm gonna drop it. And then I'm going to do a remix on it. And all that stuff. It's kind of just like, Okay, I'm making music, TikTok is one of many ways that I can promote it. I use TikTok, so like I might as well use it a little bit to promote my music.

Ewan Pratt 34:41
Yeah, it's always kind of funny seeing like, the differences between the content that your manager posts about your music and the stuff that you post. Annabelle was just like, top 10 list. These are all the best Diz songs. Like analytical. And you're just doing the Reddit like, meme song.

Diz 35:05
Yeah. Yeah, we, we, I think we look at, at TikTok a little differently. She also does that for a job, and I don't. So I think that kind of makes sense. But yeah, it's, it's cool. And it's great to have someone that is, like, tapped in on social media in that way, like, on my team and stuff, and Annabelle is great. She's super nice like, one of, easily one of the nicest person, people I've ever met. Like way too nice. It's crazy. But yeah, Annabelle's cool, shout out Annabelle.

Ewan Pratt 35:57
Shout out shout out. And not to keep talking about Ultraviolet, but just to go back to it, it has been on our WKNC charts for I think like, three or four months in a row. I don't know if you knew that, but we've had you.

Diz 36:10
I did not know that. In the top 10?

Ewan Pratt 36:14
For the last, because we do two, we do two different charts, we'll do the adds and then the top chart. So it's like, what songs we've added this week. And then what songs our listeners have liked the most. And we've played the most, and you've been in the-

Diz 36:26
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 36:27
-played the most one for a while. Yeah.

Diz 36:29
Let's go.

Ewan Pratt 36:30
Ultraviolet. WKNC.

Diz 36:32
Ultraviolet.

Ewan Pratt 36:33
The Triangle loves it.

Diz 36:35
Yes.

Ewan Pratt 36:36
But you sort of, you sort of said the title is like, the most important part when you're making the project-

Diz 36:43
Except Ultraviolet.

Ewan Pratt 36:46
-when you made Ultraviolet, you said except this one?

Diz 36:48
Yeah, except Ultraviolet. Um, I kinda.

Ewan Pratt 36:52
Well, besides the title then, what's like, what did you have, like a concept or something behind it?

Diz 36:57
Not really.

Ewan Pratt 36:59
Just good music.

Diz 37:00
It was, it was, yeah, just like, good music and, like, kind of how like, I was feeling at the time and just like, ambivalence towards like, you know, like growing up and having to become a person. And I was about to start school and stuff. And I was dealing with a lot of issues. And that was kind of just my response to it.

Ewan Pratt 37:29
Yeah, so it's like, life sort of made the concept for you. It's just like, the production of ideas at the time.

Diz 37:34
Exactly. Exactly. And I don't know, like, I just, I don't know why I ended up calling it Ultraviolet. There's no real reason behind that. I think it was just a cool name. And like.

Ewan Pratt 37:47
Cool name, cool cover.

Diz 37:49
Yeah. And like, yeah, but I felt like the aesthetic of the album was kind of like, purpley, so I was like, Ultraviolet. And, and here we are.

Ewan Pratt 38:02
Yeah, I mean, I guess, I guess leave it ambiguous, gives more of like-

Diz 38:07
Yeah.

Ewan Pratt 38:08
-more power to the listener.

Diz 38:10
Apply, apply your own interpretation.

Ewan Pratt 38:14
Now, you see Ultraviolet, it's because it's blue, but it's not fully blue. So. Um, is there anything that we haven't talked about that you wanted to bring up? We're sort of nearing the end of my talking points.

Diz 38:32
Um, hmm, I don't think so.

Ewan Pratt 38:42
Word, word. Well, you said you have an album coming out, maybe, sometime this year. Got any like title, anything like that that you have for it yet? Or?

Diz 38:52
Um, I do have a title, but I'm not releasing the name of the title yet. It's a, it's a secret

Ewan Pratt 39:06
Okay. If you were to talk to someone that hasn't heard any of your music and you want to put them on, what's sort of like, three to, three to four songs that you would say like, essential Diz?

Diz 39:23
I would say Fair Weather, this, this is, this is a deep cut, but um Honey Buns.

Ewan Pratt 39:34
The first one on your Spotify.

Diz 39:36
Yes. Um, rest, and Congo.

Ewan Pratt 39:50
Congo, I don't think I've heard that one.

Diz 39:52
It's a great song.

Ewan Pratt 39:54
So yeah, so yeah, for people that haven't heard you, where can they find your music, where they can find your socials?

Diz 39:59
Uh, my Instagram is Diz.47 and my Spotify is Diz, and my Twitter is dizthedelinquent and my TikTok is also dizthedelinquent, and you can go follow those.

Ewan Pratt 40:26
Perfect, perfect, yeah, Ultraviolet out now on Spotify, on streaming services, everywhere, I assume. If you like Diz or anything similar, um, play all sorts of stuff in that lane on the alt rap pipeline weekly, Mondays at 5 on 88.1, so yeah, tune into that. Once again, thank you Diz.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai