Interview with Big Piph
Big Piph is a Hip Hop artist.
Why did you want to be a professional musician?
The "woo woo" answer is doing it makes me feel like the best version of myself. It's not always easy, but it's almost always worth it.
What inspires your music?
Every day of life really. Unless there is a specific reason to, I don't force subject matter. Instead, I just live and see what flows.
What things get you in the mood to write songs or do lyrics come spontaneously?
It's a mixture of both. I do little creative exercises and routines to get in a writing mood. But after a couple of days, I can't stop. Ideas just keep flowing.
How do you want your music to affect people?
You know what? I don't think about this much anymore. I've learned there's another part of a song writing process that's releasing it into the wild after it's done. How people receive it is on them.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
I have a small group of rotating people who all don't like the same type of songs from me. It's like if there were 5 types of songs and different people who like each type. I'll then ask one of them for a particular type of song and see what reaction I get. I then just absorb that and tweak the music if need be.
How do you prepare for a gig?
If it's a set that I've been doing for a while it's just giving myself space for the day and mentally envisioning the show. I just have to get the muscle memory right.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
That's one that changes a lot. I think at the moment it's a song called PGL flow. I feel it's the most element of "me" captured in a song.
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
Honestly, nah. I've known people are interesting and varied for a while. I don't get taken off guard by them too much.
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
I'm actually preparing myself to do consistent creative mini-videos for social media. It's honestly a realm I haven't tapped into enough.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Attempting to do too much by myself. Have to learn this thing is a team thing.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
I once hit up 3 Morocco, Algeria, and Equatorial Guinea with my band. Ridiculously good times with dope people.
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
Definitely. You're basically your own boss. I readily accept the freedom in responsibility.