Q: Let us know about yourself.
A: I go by the name of 96 and I’m a singer, songwriter, engineer and producer.
Q: Where are you representing and why is it so important to you?
A: I was born and raised in Toronto. Growing up in the inner city, not too many people make it out where I come from. Being from Regent, my friends and I grew up having seen a lot of shit over the years and lost some of our friends along the way. It forced us to grow up at a young age. It’s important to me because I want to show that it’s possible to be a positive light coming from a place like that.
I was also based in Calgary during my adolescent years. That’s where music started for me. Moving away gave me the opportunity to live in peace without having to look over my shoulder all the time. Not everyone I grew up with had that opportunity so I never take it for granted. Regardless, both cities are home to me.
Q: How would you describe your music to somebody?
A: It’s best described as a mix of nostalgic R&B with a new school sound. Very ambient/moody. Some songs are more downtempo while others are more energetic. It brings certain emotions out and allows you to feel something real.
Q: What keeps your current audience listening and why should people start listening?
A: I’d say the moments I’m able to create with each song. The music is introspective and relatable so it resonates with people on a different level.
Q: Who do you listen to on a regular basis?
A: Depends on my mood. When the setting is more laid back I’ll bump some SWV, Mary J Blige, Brandy, Ginuwine, Usher and Aaliyah just to name a few.
Q: Do you have any collaborating artists that you’ve been working with? Is there anybody you would have as a feature or collaborate with on a future project?
A: Everything I’ve done up to this point has been on my own but a collab is in the near future for sure. Too many to list on here but off top I’d be down to work with H.E.R. , Summer Walker, Brent Faiyaz, Frank Ocean and a couple others.
Q: What platform can people reach your content on the most conveniently? What albums and songs do you already have out that people should listen to?
A: All the major streaming platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, etc.) as well as SoundCloud. My first project GOIN96HOST dropped last year as well as the visuals for the lead single “LNIT”. The EP is the best introduction to my sound for someone who hasn’t heard of 96 before.
Q: Is there any one song that you’ve made that stands out from the rest? Any songs that people should listen to that will get people hooked?
I would definitely say “LNIT (Lonely Nights in Toronto)”. That really marked the start of my journey being only the 2nd song that I made. When i first recorded it in my homies basement, I was still in the early stages trying to figure out my sound and all we had was a $200 USB Mic and Macbook with Pro Tools. The acoustics weren’t the best but we managed to come out with a decent mix. I wasn’t overly impressed at first but over time, it started to grow on me. I would play it for people without telling them it was me and they would just vibe to it unbiasedly. That’s when I knew I had something special. It just hit different.
Do you have an outstanding moment since you got into the music industry that makes you realize how important it is to make music like this? If so what would that be?
Nothing overly outstanding but receiving feedback from fans/friends about how my music has helped them through their own personal situations. A lot of the things that I talk about are relatable, everyday shit that we all go through so it’s always cool to hear it from someone else’s perspective.
How has your experience in the industry been thus far?
It’s been a learning experience for sure. I just try to have fun with it when it comes to making the music. Being an independent artist, the main challenge has been sharing it amongst a larger audience and getting it out to the masses. I’m still learning everyday about the business side of things.
Can you tell us anything about future projects? Anything that people can look forward to coming from you?
I’ll be dropping a few singles over the next couple months leading up to my second project “GOIN96HOST 2”. Be on the lookout for that soon.
Tell us a bit about your newest project and what we can expect from it.
My most recent single release 96 HOURS has two cuts that brings two similar yet contrasting moods with “96GOD” and “BEEN THRU A LOT”. 96GOD is a braggadocios anthem that asserts my presence while BTAL is more militant minded in regards to my come up and what’s going on around me.
Big shout to to 96 for agreeing to be featured on Nefarious Supply be sure to check out his music via his SoundCloud above as well as show him love on his Instagram. If you enjoyed this interview please leave a like and comment your favorite song by 96. To stay up to date with content coming out of Nefarious Supply you can follow us on Instagram, as well as Twitter, like your Facebook Page, and to hear new music constantly from underground and emerging artists be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.