Visual 9 thank you for coming on and interviewing with Nefarious Supply, to get this interview started give us brief background on yourself. Who is Visual 9, what got you into making music, and describe your experience as a rising artist?
Very thankful to finally be able to speak with you man. Nefarious Supply has been showing major love and that’s always appreciated this way fam so thank you. My name is Visual 9 and I am an upcoming artist based out of Tree city also known as Kent, Ohio. I’ve been writing and pursuing my music career for about 7 years now starting at the age of 16. Before I decided to start taking my career seriously I’d drop videos of me rapping on youtube but it wasn’t really something I took seriously haha. This Is gonna be a long story so I’ll try to make it short but being around talented people that also were into music kinda inspired me to wanna take shit seriously. Everyday after school me and my homies would go to the studio, write music, smoke, record, and do it all over again so after doing that a few times I fell in love with it and since then this journey has been filled with nothing but love and blessings.
I peeped from your instagram profile you’re based out of Kent, Ohio give us a rundown on how this area has played a major influence on your sound, and how is the scene for underground artists?
Yes I am based out of Tree City also known as “Kent Ohio”. Kent Ohio is definitely a place I am proud to tell people I am from. Kent Ohio is where my music career started and I can't thank that city enough for supporting me and allowing me to realize my true purpose. Kent gave me my first show ever and it was sold out as well so I'll never forget that. This place has played a major influence on who I am as an artist. Before I started making music Kent was really about sports and sports only. The local music scene wasn’t really talked about so once I started making music my goal was to bring that light for local artists like myself and others. The underground scene is cool but as of right now only artists popping out of Kent, Ohio are me and Chanelle Kazadi.
Who or what has had the biggest influence on you, your sound, and your overall aesthetic?
Becoming an artist i’d definitely say Joey Badass, Earl Sweatshirt, and Kendrick has a big influence on my sound. In highschool that’s all I was bumping and also my stepfather. My dad raised me around good music so hearing shit like Wu Tang, Tribe Called Quest, Mary J Blige, and Jay-Z definitely helped me figure out what lane I wanted to take as an artist etc.
With this new year , what are your favorite projects, and what five artists do you currently have in your rotation?
Definitely Pray for Paris, It Is What It Is, Feet of Clay (Deluxe), The Versace Tape, and Alfredo. I’ve also been bumping a lot of Navy Blue, Chuk Strangers, Freddie Gibbs, Maxo, and Pink Siifu. Top 5 at least
Follow up to our last question with the year coming to an end: what are some things you have accomplished, and going into 2021 what are some goals you have?
My biggest accomplishment is surviving this covid situation and mentally keeping myself together. Shit was very difficult for me in the beginning which I'm sure it was for everyone but yeah I was able to continue to focus and grind throughout the year on this upcoming album and just make sure I stay relevant in the scene. I feel like most artists lost motivation once covid started taking control and I always told myself to remain solid and focused so I'm very proud of myself for that. My goal for 2021 is releasing this album and building a solid fanbase with people who truly appreciate my music and me as a person.
So since your start as a musician what are some things you have learned about the career path, the industry, and most importantly yourself?
I’ve learned to always have confidence in myself regardless of the people who don’t believe and also I’ve learned that money is very temporary but business is not. Always make sure to present yourself in the right manner because bad business can ruin good opportunities regardless of how much bread you have or talent to offer. Being a musician is deeper than writing or playing an instrument. Being A musician gives you an opportunity to explain your story and express the depths of your spirit and soul. It teaches you valuable life lessons and so much more.
If you could go back in time from your start what is some advice you would give yourself, and for an artist getting a fresh start what is some advice you would give them?
\Just be patient and understand that shit doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and true dedication to be successful in the music industry. Shit not sweet at all lol
So getting into your music describes your creative process from start to finish, and how do you know when you have a song you are ready to share with your fans?
Honestly I'll smoke a blunt, start playing beats until I come across something I feel like writing on. Once I find the beat then I’ll figure out a topic or think about what happen during the week that I can write about then once I like what’s written on the pad then I’ll take it to the studio, run it with the engineer, then once it’s done i’ll listen and just know if it’s the track to drop or not.
So your discography is pretty solid with three projects including: The Element, Sunday Morning EP, and Remedy EP. Tell us about each of those projects, what influenced the sound of each, who helped you with production, and out of the three which one is your favorite?
The Element was my first album ever and honestly I’m hella proud of every single song on that jawn. I started writing that project during my first year of college and staying at my grandparents house. That album was made to give my fans a view of what’s going on in my life at the time. Sunday Morning was made after I dropped out of school for a bit. I needed a break from everything to fully focus on my craft and everything around me. That project was basically made to show my fans that anything is possible and to always keep going no matter what obstacles are in front of you and same with remedy. That project was made during the summer time with an old homie of mine from the city. We decided to link up, come up with a solid idea for the project then we locked in and got it done in maybe 3-5 months. Shit crazy.
This year as well you’ve been going crazy with the singles including:64 In LA, Indeed, Praise, Denim, and Blue Skies. Tell us about each of these songs?
Well starting with “64 in LA” I wrote this song before my first time going to LA. my father used to have a 64 impala and i drove in it maybe twice haha after that I fell in love with em and always saw myself buying one as well. That song was written as if I had one already and was speaking shit into existence. Indeed was basically a small introduction to a different sound and I also wanted to let people know that I can produce my own tracks as well. Denim was made with the homie Dawg9000, as soon as he played the beat I started writing and days later I recorded the song. That song was made to express everything that was going on during covid, First person view type shit. Blue skies and Praise was written on the same day and recorded days later with my brother Jake Smio “one of the dopest producers from Ohio”. Crazy because it was the first time we linked up as well when those songs were made. Love that dude 4L
Who should we interview next on Nefarious Supply, and why?
My homie Static Res. I’ve seen bro develop into an amazing artist and soon the world will see that as well.
Any last words?
Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me since day 1. It really means a lot they are taking the time to support and listen to my music everyday. One love
Big shout out to Visual 9 for interviewing with Nefarious Supply, be sure to check out On Bro which is out now. If you want to stay up to date with him and his music you can follow him SoundCloud, and follow him on Instagram. If you want to stay up to date with news and content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and for our weekly news letter you can sign up below.