INTERVIEW: day13n links with TAMiii on new single

Originally hailing from Toronto and now based in Auckland, day13n is an artist who blurs the lines between various different genres. Growing up between two starkly contrasting environments, an affluent neighbourhood and a housing community, day13n’s childhood was marked by both privilege and struggle. As the oldest of four, he bore the weight of caring for his younger sisters while his parents grappled with unemployment and substance abuse.

By the age of 14, day13n was already dealing with serious substance use issues and mental illness, which led to violent confrontations with his father. By 16, he found himself living on his own, having dropped out of school and entered the workforce to survive. The next ten years would be a period of deep personal struggle and transformation. Through therapy, reflection and medication, he began to claw his way out of the darkness with music becoming his refuge during this time.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists including JPEGMAFIA, BROCKHAMPTON, Death Grips, Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen, day13n’s musical identity as an experimental punk rapper is truly unique. His debut album, \7/13\7/, arrived last summer to deliver a concept-driven work that guides listeners through his own struggles and healing process.

Following his debut, day13n continued to shared his sound across multiple singles and his EP, Entropy. Now he brings us his latest release with the brand new collaborative single titled “L.O.V.E. (On My Mind).” Linking up with frequent collaborator TAMiii as well as Idol Essence, Ty and Muks, the new single lays down an uptempo pop-focused jam packed full of bouncy groove and catchy vocal hooks.

Produced by Abe Kunin, who’s currently up for Grammy consideration, the track showcases the next generation of alternative hip-hop artists in Auckland in spectacular fashion. Brought in by the pulse of bass guitar and airy flute style flutters, the beat jumps with punching rhythm as rapped flows glide above before Ty’s smooth melodic vocals soar before the artists take turns at the mic to lay down their verses.

With the relentless pulse of the infectious rhythm and a colourful arrangement peppered with bright synth flourishes, “L.O.V.E. (On My Mind)” serves up an instantly memorable outing brought to life by a sensational collaboration and wrapped up in exquisite sound design. It’s a superb new track that sees day13n and his fellow artists go from strength to strength with an epic single with bags of commercial appeal.

We caught up with day13n to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new collaborative single “L.O.V.E. (On My Mind)” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with day13n below.

Hey day13n, how’s things?

Everything’s been going pretty great recently! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Oh man, music has been such a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s not my earliest memory, but one of my favourite early memories would have to be learning to play Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day on this sick flaming purple electric guitar that my parents got me, and then performing it for my church. I didn’t even sing the words… I remember I was so scared to get up there in front of everyone; I just sat there with my hood up, head down, strumming the chords while drenched in sweat… It was terrifying, but it was so exhilarating. I think that’s when I really caught the performance bug.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

As far as rappers go, my biggest influences are Vince Staples, Kendrick Lamar, JPEGMAFIA, BROCKHAMPTON, Injury Reserve, Mac Miller, Anderson Paak, and I have to give a special shout out to K-OS. He’s a Toronto rapper who was pretty much my first introduction to the genre. If you haven’t listened to him, I highly recommend it. Outside of rap, I also take a lot of inspiration from bands like Green Day, Blink-182, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and artists like Kesha – whose influence is starting to show more and more in my more recent work.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

A lot of my music is political, or it talks about my battle with addiction, and my struggles with mental illness. That’s a pretty deep well to draw from, but recently I’ve also just been having fun making more escapist music that channels the sounds I heard on the radio growing up.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

There’s been a lot of highlights this year. The thing I’m most proud of was definitely organising Artists for Palestine. We had some incredible artists, like CHAII, on the lineup, as well as speeches from some amazing activists, and easily New Zealand’s best and coolest politician – Chlöe Swarbrick. We got a feature in Rolling Stone Australia, and we raised over $4,000 to donate to people who really need it right now. It felt incredible to make a tangible difference – and it’s just the beginning.

What do you love about the Auckland music scene?

It’s gotta be the community. I don’t know if this is everyone’s experience, but for me – the people I have around me are what makes all of this worth doing. I have to give a shoutout to Te Karanga Trust, and their Navigators program for connecting me to all these amazing people. I wouldn’t be doing any of this without them.

How does it compare to your home town of Toronto?

Honestly, I wasn’t really much a part of the music scene in Toronto. I made music on my own, but I never really put myself out there or tried to do anything with it, it wasn’t until I came to New Zealand and got sober that I started trying to engage with music outside of my bedroom, so I don’t really have a frame of reference for the Toronto music scene. I’m sure it’s great, though! I know a lot of incredibly talented artists in Toronto, and it’s a very vibrant city.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Hahaha I think the answer to this question is completely dependent on the song. Early stuff probably alone in your room or somewhere dark – but the new stuff definitely needs to be listened to with friends! L.O.V.E. Is a song to blast on the beach, or bump in the car for sure!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Yeah it’s definitely gone through some pretty dramatic shifts. My first mixtape was what I called “experimental punk/emo rap”, then the second EP was like an ethereal kind of imogen heap inspired thing, with some weird rap in the middle… all very experimental… and now I’m trying my hand at pop! My motto is “genre is dead”, and I want to leave no stone unturned.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

There’s so many, but I would really really love to make a song with K-OS. It feels like it would be very symbolic, like a full circle moment, and his sound is just so unique, and eclectic… it would be such an honour to work with him.

How did you find making your new single “L.O.V.E.”?

It was such a fantastic experience. We originally did the demo as part of an exercise at the Navigators program, where we just get together in a booth, and make a song from scratch in a couple hours. It was a genre challenge that day, and our booth was pop. It all just flowed so naturally, we were all on the same page so quickly, and we knew we had something special pretty much immediately.

Then taking that demo to BigPop studios and getting it finished and turned into the final product we have today, shooting all the content for it, coming up with the cover art, which my partner drew for us, everything was all so much fun. It all just came about so naturally, it’s just felt like hanging out and goofing around with your friends the whole time, and I think that’s really the energy that the song gives as well. Just carefree fun.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

This song is about love, connection, community, and fun. I think it’s a reminder to take care of yourself, and the people around you – and to come together, especially when the world wants to tear us apart.

How was it collaborating with TAMiii, Ty, Muks and Idol Essence?

TAMiii is an absolute blast to work with. The energy she brings into a room just lights up the whole place, and I want to keep working with her til I’m 85. I won’t say too much now, but this isn’t the last you’ll hear of us on the same song.

Ty is such an incredible singer, and her understanding of melody really blows me away. She’s recently had a baby, so we haven’t been able to spend much time together since recording the track, but I desperately want to get in the studio with her again.

Muks also has an incredible musical ear, and understanding. He’ll just sit quietly in the corner, and then bust out the most insane vocal riffs out of nowhere.

Idol Essence is hard to work with, because once she gets on the mic you realise you have to go back and rewrite your entire verse. Seriously though, she will give any of your favourite rappers a run for their money.

Yeah so to sum it up, these guys are all insanely talented and I don’t even have the words to describe how dope it’s been to work with them.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Uhhhh, let me check… I’ve been making my way through Lil Wayne’s discography recently actually. It’s lengthy, so I’ve been listening to him a lot. The man is truly the goat. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

No matter what genre it is, and no matter if it’s happy, sad, or angry – I think the core thing that ties all my music together is acceptance. Acceptance of self, and of others. If you only take one thing away from my music, I would ask you to take away a request to love, accept, and forgive yourself, and the people around you.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Own who you are. Own your mistakes, and your darkness. Be proud of yourself, and don’t be afraid to show yourself to the world. Also, network, ask questions, learn everything you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I don’t know if I should spoil it, but TAMiii and I might have a little something more coming before the end of the year… follow me on Instagram and you might see an announcement.

Listen to L.O.V.E. (On My Mind) below