In our latest Artist Spotlight, we chat to cult electro-punk legend, N8NOFACE about Tomorrow’s World which is out in October 16.
Valerie J. Bower
S] Hey mate, how are you doing?
I am well thank you!!! Just got back from the gym, hopped up on pre-workout, and coffee! Haha!
S] I really love your visuals, man….how important is that visual side to you as an artist – some might argue these days, it’s equal to the music itself?
Thank you, and yea these days definitely feels that way, I mean I wont front it’s an after thought for me. It’s always a song first. The idea for a visual will come later for me as far as artwork for something, whether it be video ,or artwork or merch. I just follow an idea, I follow the fun. Other times I let a director or a collaborator take the reins as far as a visual.
S] How do you look back at Stones Throw Records now, as a person and as an artist?
[I’m] always a fan first. It really was that label, for me being a hip-hop head, who started me down a path of liking different stuff, left of center acts. I always say Stones Throw is like the illest record crate full of dope shit all styles and genres.
S] You’ve got some awesome collaborators on Tomorrow’s World – can you tell me some of your favourite experiences?
Thank you!! Working with Dave Sitek as the producer of this album was a dream, I’ve been a fan for ages. Most of my other projects were DIY in a room by myself. So this was a little nerve racking, I’m so shy so to be with an artistic hero in a room with other amazing artists while you pitch ideas was so scary for me. But Dave is the best and knows how to make me feel like we are just hanging out after a while. Writing “GRAY AREA” with Goth Scarlettt, Angélica Garcia, and Dave was so fun, we were just coming up with fun lines to say, like talking shit.
S] You supported Limp Bizkit at Wembley a while back and did some UK/EU shows earlier this year with Ho99o9 – you’re about to go out with them around the US in November as well – how are you looking forward to those shows, and can you share some of your favourite UK memories?
Yes! Limp took me for my first EU tour which was amazing. It was all stadiums so while I was so grateful for that, the Ho99o9 one was club dates which I really loved, the closer, in your face shit is my speed. It was the best to go places where people are like… ‘who’s this guy?” from the beginning of the show to the end coming up to the merch table giving me so much love.
S] Can you talk me through what motivates you as an artist right now, perhaps some specific movies, people and places?
I mean everything inspires me. I dont drive in LA, I don’t have a driver’s license so I take trains, public transport and walk through some wild areas in LA. So just people watching, feeling the city is one of my biggest inspirations, imagining stories of people I see. Poetry books are big to me, A. Van Jordan is big for me right now, his Quantum Lyrics book. As far as movies, “Lurker” was a recent fave.
S] I work with a lot of people in music that think they can’t have a career past 30 because family/friends whatever tell ’em that, and I think your work really shows what’s possible for people at a range of ages – have you experienced any ageism, N8?
Oh, of course, I came from hip-hop where that’s huge, and I get it if you’re 50 talking about poppin’ bottles in the club haha, but one should never feel too old to tell a story. I always use the lowrider car idea, where I am from…where guys will work all day at a job, then go home and work on a car, a lowrider or whatever. Put tons of time and money into it, the car won’t make them rich, won’t make them famous, but they do it for the love. People will go play sports in their 50s, playing basketball at the park, yet will never become pro. If they do it to stay fit, well salute! I think any art should be looked at the same way, done for spiritual growth, for the soul to play. When I had a day job up until 45, I did music for the love on the side. My co-workers didn’t even know I made music, I didn’t tell them. I did it because I have to. I will forever.
S] I love your energy on stage man…just putting your heart and soul…you and a synth, and the people on these tours! I think that’s so cool for emerging artists…you know…to just give it a try, and you can find an incredible audience as you have done!
Thank you!! Yes! I am so scared when I am on that stage, but then it passes and I just feel free. I wild out! Haha!
S] Anything to add before we finish, man? Thanks for your time! Respect.
Thank you so much for this, I am truly grateful, I never expected so many to dig what I do, so thank you.