Interview: 4ra 4ra (Written)
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with the multi-faceted artist, musician, and creator, 4ra 4ra.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
I’m 4ra 4ra (reads Ara Ara), it’s like a gaming nickname and I’m all about making music, singing, and creating digital art. I dive into whatever catches my interest because I just love expressing myself in all sorts of ways, bringing cool audio-visual stuff to life. Some folks might call me weird, others think I’m just unique. But you know what? I do things my way and couldn’t care less about what society thinks.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
If you want to experience driving energy, madness and digital dystrophy, I’m a Cyber Pop music producer and singer, who simulates this for you. My music is a fusion of influences from video games, gore anime, and chronic online entities. I love to blend genres and vibes, whether it’s from mid-tempo to nightcore, or from feelings of happiness to bursts of aggressiveness. This diversity is showcased in my latest track, ‘Need For Drift,’ where I’ve poured a lot of my experiences. My music is storytelling chaos with a drops of final boss fight soundtracks.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
We’re working on a new song collaboration with the German producer Scarlett Scarlett, and right after finishing this project, I’m going to jump over to the collaboration with the Brazilian producer Leo Motoko. My fans chose one of my unreleased tracks which I’ll release in the spring, it’ll be more orthodox cyberpunk genre song. I’m also learning new live show techniques, syncing audio and video through MIDI control, releasing new music in the singles game. Simply put, I don’t get bored easily.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
The first live show, where energy swaps from listeners to performers, heightens THE FEELING where all ambitions and motivations begin.
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
Maintaining consistency in both creating music and holding down full-time NPC-based jobs was simply no go zone. So, I’ve reduced my workload to prioritize music.
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being an artist /a music producer? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
Consistency is key. It’s not just about racking up likes ’cause you can totally buy those or run ads to fake it. That shady marketing stuff? Nah, it won’t fly. People can smell that from a mile away and won’t buy into it, you know? But if you stay consistent, it’s like running a successful company – good for your hustle and getting closer to your goals. Drop the ball, though, and it’s like your whole operation falls apart, risking all that hard work you put in. Consistency sets the pros apart from the hobbyists. I’ve learned this firsthand, taking a couple of big breaks, but when you’re serious, you gotta stay on it. And social media in the end? It’s a game-changer for getting your music out there worldwide, no doubt about it. Can’t sleep on that as an artist.
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
Music what is analyzed purely for its potential to rake in cash, and labels restricting certain tracks in an artist’s catalog. That whole UMG TikTok debacle? Pretty joke for me. Personally, I believe greediness has no place in art.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
If they feel like doing something with it, they just go ahead and do it. If they feel like listening, they listen. If they feel like sharing that feeling, they share it. Anything could help, but I appreciate it when people are individualistic and trust their own judgement, so I don’t chase them.
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
I draw on tablets, post-produce videos, create 3D character designs, 3D fashion designs, or simply play video games, watch anime, and series. Additionally, I enjoy attending concerts and exhibitions.
10. Where can people find you?
You can listen to my music on all streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer, etc. Additionally, you can follow my daily struggles on Instagram, watch my sick music videos on YouTube, or check out short content videos on TikTok. All can be found here:
