Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Proklaim
THE RELEASE
In a music landscape saturated with conformity and market trends, a breath of fresh air has emerged from the vibrant city of Windhoek, Namibia. Meet Proklaim, a hip-hop artist who has taken it upon himself to break the mold and create a sound that is as unique as it is powerful. This dedicated songwriter, fueled by his passion for music with purpose, spends his days crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. His latest release, "Somebody," is the perfect example of his commitment to forging an artistic path that deviates from the norm.
Recorded in early 2023 during Proklaim's first recording session of the year, "Somebody" boasts a boom bap foundation, featuring a solid drum break with a live feel that transports you to an intimate live performance. The verses touch on faith, the journey, and the current state of the industry, emphasizing the importance of bringing a different sound to the table. We couldn't help but be captivated by Proklaim's distinct voice and message. Eager to learn more about this intriguing artist and his latest release, we sat down with him today to dig deeper into the creative process behind "Somebody."
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
I've been moved by music across multiple genres ever since I was a kid. My dad had a pretty broad record collection and when my folks would host parties the Michael Jackson records would come out, then me and my brother would entertain the guests with our hyped antics. Hip Hop specifically really struck a chord with me at a deep level, even before 10 years old. A particular rap song that I remember moving me as a kid was by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth "They Reminisce Over You", it’s still probably my favorite rap song. My overall favorite song of all time is "I Wanna Know What Love Is" by the band Foreigner.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Am I assuming the Mount Rushmore is for general inspiration? If so I'd have Leonardo Da Vinci, for the vast amount of things he created from paintings to engineering to statues in his life span, absolutely prolific, a productive life he lived and one still remembered many centuries later. Then I'd have Bruce Lee. I only started getting to know more about him beyond the movies in the last say 10 years. In only 32 years he accomplished so much and had the wisdom of an elderly man. Try to google his quotes and watch his interviews, he was likely one of the most underrated philosophers of the 20th century. His quest for excellence was astounding.
Bob Marley because his music transcended it’s genre and culture. It carried a lot of positive messages and resonated with so many, and across time it still carries weight. I also like that he stood for his beliefs and incorporated it in his music and made it palpable for audiences that never quite held to his beliefs but loved his music still.
I'd have Tupac on the Rushmore list of general inspiration because of the potency his later music carried. I'm one of those who liked the Deathrow, post jail Tupac more than before he got locked up. He became prolific and ruthless on tracks and the velocity of his words was and still is almost unparalleled. He gave us a glimpse of how powerful rap could become, I still think he was only beginning to blossom when he died. I believe he'd have become way more, both as a rapper and way beyond.
My rap Rushmore is: Big Pun, Nas, Tupac and Jay Z (Lauryn Hill worthy mention).
Big Pun to my mind is the most naturally talented rhymer that we have ever seen. It came easy to him, one can hear it. He would have gone on to blow our minds had he lived a little longer becase he was evolving.
Nas says the most thought provoking insightful things I have heard from a rapper, a true intellect and its awesome to see him creating stellar works today. Jay Z what more can we say, .its self evident, a slick rapper and incredible business mogul.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
I'm always playing beats and when one catches my ear I get to writing to it and merely trying to express the things that it channels and brings out. I write out of habit as I enjoy it alot. Hooks usually get put together without writing as the beat prompts me to say or sing whatever comes to me in that moment. Then I simply get to recording.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
The beat of this single "Somebody" I bought online. I am always doing that. The song was mixed by Lu Diaz who was the engineer behind Drake's song "I'm on One". It was mastered by Chris Athens.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
My music is purposeful and has a consistent faith based theme that I seek to incorprate in my music as I am aware the abilty to create is a gift and as should as such point to the Source I believe underlies it. I actually think that allows it to carry continual relevance that can continue through generations.
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