Tell us about yourself and your music
My stage name is Marcanum X. I’m a rapper and producer based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. I have been writing rhymes since 2004. In 2013, I released my first album, “Quantum Chaotica.” It was a full-length album with both solo work and features from artists around the world. I am currently working on my 2nd album, which is being entirely produced by me. I have a new single scheduled for a Fall 2020 release. I am known for my technical wordplay, flow schemes, and lyrical content. I also do a lot of freestyle I did a weekly freestyle series where I picked a random beat and rapped over it with no scripted lyrics for a full-year. In one video, I did a freestyle for an hour straight without stopping.
Talk to us more about your latest release
“Quantum Chaotica” is a record that has no profanity on the entire record. It preserves elements of hip hop music that could have been heard in the 1990s but puts a spin on new age beats. This project was released in 2013. I believe that it is a record that anyone can listen to and can fit an audience who appreciates content that doesn’t contain profane lyrics.
What inspired you to write this release?
I’m inspired by real-life concepts that make sense. The title was inspired by a hip hop duo I was a part of known as “Sons of Chaos.” I expanded upon the term, “chaos,” in forms of making battle-rap punchlines to address human problems we face every day with Chaos Theory attached to them. I’m open to making songs that people can relate to that don’t go against my value system. However, the idea of the album was to address conceptual phenomena that may be esoteric, yet, accurate in information without a sense to “scare” the masses with conspiracy-type philosophies.
Describe the writing and recording process
My process varies. One day, I start by making the beat. It could be the drums first or I may come up with a melody that is later complimented by the right sounds. Other days, I will write rhymes and continue for a while to see where it goes and match it with a beat later. As an emcee, I take the craft seriously to make sure I’m not just regurgitating someone else’s words or music. I try to set myself apart with my overall content. To me, being a producer is more than just making beats; it’s about using the right quality sounds, mixes, and overall composition of the song. When I recorded Quantum Chaotica, I tried over and over again until I was satisfied with the way it sounds. I would try to do things in one-take. Now, I’ve been more open to making things sound even better than they did 7 years ago. Again, my process varies on how I start and finish a song. The key is that every song should be treated differently; from inspiration to hot-off-the-press.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
I am open to touring if the opportunity presents itself and the budget is reasonable.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
There’s a lot of artists out there who don’t swear in their music. There are many artists out there who have hardcore hip hop vibes they create. When you put the 2 together, there surprisingly isn’t that many artists out there who embrace that, but I do. As an artist, I know I’m going to be measured up to great emcees and producers who came before me. I think the distinct difference I have that I work on more other artists is how I sound on the finished product. I’ve been on songs with people who have inspired some of the top rappers in the industry, and I feel like I hold my own on tracks with them because of how I sound; from my vocal inflections to my lyrical content to profanity-free content. As Marcanum X (which my name has nothing to do with Malcolm X), my name can be said in both first and third-person. As an emcee who uses many punchlines, my purpose is crossing off wack emcees from the mic; hence “markin’ ’em X.” “Arcanum” and “X” both means mystery or secret. I like to make my style “complex,” which I believe separates me from many other artists out there. When you put it all together, that’s me.
Who have you been listening to lately?
I listen to a lot of soundtrack music. What inspires me a great deal. I don’t listen to as much Hip Hop as I used to, but if I do, I’d say, Xzibit, Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, The Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Kool G Rap, Rakim, and Busta Rhymes.
Who are your biggest influences?
My Top 5 emcees are (in no particular order): Kool G Rap, Eminem, Chino XL, Canibus, and Rakim. I listened to a ton of emcees from the 80s and 90s such as MF Grimm, Percee P, Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes, Wu-Tang Clan, Redman, Jedi Mind Tricks, ILL Bill, Gang Starr, Xzibit, and many others. In terms of soundtrack music: John Williams, Marty O’Donnell, Hans Zimmer, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, Michael Giacchino, and others. My parents inspire me, but most of all, I am inspired by a wonderful woman who has backed me since day 1.
Tell us about your passions
I am passionate about making good music that will inspire people during dark days. I’m passionate about making sounds come together and form something that may turn out to be a masterpiece to someone in need or just simply looking for good music.
What else is happening next in your world?
I am currently looking for a job, preparing for my wedding, and finishing up my second album.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Marcanum X
Connect with Marcanum X
Website: https://marcanumx.wixsite.com/mysiteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcanumXInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcanumx/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/marcanumx?lang=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcanumXSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/marcanum-xReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/MarcanumX?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
