In this artist spotlight Q&A, we explore the making of "Sunrise" with Vacatixn. Discover the inspiration behind its 90s hip-hop essence, the collaboration with Tony Bones and Jackson B, and their creative process. Learn about Vacatixn's musical influences, release strategy, and future projects in this in-depth conversation.

1.     Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track "Sunrise" and how the collaboration with Tony Bones and Jackson B came about?

The aim for “Sunrise” was to embody the essence of 90s hip-hop and nostalgic rap in one package. From the elements of the production to the concepts discussed within the lyrics, all aspects of the track were desired to be connected in its vibe/feeling with full cohesiveness.

2. How did you and Tony Bones come up with the concept for "Sunrise"? What was the creative process like?

Within my artistry, a lot of the time I tend to build my lyrics and concepts from the initial name of the beat. Tony Bones had sent me a pack of beats for the project and I had chosen “Sunrise”, the instrumental that I connected with the most. Thankfully the name was perfect for the emotions associated with the production and I just tried my best to follow suit with these.

3. "Sunrise" has been described as a blend of nostalgic Boom Bap essence and smooth instrumentation. How did you achieve this balance in the track?

My music usually derives from old-school hip-hop and laid-back Dilla-type vibes, therefore, I was able to find common ground with the instrumental fairly quickly. I also worked out ways in which my vocals on the track could adhere to the dominant but smooth production of the instrumental in terms of the energy and loudness of certain words and phrases in my lyrics.

4. Tony Bones brings a rich musical heritage and a diverse range of influences to the table. How did his background in blues, progressive rock, and soul shape the sound of "Sunrise"?

For me, It's got to be earthy. From the music I was surrounded with growing up, I always gravitated to real sounds and instruments. I love grit and I love the crackle from an old vinyl. 

5. Jackson B's saxophone improvisations add a unique layer to the project. What was it like working with him and integrating his smooth solos into the track?

Jackson B actually played the main role in the creation of the beat and Sunrise in particular doesn’t have a sax solo. Jackson sent me this beat idea and I helped with the structure and swing of the drums. 

6. The track is said to evoke the vibes of Mos Def and J. Cole. Are these artists influences for you? Who are some of your other musical influences?

My art thrives in reflection of my inspirations in music both past and present. The golden Era of rappers/ groups such as Common, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Slum Village, and 2Pac have compelled me to explore the depths of my lyrics and rhyme schemes while Soulful singers like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and D’angelo provide me with the insight of Neo-soul to then introduce an equilibrium of melody and atmosphere in valued moments through my music. 

7. The project will be released single by single, with some instrumentals in between. What can listeners expect from this unique release strategy?

We want enough time to promote each single. Releasing single by single will give us the time to gather our resources to properly promote the tracks. 

8. How did you decide on the artists featured in the project, such as Tee Peters, AKS, and Wakai? What did each of them bring to the table?

The features on the album have been on my radar for a minute. Uk rap-wise these amazing artists align with my soulful and earthy musical taste. Such an honour to have them on the project. 

9. Tony Bones is known for his versatility in creating music from various sources. How did this versatility contribute to the production of "Sunrise"?

With Tony Bones being so versatile and influenced in his style of production, his approach to the production opened a door to a vast number of opportunities to pull from certain genres and sounds to compose the beat. “Sunrise” uses elements such as Punchy boom-bap drums, and vocals within the beat to profess a balance of inspiration from different genres, his talent has enabled him to solidify this thought with the completion of the beat.

10. The collaboration with Tony Bones and Jackson B resulted in a track that resonates deeply with hip-hop lovers. What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from "Sunrise"?

“Sunrise” was made and written to provide hip hop loves with a feeling of summer euphoria to their ears, along with conscious thoughts to aid with deep thoughts of trying to be the best version of themselves whilst realising how far they have come when they first started their endeavors. It is also a desired feeling for them to be proud of what they have accomplished throughout life yet still realising there is more to be done.

11. Your track has earned significant sync placements in popular platforms like FIFA and NBA2K. How do you feel about your music reaching such a wide audience?

It’s pretty mad! I guess having your music on big games and TV shows is the ultimate validation. It definitely helps to continue driving the ship forward. 

12. Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes or stories explored in the upcoming singles and the overall project?

No… whatever it is, it is. 

13. The album's name will be revealed on the last single release. What was the reason behind this choice, and how do you think it will impact the listeners' experience?

I think it just adds a bit of mysticism. I'm a fan of not giving everything away. I like cryptic, I like surprises!  

14. How do you balance the influences of past and present in your music, especially in a track like "Sunrise"?

Though my art is an absolute reference to the vibes of old-school hip-hop, I intend to record am instrumentals that are nostalgic in their mood and style of production but aim to use more modern sounds and concepts to create an equilibrium of the old and new which in turn provide me with the sufficient balance to capture moments from both the past and present in my music.

15. What's next for Vacatixn after this project? Are there any future collaborations or projects in the pipeline?

I am currently working on my next EP entitled ‘GEMINI FLOW’, comprised of 3-4 tracks that are very different from the music that I have put out there for people to enjoy. This specific project is inspired by London culture and uses high BPM beats and vibes to pursue this different approach to sound in awe of where I grew up and the UK essence