Interview: Colorado Rapper Paridox Discusses His New Song "Take Another!"
We connected with Paridox, a 19 year old rapper, producer, and vocal engineer from Aurora, CO, for an exclusive interview to discuss his new song “Take Another!”, which was produced by Dylan Kusch. During our conversation with Paridox we learned more about his creative process for the “Take Another!” song, his musical inspirations, what his mask and cover imagery represent, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Paridox, be sure to connect with him on his social media and check out some more of his music on Spotify.
What are some things/people/places that inspire your creativity as an artist?
Inspiration is one of the scarcest feelings for me to come by. I mean, I do have a few artist in my playlist that I either grew up on or am naturally drawn to, but this early on, I'd rather not say who because that just makes it easier for people to compare me to them, you know?
We're really intrigued by your new song "Take Another!"; tell us how the song came together from a creative perspective. Also, how did you connect with the song's producer Dylan Kusch?
Creatively, the song spawned from a deep-seated resentment I've felt for years at some of the people I grew up with. I went through a period of time where I tried to build real friendships with these people but it always felt one-sided, like I had to go out of my way to include myself in their plans and such. Once I got tired of doing all that I sort of became a recluse and fell into a deep sadness at how lonely I was. That sadness turned into anger, and that anger is what you hear in my voice on this song.
At the same time, I want to throw out a disclaimer; this song is only a product of my raw and unfiltered emotions at the time, and I don't actually hate or blame or hold anything against these people for what I experienced. I just felt like I had to get it out.
As for Dylan Kusch, he and I have actually been internet/producer friends for years, at least since 2014 I think. I want to say I don't know why it has taken so long for us to make a song together, but if I'm being honest we've had a couple that I never put out because I ended up hating my part of the track. It took me quite a while to find myself musically.
Do you plan on dropping a music video for "Take Another!"? If not, what can we expect next from you musically?
I wasn't planning on a music video, no. I don't have enough funds right now to pull one off the way I see it in my head.
Right now I'm just taking things one step at a time, trying to build somewhat of a fan base and go from there. I'll tell you what not to expect though, and that's a linear, one-dimensional catalog of music as far as my sound goes. I want to be flexible.
If you could pick any artist to be featured on a remix to "Take Another!", who would you select?
Honestly, I'd say XXXTentacion if he was still among the living. Either way, that's just a fantasy.
From a visual perspective, the mask you wear adds a really intense element to the song, as does its cover graphic with the haunted house and floating figures. Why is this "spooky" imagery important to you and what do they represent?
For some reason, I am just drawn to that aesthetic. I find beauty now in the sort of things that used to scare me as a child. I think it might have something to do with the fact that most dark imagery or art is misunderstood and I feel like I relate to that to a point. I just know that once you start to give some of these things a genuine chance, there's a lot to admire.