Big salute to you on the release of your new single "Before You Go"; tell us about how it connected with its producers Vaegud and HXRXKILLER2, and why you chose their instrumental.

Thank you, I found a lot of their projects while surfing through the web and when I heard their samples and sound choices it just kinda clicked for me. I knew I could make something out of this project they started. That I could really take it home. It all went together perfectly for me, with the mood and attitude I was bringing in for “Twenty7”.

Speaking of "Twenty7", it is dropping very soon; what can you tell us about the project and how did you choose the songs?

I love this project, it’s very emotionally raw for me involving the ups and downs that can happen in one's mind.

We ended up choosing the songs that fit best for the image and story. We wanted every song to invoke a feeling.

Tell us about how you got started making music and the artists that influenced you when you were younger.

I've always loved music and it was always my brother showing me all new things while I grew up, starting with my brother giving me his OutKast album, that made me fall in love with hip hop, eventually moved into poetry, I joined chorus, then I started making music for myself.

I grew up listening to everything from Guns n’ Roses to Shaggy. I’d have to say the punk scene and midwest are some of my favorite sounds and had a heavy influence on me. Of course, my biggest idol is Lil Peep, he opened a new lane for a lot of artists including myself.

From a sonic and thematic standpoint, how is "Twenty7", different from your first EP "There's Always Tomorrow"?

I found my sound and energy. Some events in my life changed views and relationships that I previously had between the two albums. With more relatable experiences I feel people can just be more in sync with. The two albums are on very different spectrums, I was still learning a lot with the first album. you can really sit back and hear the growth in the “Twenty7”.

How would you describe the music scene in Tampa for emerging artists such as yourself? Are there a lot of venues to perform and engage with music fans?

To be honest, it’s very separated and a lot of cliques, we tend to steer away from that and focus on what we got going on, but there are always opportunities to perform at great venues such as The Orpheum.

Connect with Cody Presley: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook