Interview by Paul Salfen
When it comes to someone that can do a little of everything, mix styles and genres like no other, and produce for the biggest names in the world, TroyBoi is it. The British-born/Miami based producer has a new EP, Say Less, the first on his T DOT label, which features trap favorites and an eclectic variety of sounds. He will also embark on a US tour to promote the EP, which includes stops in Houston and Dallas.
Here’s more from TroyBoi:
AMFM Magazine: The new EP sounds fantastic and it’s a very unique and eclectic set of songs. How did you decide on these that work so well together assuming you have quite a bit more ready to go?
TroyBoi: Thank you so much. I had originally made the tracks with Hucci and Stooki Sound, then the idea of the EP came to me. I then decided that I wanted to bring Mr Carmack and UZ on board since we were overdue working together. Once all the tracks were created, it really made sense and it was the perfect homage to the era and trap music scene that we all came up in.
AMFM: You always put on a great show that doesn’t rely solely on lights and effects. How important is it to you to stand out within the genre when it comes to playing live and what goes into that?
TB: It is important to have your own identity. More than half of my set is my original music, which sonically crafts the sound of my set. The stage production is a great element to the show, but the music is what people come to hear. I like to take people on a journey in my sets, it’s not always about dropping heavy hitting tracks, I also like to create moments to catch a breath and vibe out to something chill. I also can’t stand still when the music is groovy so you will see me dance and move a lot.
AMFM: Now with a lot of great music to choose from, how do you get it down to one set list? And what will we hear this weekend?
TB: My setlist is mainly my original music mixed with some of my favourite tracks across multiple genres to bind it all together. I usually have an idea of what I want to play, but then on the day I sometimes go on the fly and play different tracks that I originally intended. I like to read the crowd and then I go with what I feel.
AMFM: What advice would you give to those looking up to you and thinking, “That’s what I want to do?”
TB: Do it! If you truly want it badly and are prepared to do work to get to where you want to be, you will succeed.
AMFM: Our host, Drew Pearson, famously caught the Hail Mary and went into the Hall of Fame this year and he wanted me to make sure I asked you your Hail Mary Moment, the moment in your life or career where you just had to go for it and it worked out for you?
TB: The day I quit my real estate job to pursue music full time was my Hail Mary moment. It was scary because I went from having a solid full time job with a decent wage to being unemployed. I’m so grateful that the music spoke for itself and I am where I am today.
AMFM: We talk about that success mindset on RECRD that you have to have to not only make it in the business but to stay in it. Is there something that you’ve always told yourself that’s kept you on the right path even when things seemed tough?
TB: Consistency. I create music because it’s my hobby as well as it is my job so releasing tracks on a consistent basis is important.
AMFM: You’ve done a lot of great collaborations with some amazing artists. Which one has been the most standout or impactful to you?
TB: I’m so grateful to have worked with some amazing artists in my career so far. Working with Justin Bieber on Red Eye was definitely a highlight, he has such an incredible voice and I always wanted to work with him.
AMFM: You’ve got a new label, too. What will we hear coming out of that?
TB: Yes – T Dot Music. I got a lot of new music coming out my label and I can’t wait for you all to hear it.
AMFM: You must be so happy to unveil this EP to the world and you must be getting some great feedback right about now. Congrats and see you this weekend!
TroyBoi performs at Rise Rooftop in Houston on June 9th.
For more on TroyBoi:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/troyboi/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TroyBoiOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TroyBoiMusic
