As the summer winds down, the impact of Sin’s album, "In The Sticks," continues to resonate with listeners far and wide. Released on March 15, the album has solidified Sin’s place in Seattle’s music scene, showcasing his growth as an artist and the unique sound he’s cultivated. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on the journey so far, the challenges of independent artistry, and what’s next as he continues to make his mark in the industry.
Deeds: Can you share with us the creative process behind your first studio album? How does it differ from your previous EP releases?
Sin: My creative process is heavily driven by inspiration. I write and work when I’m in that creative mode, and that’s when I produce my best work. For this album, I started with five high-energy tracks to really just rap, and then I transitioned into five more chill vibes where I experimented as an artist. The process for this album was much more personal, with most of the work being done solely by me, except for one vocal feature.
Deeds: Your last EP was "Public Enemies." How do you feel this new studio album builds upon your previous work, both lyrically and musically?
Sin: "Public Enemies" was a collaborative EP with my brother and another talented artist, Yblilhoe. We just vibed and created hits together. However, this new album is my creation entirely—aside from one feature and the beat production. I wrote all the songs and told my own stories, making this project a true reflection of my personal growth as an artist.
Deeds: As a young black artist in the industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Sin: The biggest challenges I’ve faced have been self-imposed. I’m my hardest critic, always pushing myself to elevate my sound and quality quickly. I’ve only been in this for a little over four years, and the evolution from even two years ago is wild to me. Without chaos, there cannot be change.
Deeds: Seattle has a diverse music scene. How has the city influenced your sound and style as an artist?
Sin: Seattle’s music scene is incredibly diverse, from being the home of grunge to having raw hip-hop and upcoming pop artists. There’s so much potential and growth here. I’m not sure if my sound is like the other artists in Seattle—I’ll leave that to the reviewers—but I like to think I’m developing my own unique sound and telling my own stories.
Deeds: What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your debut album?
Sin: The themes on this album vary. In one song, “Reminiscing Again,” I dive deep into my emotions, while in other tracks, I’m just talking my sh*t. To truly understand my vision, I believe you need to listen to the album from start to finish.
Deeds: Could you tell us about any collaborations or features on your upcoming album, and how they came about?
Sin: I decided to have just one feature on “In The Sticks” because I wanted this project to be mostly about my ideas and vision. I chose A&C for the feature because I believe he has the skill to elevate music to another level. He’s studied the greats and is constantly evolving his sound, which made him the perfect fit for this album.
Deeds: In what ways do you strive to make your music resonate with your audience, particularly in today’s social and cultural climate?
Sin: I don’t compromise my music for my audience. I think my music resonates with people who relate to my experiences or are looking for something fresh. My focus is on providing quality sounds with real lyrics, and I hope that resonates with listeners.
Deeds: As an independent artist, what advice do you have for other young musicians looking to carve their own path in the industry?
Sin: My advice is to stay true to your vision, own your music, and only compete with yourself. If you want the advantage, focus on those aspects.
Deeds: What’s next for you after the release of your first studio album? Do you have any future projects or goals you can share with us?
Sin: My next step is to promote this album and get it to as many ears as possible. I’m looking forward to hearing constructive criticism so I can continue working on my music and improving.
Deeds: Are you planning to go on tour or perform live this year to promote your new album? If so, what venues should we be looking out for?
Sin: I’m currently not interested in touring while I’m still developing as an artist. However, I plan to perform locally and get some venues packed in Seattle. Stay tuned for some great shows coming soon!
