Redefining the Boundaries of Emo Rap: An Interview with CRIM

Spotify recommended CRIM to me a few days ago. "WHEN SUMMER ENDS" began to play, and, as soon as the chorus kicked in, I was already hitting follow on Spotify. I've been listening to his music nonstop since (you can check out my favorite of his tracks here!). The young star has been making music since he was just 13, when he started creating tracks with his best friend. Since then, he has taught himself to mix, engineer, and master his own tracks. He is one of the most exciting new artists in emo rap currently, effortlessly blending emotionally raw lyrics with his unique vocal styling. This is definitely an artist to keep an eye on as he continues to rise in the underground scene.

MSM: Tell me a little bit about your background. Where did your interest in music come from, and was it something that you always wanted to pursue?

CRIM: For me, I always knew music was what I wanted to do from a young age. I used to rap a lot when I was a lot younger, maybe 12 or 13, but when I started secondary school, I met my friend Rory who was making beats at the time and told me we should try make some music together. From then, I spent the next couple years making hundreds of songs before I even released my first. Since then I’ve just been working on making my vision come to life, being creative, and trying to push as many boundaries as I can.

MSM: What is your creative process like when creating a new song?

CRIM: It depends, honestly. Creativity is limitless and inspiration comes from everywhere. Sometimes it’ll start from a melody or a production concept, other times it could be a lyric or a subject matter I want to speak on. I’ve always made music to express myself and help others, so I try not to limit myself and rather just allow the process to happen. Allowing myself complete creative freedom and not being too hard on myself is the goal.

MSM: Your lyrics often touch on deeply personal emotions and experiences. How do you go about writing about personal topics, and how do you balance being vulnerable while maintaining a sense of privacy?

CRIM: I try to just be honest with everything I create. As I previously mentioned, I started making music to help myself and now I find it’s helping others who feel the same way. I don’t really care for privacy much anymore. If anything, I want more people to hear my music, I want to help more people and inspire others, so if my privacy is what I have to sacrifice to do so, I’m willing to do it.

MSM: What are you working on currently? Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations?

CRIM: In terms of collaboration, I unfortunately don’t have much to talk about. For the past while I’ve been working constantly on my new sound with my producers Layen_ and Spectre. I’m just trying to push boundaries and try something new. I also have an EP I’ve been working on that I’m hoping to share soon. I’ve got my best music yet on the way and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

MSM: How do you stay creatively motivated and inspired?

CRIM: I feel downtime is a big thing. I believe ideas should come freely and songwriting should be enjoyable. Any time I’ve tried to force an idea, I find I push myself into a slump, and the more I try to force the idea, the further into the slump I go, so having hobbies outside of music is great. Go on a walk outside, meet up with you’re friends or play some games, whatever it is, just go live your life and enjoy the little moments, the inspiration will find you.

MSM: What artists have been inspiring you lately that you feel are pushing boundaries and changing the game?

CRIM: As of recently I’ve been listening to Loathe, Bring Me the Horizon, and a lot early 2000s post hardcore. In terms of new music, I haven’t been listening to a whole lot. I’m trying to focus more on creating.

MSM: What else are you passionate about besides music?

CRIM: Since I moved away from home, I find I’ve been going out a lot less than I used to. I’ve been enjoying time alone, creating, and learning new things. I also play a lot of video games as it’s one of the few ways I spend time with my friends when I’m away from home. I just try to enjoy life. My dad always told me that it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you're happy doing it, and that takes priority.

MSM: Is there anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?

CRIM: I’d just like to thank everyone who’s shown me support, truly. Be kind to yourselves and trust the process, you can accomplish anything you want to do.