You Can’t Place a Label on Rodney Chrome: Interview
Society tends to put pressure on people to place a label on everything. We place labels on identities in order to simplify the meaning of who or what we are to others. We are pressured to place labels on emotions and feelings in order to define what doesn’t need to be defined. It just needs to be felt. Through that feeling comes expression and however you perceive it is up to you. Rodney Chrome is an artist who prefers to express his feelings through rhythm and sound.
On Queer Pressure, Rodney Chrome deconstructs the pressure of defining a feeling by displaying multifaceted emotions, decorated with funky baselines that remind me of The Parliment. The basslines and techno textures throughout the project paint a picture on its own, leaving open space for Chrome to exude his confidence about his happiness and sexuality. Chrome understands that his voice is an instrument and uses it in different variations throughout Queer Pressure.
Chrome is direct with what he is saying. His choice of words and descriptions make the listener think twice or ignite a quick Google search.
On “Pulpit” the production is abrupt before transitioning into melodic chords. In this song, Chrome goes back and forth between subtleness and aggressiveness, signifying that he is in charge of his destiny and to “never let a nigga get in your way.”
Queer Pressure sonically sounds like Grace Jones and Kyle Dion with JPEGMAFIA production influences. The whole project is clean af and there’s a balance between Chrome’s writing and underscore’s production.
During an impromptu trip to Philly for my one year anniversary, I had a chance to chop it up with the emerging star on life in Arkansas, NYU and music.
Our conversation, lightly edited for content and clarity, follows below.
What was it like growing up in Arkansas?
“In Arkansas, as you can imagine, there's not a big music scene. I grew up dancing and performing with companies here and in ATL during the weekends throughout middle and high school. But despite it all, I felt I wasn’t fulfilling all aspects of myself and eventually incorporated music in my artistic expression.”
What was high school like? Were you a part of any performing arts programs?
“In school, I was really a sports kid and dancing was for after school. I played varsity football but had to quit because I had to attend a music program in New York for the summer and my coach was not having it.”
Ha, so it’s safe to assume that sports are big in your town?
“Yeah, it’s very heavy in this community, with any sport they take that shit to heart. (chuckles) I didnt tell my parents I was quitting till the last minute and they were like “what the fuck?”
How did that conversation about quitting football for music go with your parents?
“Since football is a family oriented sport, their whole world was disrupted. My dad is heavy into football but my mom is a bit more cordial, so it was easy to talk to her about it. Honestly, I had to realize I'm not living their life, it's mine, so I have to do my own shit. If it happens to be a mistake, its my fuck up. Eventually, they became open to see what I could do and I greatly appreciate their understanding.”
How’d you get the name Rodney Chrome?
“Well Rodney is my actual name. I had just come to NYU for my freshman year and was ready to transition out of my previous artist name that I went by in high school. I was going by Atlas and wanted a name that was more personal to me.”
Were you always this confident?
“I was not always this confident. I had to learn not to discredit myself and realize the value I bring. I remember in high school, going through a transition of emotions and felt I was displaced in every aspect of my life. I had to find comfort in not having all the answers right now, which eventually built up my confidence through the past couple of years. So when I started this project, I figured I should just talk my shit. Either I feel confident one day or sad the next day, I wanted to expose both sides of myself.”
How would you define Queer Pressure?
“It's still a definition I'm molding. When growing up, I knew I had these feelings or I was moving differently but I did not have the word to explain how I felt. I feel like Queer Pressure is a relevant term to express how I was feeling. The pressure to title how I was feeling.”
What's your writing process like?
“I love to write a lot, so on the notes app on my phone, I have a page for quick lyrics where I just jot down cool shit or one liners that come to mind throughout the day; To help jump start songs.
Who are some song writers who inspire you?
“I really look up to James Fauntleroy for writing inspiration, the way he jumps around from melody to melody and still storytelling. So now i'm learning to talk about things without saying it.”
What’s the music like in Arkansas?
“There’s not a mainstream sound here in Arkansas, so a lot of those who do music down here do southern trap or something along those lines.”
When did you start working on the project and what was that process like?
“Around December 2018, while hanging with one of my good friends, underscores, I came to the conclusion I wanted us to make a project. I had two other producers in mind but once we started working, it felt right. Like we didn't need other people in this dynamic. We just made hella shit that was aimed towards the project till we were burned out.”
How did you meet underscores?
“So we both go to NYU. Funny story, in high school, while under Atlas, I released my first song called “2k” and one of his friends, Williams Crooks produced it for me. So during orientation at NYU I ran into underscores, introduced myself and then he said “Yo, you’re the kid that made 2k.” I had no idea he knew of me. We ended up having the same professor through the Clive Davis Music Program and he had multiple students share their music. I played him mine and after a few students, underscores played his. After the class our professor said we need to start making music together. The first song we made together without a project in mind was the “intro:” and then the second song we made was “Problem Child.”
On “Problem Child,” you say “What if my daddy finds out” before the chorus comes in. How’s your relationship with him?
“Outside of music, I'm really a private person, so writing this song was a bit tricky because I was not sure if I was being too open about our relationship. My dad is very old school. Like hood old school (chuckles.)I respect it but talking about certain stuff is hard so I tried talking to him through the record. A lot has transpired since releasing the song, so I’m grateful. It was definitely needed more than I thought it would be.”
On “Chin to My Chest” you say “She gave me time just to inhale, respect my mind and all the details.” How’s your relationship with your mother and how has it evolved?
“Your mom is usually the first one to know when something is up with you. She has always been so open and supportive with me. She may question some things but she always has my back. So one night, my mom was just talking deep and letting me know she got me regardless. So I had to pull out my phone and jot this down. I wanted to make something that any parent could listen to and reconsider their reassurance for their child. This was a generational step for us.”
How did you decide on “5starz” being the single?
“Honestly, it was not going to make the project. At first, 5starz was supposed to be a loosie. I started writing “5starz” in a songwriting class. I wrote it over Kanye West’s track “30 Hours.” Underscore told me I should use the verse for an actual song, so I gave it a shot. Production wise, we were going for an old Outkast sound, something that would feel good playing in a Cadillac.”
What inspired the video concept for “5starz?”
“Big thanks to Zachary Dov Wiesel for directing the video. I had to decide if I was going to make the video just as explicit as the lyrics or create something playful. I wanted to add an alternative meaning, so we used the idea of having a 5 star meal and devouring my invited guest.”
What’s next for you?
“I’m considering dropping more music videos for the album. I would like to show more of my creative side with visuals.”
I always like to see what other creatives are listening to. So, what were the last three last albums you listened to?
SZA - CTRL (daily)
6lack- 6pc Hot EP
THEY.- Nü Religion
If you’re looking to get your spirits lifted and feel confident, give Queer Pressure a listen.
