HYPETRAK Speaks with Raury for "The Come Up"

Atlanta-based Raury has had a whirlwind year. From the release of his Indigo Child project to cosigns from his childhood heroes, the artist – who just celebrated his 18th birthday – can surely consider himself on the rise. By all accounts, Indigo Child seems perfectly fitting for a prodigy whose music blends psychedelia, pop and hip-hop effortlessly – a sonic vision afforded by the Internet age according to Raury. Here HYPETRAK speaks with the booming artist in a conversation that considers his theories on ‘indigoism,’ his public reception, and growing up in the creative hotbed of Atlanta. Enjoy key excerpts from this installment of The Come Up below and head over to HYPETRAK for the full transcript.

Growing up, what musicians enticed you to want to discover yourself musically?

The first person to influence me was Michael Jackson. Growing up I just listened to everything. In my family we listened to everything. My mom would play Sade, Anita Baker…Tupac, and my brother would be listening to stuff from Kanye, System of a Down, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, YoungBloodZ. I heard everything. My next great influence had to be [Kid] Cudi. When I was fourteen, he really helped me to believe in myself musically, his music helped me a lot. Andre 3000, he highly influences me musically. You know Queen? Freddy Mercury, I love his performances. Bon Iver, I love how his music sounds. I love the soul and the folk element. Kanye of course.

Speaking of Kanye, Cudi and Andre 3000, you’ve been given the nod of approval from all three. I wonder how that must feel so relatively early on in your career.

(Grins) It’s crazy! It’s crazy man. I just remain humble about everything and just try to keep my composure when great things like that happen; and when that does happen I really make sure that I enjoy it while it’s happening you know, because life is crazy.

A photo of Kanye and yourself has been circulating around the internet, what’s the story?

Nothing really, I met him in California and we just sat down. He’s a cool person and it was a great time, and I will always remember it. Meeting him was a great thing.