Every week here at Swidlife we try to connect with an artist and give them a platform where they can confidently talk about their craft and shed more light on their artistry. This week, making his debut on our page, Atlanta, GA songwriter/producer Mondo drops by with a new project that will surely solidify him in the underground music scene.
His debut project “IMPALA” is a body of work that he’s been working on for roughly two years in numerous cities including Houston, Los Angeles, Grand Rapids, Nashville and Atlanta. With a reference to his first car and how he taught himself how to drive, the project translates over to his music career and how he taught himself how to write and produce music. We had the chance to catch up with Mondo and chop it up with him about various things ranging from inspiration, fun outside of music, future plans and much more. Check out the interview down below.
Swidlife: How did you start making music and what gave you the motivation to stay with it?
Mondo: I started making music when I got my first laptop about 7 years ago. Personally what keeps me motivated is letting down all the people I Inspire, I’ve come way too far to stop now.
Swidlife: What are some of the biggest mental tools you can obtain to be successful in this field?
Mondo: Nothing is personal you gotta remember it’s just business at the end of the day.
Swidlife: Being from Atlanta, how is the underground music scene out there?
Mondo: The underground scene here is dope there’s talent everywhere. Watching people who were just in the same position as me pop off, let’s me know my time is coming soon.
Swidlife: Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on?
Mondo: IMPALA is my favorite project to date, honestly I should’ve kept it longer and added more tracks but it was time I held it long enough. Honorable mention: “Sunny Daze pt 1” that was the first project I mixed from top to bottom shits like a time capsule of my teenage years
Swidlife: What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?
Mondo: I like making clothes for fun outside of that basketball is my go to.
Swidlife: Also being a producer, from an artists’ standpoint, how involved should the artist be in the post- production stages?
Mondo: I think artist should be hands on during every stage of production because no one understands your vision more than yourself.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/804918015″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]Swidlife: If you were to describe your sound, how would you describe it?
Mondo: In one word I’d say futuristic, it doesn’t sound like anything out there right now.
Swidlife: What’s your recording process like?
Mondo: One thing to note is that I only go to the studio when I’m inspired, second I usually only go in w/ the hook or verses and the songs put themselves together when I record. Lastly, I never drop a song after the first mix it usually takes 4 or 5 before I move on.
Swidlife: What do you hope listeners take away from your debut album “IMPALA”?
Mondo: You’re in charge of your own destiny never let anyone tell you different.
Swidlife: Do you have any big plans to close out the year?
Mondo: The Impala Exhibition is going to continue next stop is Grand Rapids. I wont say much but you won’t be disappointed also expect a lot more music.
