Breaking into the music scene with a unique blend of West Coast R&B and hip-hop, ARSN has rapidly captured the attention of fans and critics alike. With the release of his debut EP ‘Mulholland Drive,’ ARSN takes listeners on a journey through luxurious soundscapes and compelling narratives drawn from his own experiences. We had the prerogative to interview ARSN, to discuss the inspiration behind his latest project, his musical evolution, and what fans can expect from him in the future.
From his early days in Loma Linda to his transformative years in the iconic Mulholland Estates in Los Angeles, ARSN’s path has been marked by stark contrasts and profound inspirations, deeply influencing the thematic and sonic elements of his music.
In this exclusive interview, ARSN shares insights into the creative process behind “Mulholland Drive,” the challenges he faced, and the aspirations that drive his rapidly ascending career. Join us as we delve into the world of ARSN, exploring the influences, experiences, and ambitions that culminate in this compelling new.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Mulholland Drive! How does it feel to finally share this project with the world?
Appreciate the acknowledgment. To be completely honest it’s something totally different for me, from of creating singles to creating somewhat of a cohesive project project has been quite an experience for me. Definitely going to keep in mind on holding on to songs to build for my next project instead of just releasing everything that I make that I like. I will be holding a few of the gems for my next project.
Can you tell us about the journey you’ve taken to get to this point in your career, from your upbringing in Loma Linda to living in the iconic Mulholland Estates in Los Angeles?
Definitely think there’s a little bit of confusion lol but I was born in the city of Loma Linda live there for a few months then moved to Los Angeles for 12 years or so then we moved back to the inland Empire when I was getting ready to go to high school. so coming from more ghetto areas in the neighborhoods that I grew up in into such a lavish and upper echelon style of life was definitely something that was a huge inspiration on this whole project and my life in general. But yeah overall it definitely takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrificing. I know all of this sounds cliché but it’s exactly what it is just like anything else those who want something get it and work hard for it and that’s just really it.
Your music blends West Coast R&B and hip-hop influences. How did you develop your own distinct style, and who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Yeah, I would definitely consider it a fusion of hip-hop/rap and R&B. I definitely believe it just came from kind of mixing sounds together to try to make something that fit me uniquely, but I think my sound is forever changing and I’m never just gonna make one sound of music because I’m a artist and I think the best artist don’t just stick to one sound. Like yes, they are known for that sound of specific way, but I think all great artists are versatile.
Mulholland Drive is named after the iconic Hollywood hills location where you once lived. How did your experiences there inspire the themes and sound of the EP?
It’s named after a street in Hollywood Hills named “Mulholland Drive”, because I was living in a mansion in Mulholland Estates. I think at that time in my life, I wanted to forever capture what the moment felt like to me to be able to express that experience.
I feel like the experience I was having at that time, allowed me to create a more upper echelon sound of music, I think my idea in the making of it, and just wrapping everything up I hear Rick Ross’s Maybach music tag on it or I hear this driving around in a Rolls-Royce.
“Way Too High” is a standout track on the EP. What was the inspiration behind this song, and why did you choose it as a lead single?
I chose this as a lead single, because after showing people before the project was released, it seemed to be the one that resonated with people, the most most, even though the original single on the project was supposed to be ‘OneInAMillion’ last minute we kind of changed it and because it’s not an album I don’t really have to say that there’s like a single on the project, but more of just a stand out record that stands out on its own.
The inspiration behind this song was I only had three songs for the project originally and I wanted to make one last song so I decided to go to our apartment and Hollywood I linked up with my brother Caso (Noe Jose) and my brother Loot (Christopher Kuyoro). Loot came up with the topline melody than we all kinda started vibing writing and just shooting ideas to each other than boom ‘Way Too High’ was made.
Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting the songs for Mulholland Drive? Did you face any challenges during the making of the EP?
It’s really simple for me. I just link up with my bros or by myself sometimes than I normally go to studio have a little drink (lately its been Jameson + Orange Fanta) and a nice blunt and just freestyle punch in record. Which would be considered the Atlanta style of recording.
Struggles phase during the making of Mulholland Drive had to be maybe re-recording some of the verses, and just getting everything together so that I could properly release it but nothing too major. I’m just excited that it’s out now.
Your previous releases, including “Exotic” featuring Bino Rideaux, have already gained significant attention. How do you feel your music has evolved since then, and what can fans expect from Mulholland Drive?
Appreciate that. I think my music has evolved as far as the sound is concerned, I think the biggest reason for that was because I didn’t want to be boxed in and only categorized as a “West Coast Artist” only. I think I’m completely versatile, and have way too to offer to be considered only a “West Coast Artist” after performing in New York, and just gaining more of a fan base overseas, and in the East Coast has taught me that. I think something to look out for is more music sounding like this. I may be a splash of the LA bounce back in my sound, but we don’t know yet we’re going to get back in the studio and just create what we like and what sounds good and what feels good at most.
What do you hope listeners take away from Mulholland Drive after experiencing the EP?
I think the biggest take away should be just a vibe and it’s OK just to have a good time and vibe out and feel bossed up and confident and like you ready to get it.
As a rising star in the hip-hop scene, what are some of your goals and aspirations for the future of your music career?
I think some of my biggest goals as a rising star and the hip-hop scene would definitely be getting on OTR (OnTheRadar) and FTB (From The Block) live performance videos, gaining a fanbase to sell shows out, attaining 1M streams on one of the song off ‘Mulholland Drive’ and just getting more visibility via TikTok and IG on Our Generation Now Music. Just cool stuff like that. Small steps that count.
Finally, where can fans find Mulholland Drive, and do you have any upcoming projects or performances that you’d like to share with us?
You can find ‘Mulholland Drive’ on all streaming platforms out now! I definitely plan on doing some more shows and will definitely be releasing merch VERY soon.
