Q&A: Glen The Saiyan Brings Some Spice to Hip-Hop with 'Serpent Road'

Q&ASpotlightMusic

May 21

HE BRINGS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING INTO IT, ALWAYS WITH SOME FLAVOR. Glen The Saiyan’s new album Serpent Road highlights the growing artist’s ability to blend a variety of production elements and flows effortlessly. The Hip-Hop artist ventures outside of the “Hip-Hop” box through the project, while always remaining true to his sound through strong verses and lyricism. Teaming up with several friends and collaborators to make the project, Serpent Road features tracks with Yuki, garrison, brodie harvey and more. The album explores a plethora of soundscapes and themes, reflecting Glen The Saiyan’s ability to draw inspiration from just about all genres of music. Listeners get to hear a mix of charming samples, heavy hip-hop tracks and songs that bring in a bit of spice to their melody.

Part of multimedia fashion collective adivsry, Glen The Saiyan is able to explore a variety of creative avenues from fashion to film with his friends. The artist brings the value of collaboration into everything he does, representing the inclusive nature of the new generation of creatives.

Listen through Serpent Road and read below to learn more about the project, what’s been inspiring Glen The Saiyan and more.

LUNA: How are you doing these days? How is this spring season treating ya?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: I’m doing okay! My allergies aren’t as bad as they used to be. I’ve been mad excited for the rollout of the project but also anxious and exhausted at times. Definitely a good type of stress, it’s been so fun working on the tape!

LUNA: Congrats on the release of your new album Serpent Road! Can you share a favorite moment from the making of the project?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: I don’t know if I can decide which moment was my favorite because I feel like so much time was put into this project. If I were to choose one though, I think it’d be the making of the ‘Slaughterhouse’ video! There were many beautiful, meaningful moments during the creation of the project but I have never done anything like that before. Shoutout to Rooftop and the cast!

LUNA: Sonically, what are some of the key elements making your sound yours?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: I’ve always been inspired by all types of music and I’ve never been too into the idea of genres. I like to listen to mostly everything, therefore, I like to create mostly everything! I just want to express myself the way I want to no matter what. I think the most important thing about art in general is being true to yourself and not worrying about how you are perceived by others. With that being said, I think all my inspirations are what have shaped me into the artist and person that I am today. The key for me is putting my own twist/style on to things that I love or inspire me. At the end of the day, I always want to express myself in a way that I enjoy! When I’m in the process of making beats or a song I always think, “How can I make this more me?”

LUNA: Describe the project in three words.

GLEN THE SAIYAN: Some of everything.

LUNA: If you had to pick one track from the album to introduce a listener to your sound, which track would you recommend?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: “Mindblow” or “LoveDrugSpace”.

LUNA: Which track was the most difficult to finalize? Why did you stick with it?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: “Wish” was definitely the most difficult to finalize because so many people worked on that track! There were so many files to mix, it became overwhelming but it was undoubtedly worth it.

LUNA: Musical or not, what’s been inspiring you these days?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: My friends, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Alchemist new album, “This Thing of Ours” and Black Women!

LUNA: On the other end of your work, you’ve worked on some really incredible projects with advisry. What do you like about being part such a collaborative and creative collective?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: What I love about Advisry the most is that everything we do is in the name of love. We make clothes, music, films, etc. simply because we love to create. I know that I would still make music if no one was listening, if I were alone, or if I were with a group of folks etc. No matter the circumstance we make art for survival, regardless of financial income. There has never been any other motive than to express ourselves with the best of our ability! Also, I really love and appreciate the fact that I’ve been working with my best friends. I’ve known Keith since the 5th grade and we’ve known Brandon since the 9th! I appreciate how we always look after each other and keep each other in line. Advisry is a family and I don’t think I could be any more proud of us!

LUNA: Attach the last photo in your camera roll.

GLEN THE SAIYAN:

LUNA: With this album out, what do you hope these upcoming months have in store for you?

GLEN THE SAIYAN: I hope the album provides opportunities for me to grow as an artist and as a person most importantly! To be honest, I have no expectations beyond that. Whatever happens, happens.

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