CARSTEN2X: "In the early stages, music was something I did all by myself in my bedroom..."

Music
08 Sep 21

Born in Dubai, and raised in Shankill, Co. Dublin, CARSTEN2X is bringing a bold new energy to Irish hip-hop and R&B. He tells us about his latest single, ‘Beaucoup’ – co-produced by Brockhampton and Burna Boy collaborator Chuks Chiejine. Photo: @analogdash

Do you feel part of a scene in Ireland – or do you feel your development as an artist has happened mostly through the internet?

I’m very much an internet kid. Before I even had my first laptop, I was watching videos on YouTube on how to make beats. In the early stages, music was something I did all by myself in my bedroom – learning how to play guitar, how to record myself and make beats. But in the last year, the biggest step I’ve taken is working with other people, and I love it. Getting to know other artists and producers in the Irish music scene has been incredible. It’s almost like rediscovering a new way to make music through collaboration.

What was it like working with Chuks Chiejine on ‘Beaucoup’?

The guys at Paragon Records asked me to make a reference playlist to get a sense of the sound that I felt aligned with my own. ‘Sugar’ by Brockhampton happened to be the first song on my list – it was also my most listened-to song in 2020. So I was thrilled when I heard that Chuks [who co-wrote ‘Sugar’] had listened to my demos, and was interested. He’s such a nice, chill guy, and über talented. Due to Covid, we had to work via Zoom, but it wasn’t a problem at all. He really helped with song structure and production, but was also open to using the elements from the original demo.

Your latest single lays out your plan for stardom – what are your ultimate goals as an artist?

As clichéd as it may sound, I want people who listen to my music to have a good time and feel my energy. From relating to my lyrics as a young person growing up in the social media era, to the sonics of my music being entertaining and unique. Music is my whole life. I wake up and go to sleep with lyrics and notes on my mind, so it would be a dream for me to be able to do this for the rest of my life.

What are your plans for the months ahead?

With several singles, videos and features lined up in the coming months, I’m hoping to build some momentum and put my all into my music. Hopefully when the live music scene is back in full swing I will be a part of it, as I’m dying to get on stage.

Take a look at the video for ‘Beaucoup’, directed by Robert Bass & Eoin Byrne, below: