7 Questions With @_BrainOrchestra

The Elizabeth, New Jersey talks about his process & 2022 Project 'Big Brain'

How’s it going everyone, my name is Michael Stover. Most of you know me as the “get a website” guy or the one who’s dropping all the keys. This whole time though and for the last 15 years, I’ve been a journalist, who writes reviews, feature pieces & more. One of my favorite parts of doing this is talking to people from all over the world and hearing their perspectives. Originally started by Noah the Producer, my interview series ‘7 Questions’. This time around I’m sitting down with New Jersey’s Brainorchestra who has already made a name for himself. Between releasing his debut through Cophenhagen Crates, Brainorchestra now takes care of the majority of his physical releases in-house. With two projects released this year in ‘Big Brain’ & the instrumental album ‘Kinetics’...Brain has made it known he’s still not done this year with one more big release coming this year.

Sto: For those who somehow still don't know WHO is Brainorchestra?

Brainorchestra: Brainorchestra is an Elizabeth, NJ native that specializes in hip hop production / rap with live performance along with self pressed vinyl & merchandise. An independent powerhouse pushing the motive to monetize the art we love & create.

Sto: I think the rapper/producer combo is horrifically underrated but you've been doing both for a long time now. Can you talk to me about balancing both? You're producing instrumental records, while dropping guest features for some of hip-hop's best while simultaneously being a part of hip-hop's best on both fronts.

Brainorchestra: I like to think of it as a chance to show all sides of what we love in music. The skeleton & flesh. Once I learned the power of both, it struck me that I have something important to display. People like Madlib, DOOM, Dilla, Black Milk (obvious choices) displayed the balance. It really gives a whole experience & history lesson to the listener, rather than just being "the best" at something.

Sto: Give me 3 to 5 tips independent artists can use to take their game to the next level

Brainorchestra: 

1. Listen to more music
2. Create what you like & experiment 
3. Build a team of friends with like minded interest / input on your work to bring it to a level you cant (at the moment)
4. Invest in yourself, however it suits to your art / brand. It will pay off
5. Embrace love, ignore hate (something I am still learning)

Sto: Can you talk to me about your view on your career and art once the pandemic began? I noticed a lot of artists panicking but for you it continued business as usual.

Brainorchestra: I generally was used to being in my space for long periods of time. Before 2019 my life was a lot more running around & getting my shit right you feel me. But after I came up on some bread & figured a system, I wasn’t too pressed about having alone time. Not being able to play shows & see people was the worst part obviously. But I had a choice to panick or figure out how to survive in a new climate. It gave me a chance to experiment & try new things.

Sto: You're getting placements, you're selling out Vinyl, you're performing all over the world. But you're an independent artist through and through, powering your own machine. Can you talk to me about the importance of investing in yourself?

Brainorchestra: I come from a family that worked hard to enjoy the fruits of their labor. I was taught early that you had to get it yourself (as cliche as it sounds). I’ve been in many rooms & met a lot of people, but the main person who invested 1st was me. It can be a lot at times but the pay off (not even money, just putting something out that receives good praise) is the best when you did it off your own strength along with your team.

Sto: One thing I respect about how you move is your willingness to work with artists where they're at. I think in an industry filled with egos, the opportunity to work sometimes goes out the window in favor of "well you're not on my level so why should we work?"

Brainorchestra: Yeah to me, I’m all about building relationships with dope artists. Obviously I don’t do this for $$ all the time BUT, my time costs. Many people respect that & hit me up, in turn getting great product. I’ve gotten paid for work from people no one knows about at all, while notable artists won’t spend a dime for our effort, I’m the type that after a few transactions, if I enjoy what we making & the energy, it’s go time. We just gonna work no charge at that point. Also just cause folks ain’t known, doesn’t mean they aren’t good. & that’s something people don’t consider.

Sto: Now you just dropped "Big Brain" earlier this year, can you talk to me about what we can expect from this album?

Brainorchestra: I hope everyone enjoys this album for what it is : a full representation of me the past couple years into the future. I feel since its my 1st actual full length album, self produced & recorded, that people will appreciate the time & effort over the past 2 years to bring something fresh & personal.

Sto: Can you talk to me about projects like 'KINETICS' & 'Hidden Hash V.1' these projects directed more towards Collectors. What inspired these?

Brainorchestra: Sometimes I feel I want to put something super exclusive out for the true collectors. To me its crazy knowing only 20 or so people have a item like that. I don’t feel like applying all the pressure into a super public release because it requires so much. But given I love to release music regardless I find a way to reach those who care enough.

Sto: What's next for Brainorchestra in 2022 after "Big Brain"?

Brainorchestra: Europe, more beats + rhymes & working on my next best album for 2023 haha! Also, expect a lot of collaborations. Like a lot.

You can follow BrainOrchestra on Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, Bandcamp & His Website.