Every now and then, we get introduced to artists that really stand out and don’t sound too much like other artists out there. This week, we wanted to put DOZEN on your radar. Whether you have heard of him already or not, I think this will officially be the track/video that puts him on your radar.

DOZEN starting writing rap music at the age of 12, and was influenced by artists like Eminem, NF, Logic and other Slaughterhouse members such as Royce Da 5’9, and KXNG CROOKED. Though he found love for music at a young age, there was also some rough points in his life that caused some life reevaluations. From being expelled from his local high school during his junior year, etc – he decided that it was just another motivational factor to pursue his dream.

He started releasing music in 2017 on YouTube and then later starter putting his time, energy, and heart into even more music, quickly improving his artistry and becoming confident to public release more music. Starting DSP distribution in 2019, DOZEN was ready to take those big steps in showing the world who he was as an artist, taking roughly 2 years to work on himself and his music as a whole.

It was June 2020 when he started to really be heard. He released his debut EP, “NIGHTFALL” which was produced by B-Coe Productions, who has worked alongside many incredible artists like NF, and Beacon Light.

PW: We will dive into the music shortly – firstly, tell us a little bit about how you got your start. You’ve only been releasing music since 2019. When did you start making music, who are some artists the inspire you, and how do you best describe your sound?

D: I first started music writing at 12 years old. I started really taking my music seriously at 19-20 years old. Before that I took my highschool years locked in the studio without any intention of releasing those tracks. It helped me really grow as an artist.  Some artists that inspire me are Eminem, NF & Logic. I would best describe my sound, rap/pop with a cinematic ambience

PW: We’re big fans of NF! We can hear that influence in your sound! As someone who has only been releasing music since 2019, you have already had a few small successes to be proud of. Including thousands of streams on platform with your previous releases – how do you plan to ‘top’ these releases going forward? What steps do you plan to take to make sure that your best work is being released (and heard)?

D: A big thing I’ve realized is I need to be doing more with getting my name out there. Promotion, and getting this music heard to people is the main priority. That’s why I’m so big on being my true self and authentic because that’s what is real. My producer has worked with NF on multiple projects. B-Coe Productions. He’s definitely someone that has helped build my sound.

PW: Staying true to yourself and being authentic definitely is important – especially when getting people to hear you out and take you seriously as an artist. Briefly tell me about some of the influences behind your sound and how each of them have influenced your overall sound? More specifically, what it is about these artists that standout to you.

D: I’ve always been into movies. From action movies like John Wick or The Equalizer. Revenge story themed is my thing. It just captures a dark aspect I love. That puts my in my dark element when creating tracks like “ZEUS”. If we’re talking artists that influence the sound. I would really have to say People like Hopsin, Eminem, NAS, and Royce Da 5’9 really influenced me on a lyrical standpoint. From double entendres, wordplay, flows, they’ve definitely made an impact on me and helped me develop myself originally. Take eminem for example. What makes him stand out is his lyrics and ability to build a story. That’s something that I’ve always appreciated and really helped me structure my song writing as a kid.

PW: Let’s dive into the music. This track was born after a battle with anxiety and a couple bad experiences. Tell us a little bit more about the birth of this track and how it came to be?

D: Anxiety is something that I’ve battled with for a while. Same with depression. After a bad breakup I wrote this record. I was spiraling out of control. Literally drowning in my mind. I ended up just going out, meaninglessly trying to not be introverted. Especially that quarantine itself made it 1000% worse. I ended up reaching out to Cole Carnes, the singer on this record. We just combined ideas, she wrote the chorus out with me, and we went to the studio and made the record happen. It was a great coping experience and helped me out. So, my goal with this is to help others too.

PW: There is a young vocalist on this track. Your 16-year-old cousin. What was it about your little cousin that made you want to have her on this track? Does she currently have a musical background or was this just a random concept you wanted to explore?

D: She has a nice voice. I feel it fit the vibe perfectly. She currently has only been in choir, and she writes music. But I felt like it was worth taking the chance and put her on it. And it worked out great

PW: “Worse” was a result of anxiety buildup and it taking over your mind – A lot of people are dealing with anxiety. Now, more than ever because of the current COVID 19 pandemic. What are some things that help you just motivated and how does anxiety management look for you?

D: Things that help me get motivated is the music. I’m always working on something, a music video, a song, writing etc. it all definitely helps. Anxiety management for me is just allowing myself to fully reset. Music in my airs, a hot shower, laying down with a fan or even just sitting down for a minute and relaxing. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.

PW: Let’s wrap things up! What influenced this stunning video? & What can we expect from the music that is to come?

D: I’m releasing another music video after this one in September and my Second EP is set to release this Fall  On visual influence I wanted something urban and colorful. I wanted dream state vibes. No-one in particular really inspired this one besides the water and fear of being out of control..

We’re excited to see what is next for DOZEN. “WORSE” is out now on all major music streaming platforms. Don’t forget to check out the video above. You can follow DOZEN on Instagram and Twitter.