The Pholo Interview

Pholo, UK-based electronic music producer, has collaborated with artists like Kareful and BABii. He discusses his music journey and emphasizes the significance of underground scenes and the present mu

ASO: Hi Pholo, nice to meet you! Would love to learn more about you and your work!

Pholo: Sure, so I've been making music for about 10 years now, and it has been a long, long journey. I started off making more dance music under my real name. I was also part of a management, but it wasn't really my thing. Then, one of my college friends introduced me to Yung Lean, and I was immediately drawn to the instrumentals in his music. 

At various points, I've explored both House and bass instrumentals, but what I'm doing now is more than just music. Pholo has become its own art and space, a brand with its unique identity. What I love about Pholo is that I can infuse emotion into the music. When you listen to something like Yung Lean, you can really feel yourself in the music. So, I wanted to create music that allows people to experience the same emotions I do. It's not just about making a club track; I want to connect with people on a deeper level.

I see Pholo as my alter ego, but not someone I can be full-time. I feel most myself when I'm at shows or collaborating with other musicians. With Pholo, I'm always experimenting with different genres, taking bits and pieces to create something fresh each time.

ASO: Could you describe your creative process?

Pholo: Honestly, I don't follow a strict process. I just let things happen naturally. I'm not too concerned about sticking to a specific genre; I go with the flow and create music based on how I feel at the moment. Sometimes, I make a song just for myself, without any intention of releasing it. It's all about expressing my emotions and capturing the essence of my day-to-day life.

I try to stay true to my own sound and style, aiming to create a unique vibe that's authentic to Pholo.

ASO: Where do you find your inspiration?

Pholo: My inspiration comes from the thrill of creating something that no one has heard before. I draw inspiration from various sources like video games, the overall feelings they evoke, and old as well as new movies. To keep my creativity flowing, I make sure to broaden the range of music I listen to.

The PS2 era of video games, such as Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and MW2, had a significant impact on me, and those nostalgic vibes have stayed with me ever since.

ASO: How does technology influence your art?

Pholo: Technology plays a crucial role in my art. With just my laptop, I can create an entire album of any type of music. While I would love to experiment with hardware, technology enables me to get very close to achieving the sound I desire. Moreover, it helps me connect with artists and fans all over the world, which is truly amazing.

I also collaborate with talented artists like Jordan Chappel and GFX artists like Spider Circle's Twin for artwork, thanks to the wonders of technology.

ASO: Gotcha. How do you think about your audience? Who do you create for?

Pholo: My music reaches most people through Soundcloud, and I genuinely believe it's one of the best platforms to discover some of the best music out there. My fans are incredible, and I've had the opportunity to collaborate with BABii on a tape called "Screamer." Her fans have been incredibly supportive and welcoming.

My dad is also a big inspiration for me, and he's the first person I send my music to. I want to impress him with every piece I make.

I go beyond just providing music for my audience; I offer one-on-one lessons with fans and provide sample packs. I also try to connect with them personally, staying after shows and giving back as much as possible.

ASO: How do you envision the music landscape in the future?

Pholo: The music landscape has evolved significantly over time, and technology, especially platforms like Soundcloud, has revolutionized how music is discovered and shared. People used to visit record shops, and they still do, but Soundcloud is like the new digital record shop.

In the next five years, I believe music will continue to evolve, obviously, but underground artists will play an even more influential role. In the past, the mainstream was more dominant, but now the underground scene is where you'll find some of the most cutting-edge music. The mainstream may draw inspiration from the underground scene, resulting in a fresh and cleaner sound. But you need to keep your ear to the ground to discover the coolest stuff. 

ASO: Thank you for sharing all this with us, Pholo. 

Pholo: Thank you for having me!