Independent, experimental multi-genre producer, rapper and singer-songwriter, Mustaqim Ariffin who goes by his stage name VMPRMYTH has released a string of singles since early 2010. Spotting a chest thumping and menacing style of sound, his latest track Glass Ceiling is from his upcoming debut album Ill-Made.
Apart from his individual music production, he is also the co-founder of MUSCLE/MACHINE, JSTN PWRS. Taking on various musical styles with their delta-blue inspired track Temptation and hip hop track Good Girl, VMPRMYTH is the one to watch!
How did you come up with the name VMPRMYTH?
I’m a Twilight fan and I am on Team Edward!
What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
I was shielded from MTV with the exception of Michael Jackson for most of my childhood. My sisters used to blast everything alternative from the 90’s and my dad was big on all kinds of world/folk music. My own musical journey had a lot of Deftones, Silverchair, Pac and Biggie.
Who were your major influences growing up?
Andre 3000, Tom Waits, Daniel Johns, Kanye West were and still are very fundamental to my own personal taste.
Why did you choose to get involved in Hip-Hop?
Why not Hip-Hop? It’s one of the few art forms that knowingly borrows from any other art form but constantly reinvents itself, while giving the artist a strong, verbal platform to express themselves. I can’t say the same for many other styles of music.
When did you write your first song?
Probably 13. I still remember that guitar riff… puts me in between pride and making me cringe haha.
If you could collaborate with one artist, who would it be?
Flying Lotus. I think he’d see where I’m coming from.
What is your favourite thing about performing?
Just having a sick crowd that’s taken time out of their busy schedules to show you some love.
You are the co-founder of Muscle/Machine. Tell us more about that.
I wouldn’t be the musician I am today if it weren’t for Aren aka JSTN PWRS. Not everyone is lucky enough to meet someone who understands the core of what you do and helps develop it. We’re planning to release an instrumental mixtape within the coming months.
What is next for VMPRMYTH?
There are a number of projects and collaborations in the works which I am very excited about. As for now, people can expect my EP to drop early next year. I think it might turn some heads, especially sound geeks.
Listen to Glass Ceiling by VMPRMYTH here:
For more updates on VMPRMYTH, check out his Facebook page.
