Promising rapper, Noxek, talks about his new release “The Gutter,” emphasizing the message of not playing it safe and the importance of overcoming self-doubt to pursue a career in music. The emerging hip-hop artist reveals how growing up in a conformist environment has influenced his sound and instilled in him an underdog mentality.
Noxek believes that his listeners will connect with his story and be motivated to follow their dreams. Growing up in Brockville, he found solace in music due to the lack of fellow artists around him, which influenced the emotions and intensity in his sound. One track he feels particularly connected to is “FALL DOWN,” a song that reflects on being misunderstood and taken advantage of.
The artist also admits that the success of his breakout single, “LONEWOLF,” was the pivotal moment when he realized that music was more than a hobby. Noxek’s upcoming album, set to be released this year, is described as his most intense piece of art to date, although no title or tracklist has been finalized yet. Fans should stay tuned for future tour announcements once the record is out.
“Don’t play it safe” is one of the powerful messages in your new track, “The Gutter.” Could you share a bit about your own journey of overcoming self-doubt and gaining the confidence to pursue your passion in music?
Overcoming self-doubt to the point of being able to confidently pursue music as a career was a very long process and definitely didn’t happen overnight. I come from a place where everyone likes to “play it safe” or take the road most traveled by, and will look at someone doing things outside of the box as a zoo animal per say. When in reality maybe they’re just too scared to pursue their dreams.
You shared your history from lacking certain things to becoming the person you are today. How do you think your listeners will connect with your story? And what impact do you believe “The Gutter” will have on them as they navigate their own paths to growth and self-discovery?
I think the underdog mentality kicks in and the idea of coming from rags to riches can generate a certain type of hunger. Especially witnessing it from an outsider’s point of view. It makes it feel REAL and not a California fairy tale. I like to think “The Gutter” would motivate my listeners to dig deep and get hungry for achieving their goals and dreams. Set out a plan and get to work every day!
Looking back at your early years in Brockville, how has growing up there left an impact on your music? How did it shape the emotions and intensity in your sound?
Growing up here had a big impact on my music for sure. There isn’t really anyone around me that’s doing this or at least treating music as a career in a way they could advance. Having no one to really create with gave me this sense of loneliness making me self-isolated to study my craft and really push it to the next level.
As an artist who finds solace and therapy in music, what is one track from your repertoire that you feel particularly connected to on an emotional level, and what was the inspiration behind it?
If I were to pick one, it would be “FALL DOWN.” That song is pure emotions split out over two minutes. One of my favorite tracks to date. The inspiration behind that single came from a place of being misunderstood and taken advantage of by friends and family. Check it out for yourself!
Can you describe the moment or realization when you knew that music was more than just a hobby, and that you wanted to fully dedicate yourself to it as a career?
That moment came when my breakout single “LONEWOLF” started to gain traction and really blow up. At the peak of it, my YouTube channel was gaining around 300 new subscribers a day! I really felt the shift in tides when the fans put myself and Scarlxrd up against each other with comparisons and subliminal shots within lyrics.
Tell us more about your upcoming album. Have you finalized the title, tracklist, and the overall purpose and theme it will revolve around?
There is no set date or title for the album yet. It’s coming this year and it’s the most intense piece of art I’ve ever made.
Are there any upcoming shows or performances that your fans should be aware of?
None as of right now. I will be touring once the album is here. Stay tuned!
Check out “The Gutter” below:
