Today we’d like to introduce you to de Loose Cannon.
Hi de Loose, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started making music around the age of 24. I have no formal music training or background. My mom bought me a bass guitar when I was maybe 10, but I never took more than one lesson. It frustrated me that I didn’t immediately pick up on and understand the instrument, so it just sat in my closet.
Throughout my college years (2013-2017), I would listen to a lot of beats and instrumentals. I would play music while I would study, at the gym, before bed – literally all the time. I would freestyle with my friends and at parties for fun. Around 2015 I started to write to music almost daily. I would listen to instrumentals and just free-write with the beat on repeat. Sometimes I would loop a song and literally type notes in my phone for an hour. Sometimes, I’d play a beat once or twice and other times, I’d skip a song after the first 5 seconds. I could tell almost instantly if I liked a beat, and I would add the tracks that I like to a playlist. I have playlists on my Apple Music back to 2020. I would add each instrumental that I liked to a playlist, and at the beginning of the year, I would start anew.
I recorded for the first time at the end of 2019, and I really embraced my artistry at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I figured I couldn’t wait another second to pursue music and do what I really wanted to do above all else – Rap.
What motivated me most was seeing other people chasing after their dreams. Watching people put out music, record, and perform – I was extremely jealous. I now wanted that more than anything else. And I am very competitive by nature. So seeing all of these people at various skill levels going for it – I thought “shoot I know I can be making music if they are”
I grew up on Notorious BIG, Snoop Dog, 50 Cent and Ice Cube. I’ve listened to a lot of Freddie Gibbs, Benny, Conway, Westside Gunn, and Outkast…. I mean the list goes on. But from everything that I’ve heard – it has only inspired me to do my own thing and be myself behind the mic.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey is not supposed to be smooth, and it hasn’t for me. The trials and tribulations are meant to teach you more about yourself and your capabilities. And growth isn’t always linear.
A lot of artists look at and approach music as a solo effort – but at the end of the day, it really takes a village. From producers, engineers, promoters, other artists, graphic designers, photographers and videographers, friends and fans – there’s a boatload of people that make every song, project and performance possible.
One of my struggles has been finding the right people to depend on that think beyond just one transaction and operate in terms of long-term relationships and common courtesy. Some people have difficulty making commitments, showing up on time, or being honest about what they do and don’t like.
Getting experience has been a huge challenge – to go from no music, no catalogue and no performances. A lot of times, upcoming artists look at the road ahead as an upward climb up Everest. And that is not a bad comparison. Even with the internet and social media, it’s a dogfight to get your music heard and stand out when thousands of songs are being released every day.
As difficult as it is, the primary focus has been only on myself and my progress. You cannot measure your growth and success as an artist against other people and expect to be happy. Just keep grinding with a positive attitude.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Hip Hop artist born and raised in Hermosa Beach. I spent my childhood surfing, skating and being on and around the beach. I’ve always loved to read and write too.
What am I most proud of? I’m just proud of me. I told myself it wasn’t too late to start pursuing rap and music at age 24, even knowing that I could be clowned by people in my late 20s and 30s. I’m proud that I am able to be myself, not promoting some facade or false image.
I don’t aspire to be the next Eminem, MGK or another white rapper. I’m not trying to recreate someone else’s sound. I don’t rap about selling drugs or toting guns – because I don’t. I don’t rap about cars I don’t have or cribs I don’t own. Man, I still live at home – and I’m not ashamed of that. I’m not about to pay $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom just to live check to check and hate my life. I’d rather save money by living at home and then invest that money back into my business and my music. You feel me?
I’m not out here getting grills I can’t afford and copping those Prada glasses that I really want – I’m trying to make smart financial decisions because I don’t believe I have to put on airs to earn the recognition and respect that my art deserves.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Work at it. Every single day. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes. Habits create routines. Routines create habits. Habits define who you are and what your future will look like.
Set goals have short and long-term goals. Plan out your week on Sunday night. Look at your to do list at the beginning and end of the day to see what type of progress you are making, and hold yourself accountable.
Be open and willing to learn. Absorb everything like a sponge. Listen to but do not take all advice, especially from someone that is not doing what you are doing. A lot of people on the sidelines have “good ideas” – but they are on the sidelines.
The hardest part is starting – so get started! Don’t worry too much about a plan in the beginning, make your music and put it out. You will learn what you want to do moving forward along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deloosecannon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deLooseCannon/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeLooseCannon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEPu6ulKZjAP9SMjhDgenQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/deloosecannon
Image Credits
Photo Credits to Brittany Bravo, Pariah Visuals, Kayla Optics, Christian Montoya main photo – Brittany Bravo white background – Brittany Bravo blue tshirt + de loose cannon tee – Kayla Optics outdoor at night – Christian Montoya (@kurieitaa) studio pics – Pariah Visuals
