9+1 Q&A with Tribe 20:4

What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

TRIBE 20:4 – As a group, we are all just a bunch of creatively inclined friends
that were brought together by the power of the internet (as so many of these collectives are formed). We’ve got a former buddhist monk turned rapper, a doctor in music technology, artists across different mediums, time zones and walks of life in our crew that were brought together by a strong desire to give back to music as a culture for playing such a big part in our livelihood. We wanted to do this while creating a movement that reflects our affinity with nature, the organic, and Eastern culture to deliver roots-driven, forward thinking sounds that come from an authentic in all of us.

Amory Reel (lead vocalist): I was classically trained in piano and violin growing up so I participated in the local orchestras and symphonies. However, it wasn’t until my later teenage years when I was messing around with Audacity and Garageband (and later Pro Tools after I got it as a gift from a friend) that I really started to get into creating my own original songs. I work mostly behind the scenes writing for other artists so Amory Reel is a project for my own expression which is something I really appreciate.

Zuma. (producer) – I was a DJ before I started producing music, and wanted to differentiate myself from someone that would essentially borrow the works of others as an artform. I wanted to create a sonic aesthetic that is unique that stands on its own.

Dane Amar (featured rapper): Growing up I was raised on music, my father was a famous musician in Laos and my uncles always raised me around Hip-Hop while my aunt’s raised me on R&B, it wasn’t until I hit 12 years old that I realized music is all I wanted to do in life. Since then everyday has just been about how I can sharpen my skills, and I’m not where I want to be yet but I do feel like I can be one of the best in the world. I want to make art that resonates with people while staying true to myself.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

TRIBE 20:4: There’s so much chaos happening in the world right now. It seems like everyday we hear multiple new stories about terrible tragedies and we’re sure there are many more we don’t hear about. This song is a manifestation of that feeling. Depressing, we know, but strangely we felt a little better after making this song so maybe we can do our part to help others feel better.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

Amory Reel (lead vocals): One of my bigger musical influences is definitely Frank Ocean. His music and the way he has navigated his career so far is inspiring to say the least. Outside of music, it has to be immigrant parents + immigrant families in general. Honestly, they’re superheroes.

Zuma. (producer) – Ian Ewing, Stwo, Hayao Miyazaki. They are producers for me that create strong associative memories and experiences that really transport me to a new place through their sounds. Not a lot of artists can bring about such a powerful emotion from me.

Dane Amar (featured rapper): Drake, Jon Bellion, & Nipsey Hussle easy. Songs that resonate with people and songs that just sound passionate. I was also raised by all Crips so Nipsey is a must.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

TRIBE 20:4 – Our sound as Tribe 20:4 we believe is truly a sonic representation of the worldwide culture-blending that’s becoming more and more prominent as we head deeper into the 21st century. A lot of us in the collective have roots in Eastern culture but were raised in the West, so we’re just doing what we know and combining our experiences.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Amory Reel: In no particular order… 1) Because The Internet by Childish Gambino 2) Forrest Gump (the film) and 3) probably because I read this recently and it tore me apart, the novel Norwegian Wood by Murakami.

Zuma. In no particular order as well… 1) Malibu by Anderson Paak 2) Lalaland (the film) and 3) Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger

Dane Amar: In no particular order as well: 1. TMC by Nipsey Hussle 2. Straight Outta Compton (movie) 3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

Amory Reel: I enjoy the studio a lot whether it’s by myself or with collaborators because so much magic happens in there. What you make there is truly a product of the moment. That being said, I can definitely see myself falling in love with performing after getting some practice.

Zuma. – I prefer the stage. Not to take away from the studio because for me it’s a process of creative introversion and self expression that is cathartic, but the stage is what brings everything to life and an added sense of purpose for me – music in the end brings people together and I feel like I’m bringing that all back together when performing.

Dane Amar: I prefer the studio, I could recollect and really take my time with my art. Just like Amory Reel said the magic that happens in the studio whether alone or a collaboration there’s something special. You make something out of nothing and when you release it you watch this thing you made take on a whole new world on its own.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

Amory Reel: This is not a singular story, but just the way that internet friends can turn into powerful, real life friendships is always fascinating to me. That’s happened to me quite a bit and I’m so grateful. It’s how I met Dane who then introduced me to the rest of Tribe 20:4.

Zuma.: when people tell me they’ve made love to my music. Haha it’s like woah – does that mean like in some way, I was there too? Haha nevermind.

Dane Amar: I’ve been told my music doesn’t match how I look which is always funny to me, I look pretty hood and when people hear my R&B/Rap stuff they’re always surprised.

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

Amory Reel: With each new Tribe release, I feel that we reveal more about ourselves as a collective, which is exciting because we get to grow with our fans and take them on a ride with us. Every song we’ve released so far is unique to us in its own way.

Zuma. – agreed with Amory on this, each new release of ours is totally unique in their own way. However, I got a special love for our debut track Sober. It’s the kind of song that will transport you to a new place upon first listen.

Dane Amar: I agree with Zuma and with Amory, all of the tribe releases are special and so unique, everyone in tribe has their own sound which can be heard in every song. If I was to pick one of the Tribe releases as a favorite it would probably be Quit Tripping. I went off on that one.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

TRIBE 20:4 – Expect a lot more music from us as a collective and individually from each member. We’ve recently added a visual artist in our crew, and have plans for fleshing out our first rounds of merch. As individuals, Zuma. recently moved to Tokyo to pursue a more culturally genuine sound and has started playing shows across Asia; Dane is coming out with his debut Album “Past Death” that is set to drop August 8th; Amory has been on the radar with major labels for his songwriting; with a lot more movement from our other members as well.

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

TRIBE 20:4 – Not a question, but thank you Last Day Deaf for speaking with us! We’re thrilled that this song is out and we appreciate the support.

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

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