Sapuis, the Bronx-born artist known for his introspective lyrics and innovative production style, joins us at A&R Factory to uncover his creative origins and the evolving narrative of his sound. Sapuis discusses how the challenging environment of his upbringing wasn’t just a backdrop but a vital component in sparking his artistic flame. Throughout the interview, we explore the profound personal and cultural influences that shape his music, his straightforward approach to his artistry, and his aspirations to make a lasting impact on the music landscape.
Sapuis, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your artistic origin story, identity, and where you’re heading with your sound. Was it easy to ignite your creative spark in the Bronx?
Hell Yeah! In the South Bronx, your only option is to get creative. Whether it’s the meal you make out of what’s in the house, the outfit you put together to not get your ass cut, or even coming up on some money you gotta get creative.
Look, all the way back to the music of hip hop, rap and its culture were birthed from the creativity Bronxites had. They used that creativity to escape hell on earth, through song and dance. You gotta get creative or you will end up dead in the Bronx, so waking up is the ignition. Whenever I’m in a creative rut I can just think of the Bronx; the good, the bad, and the ugly which I came from.
You’ve made a name for yourself with your introspective lyrics, genre-bending, and signature production style; which artists have had the most profound influences on your sonic fingerprint?
My sonic fingerprint is influenced by me.
How do you feel after introspectively pouring your heart and soul into your tracks?
I feel relieved because I got to pour that out. Going back to naming the Album “Before I Die” you can now better understand the title. (which is entendre in itself) I had to get that all out before I die, too many people never get the chance to do something like this. Others are found after death, but not me I made sure this was released on my terms.
Which aspect of writing and production came easiest, and which did you have to work hard to hone?
The writing comes the easiest since my music is about my life, mixing and mastering was difficult at first. Anything you work on gets easier tho. I’m gonna be good no GREAT regardless.
You’re clearly determined to forge your own way through the hip-hop landscape and blaze your own trail; what are the main factors that are pushing you forward and putting momentum into your career?
Coming from the South Bronx, Fox Street. Pushes me forward. Using that as the foundation of anything I do… gives me the momentum to complete, accomplish, and systemize anything I fucking want.
You’ve recently released your sophomore LP, Before I Die; what’s the story behind the album and how does it align with your broader career goals?
This album came off the heels of completing the second year of my “song a week” campaign. Midway through that journey I noticed that there wasn’t a body of work to show the work I am putting in. So I needed to put this out. I have some goals in my career to release albums that change music history and this is the start of that.
If you had to elevator pitch Before I Die, how would you sell it?
Listen to my album Before I Die.
What’s next for Sapuis?
I’m trying to go on tour so if u seeing this book me rn. I’ll take care of the logistics no matter where it is on Earth.
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Stream Sapuis’ Before I Die LP on Spotify now.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
