The following article was featured in Trap Metal Magazine issue #1 featuring Gizmo on the cover!!! CHECK IT OUT HERE
1. Thank you for taking some time to be interviewed for Trap Metal Arsenal Magazine. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us, how have you been?
G: My name is gizmo, I am one of the original first 10 artists making “trap metal” on SoundCloud. I make a handful of different styles but I am most known for my screaming style. I have been good thank you for asking.
2. How long have you been working / making music under the title Gizmo and what is the meaning behind it? How did this name come to be?
G: I have been making music under the alias gizmo for about 9 years. I went with gizmo for my name because of the movie gremlins, it was one of my favorites growing up (still is) the styles I go for musically align with who and what gizmo is. When gizmo is not exposed to water or fed after midnight he is chill calm emotional, like some of the music I make, but when he’s exposed to water or fed after midnight (like when I’m faced with fuck shit or people fuck with me) he turns into a demonic gremlin, which goes with my harder styles.
3. Who gets bragging rights for helping you get to where you are now? Who are your day ones?
G: Prohibeo (rip) taught me everything I know about music without him I wouldn’t be where I am today or have any of the musical knowledge I do now. As far as influences s/o Xavier wulf, bones, rozz dyliams, retch, gucci mane, waka flocka, chief keef, and 90’s alt rock.
4. What were you doing before all this started? Did you have other notable projects or ambitions before this one?
G: I was a professional photographr, really good swimmer, avid skateboarder (yes I can kickflip), fisherman, hunter, and lover of all small creatures. Still follow most of these passions to this day.
5. Why do you have an affinity for Trap Metal? And do you even like being referred to as a trap metal artist? I asked because there has been a lot of controversy on the subject, and I like to hear different opinions. I’d consider you to be among the pioneers of what Trap Metal is today so I’m extra curious what you think about that.
G: I really don’t care what it’s called, Trap Metal, Scream Rap, Alternative Rap; whatever it is the name doesn’t matter to me. I find that most people bothered by the name were metal heads or were into metal before rap. I’ve been making this genre since it was only called “SoundCloud rap” that was the only name for it. So I just make it because I love it, call it whatever you want it doesn’t bother me. Call it penis rap for all I care.
6. What can we expect from you in 2025? New music, visuals or tours?
G: I’m always dropping every year. Next year expect my new album “Nuckelavee” if it doesn’t come out this year. Expect many shows maybe a tour or two and lots of visuals.
7. What are your long term goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years. What about your end game?
G: I don’t have any goals really I just make music because it’s fun, but I hope one day to perform at a festival
8. With an interest in who your influences are, if you could go on tour with anyone in the world, who would be on the bill with you?
G: If I could go on tour with anyone I think a really cool bill would be Bones, Suicide Boys, Scarlxrd, City Morgue, Lil Darkie, Omenxiii, Killstation, Gizmo, Mavo, Eddie Fresco
9. What is your local music scene like? What are the pros and cons? And where do you see room for improvement?
G: The Music scene where I grew up was non existent, which is why around 2016 a little after I started under the alias gizmo I moved to California with my friend Prohibeo. The scene in the Bay Area was fun and accepting. Where I grew up in Rhode Island the scene has developed since 2016 and it’s growing now! I love to see it.
10. Here at TMA we’re constantly looking for fresh talent and prospective features. If you had to choose 5 artists from your circle to put us on too, who would you choose and why?
G: Listen to Mavo, Eddie Fresco, Ouija Macc, Fukkit
11. In the internet age, there are no safe havens from haters and assholes. How do you overcome haters and negativity? And what advice would you have for entry level artists who are starting to go through the same thing?
G: I’ve tried everything over the years and I’ve learned from my mistakes when dealing with the haters. I’ve made a fool of myself time and time again, it’s not worth it, the haters aren’t worth it. Best thing you can do is ignore and move on, I know it hurts but it shows resilience and builds character. As long as you’re doing something you’re passionate about and you’re having fun just do it. Sometimes the haters make you go viral too, sometimes it can be a good thing.
12. I’m asking you this last so it’s fresh in everyone’s mind when they are done reading. What you got going on? New music? Music videos? Show announcements?
G: working on an album and a couple other projects. eager to drop something soon this 2024 by end of summer early fall. more to come soon
13. As we wrap this up, is there anything else you want to add? And thank you for your time!
G: love you all thank you to anyone who has ever shown an ounce of support