Oxymorrons - Enemy (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Photo Credit: Colour Bond
New York City’s hip-hop fusion rock band OXYMORRONS - who have trademarked the term Melanin Punk to define their hybrid sound and the culture they are curating - continue their ascendency with the announcement of their signing to Mascot Records. They have kicked off this next phase with a brand-new single and video for the monster anthem-in-waiting "Enemy." The release comes just ahead of the band joining Bad Omens for their sold-out European and UK tour in February and March.
The cultural melting pot of New York runs through Oxymorrons veins and bleeds into the unique cocktail that makes up their signature sound. After years of being told they were too rock for hip-hop or too hip-hop for rock, they committed to creating music that defies the arbitrary rules of genre classification. This is emphasised in their hook-laden new single "Enemy," which drips equal parts punk rock, throbbing electronica and swaggering hip-hop, all playing out through the eyes of a metaller in the belly of a mosh-pit.
The Queens-born brothers KI and Deee vocally bounce off each other with force and precision whilst guitarist Jafé Paulino and drummer Matty Mayz create a raging vehicle for the track – throwing musical styles in a blender and pressing crush. "When you're creating change, it seems like pushback is a natural thing that occurs," they say. "Push back from outsiders, family, friends and most of all yourself. Enemy is about Oxys being true to who we are and letting our individuality shine. Just because we're comfortable being exactly ourselves doesn't mean we're against you. Once you understand and accept this, you will understand we are all one; we are not enemies!" Listen to the song on all streaming platforms HERE.
Shot and directed by Michael Danners / IamEyephotos, the “Enemy” video contrasts the sonic mood of the song by showcasing the band's fun, light-hearted side, "We strongly believe in the duality of life and not always having to present so seriously," they say. The video captures that ethos while playing off of the single cover art which introduces one of Oxymorrons new mascots, Ramel “Mel” the Melanin Punk Rocker. The visual shows the band tapping into their inner child and joyfully engaged in a water gun fight, alongside live footage, 90s tinged nostalgia, and artistically placed datamoshing. Watch the eye-catching video below.
Oxymorrons sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
We were all encouraged to listen to all kinds of music at a young age which lead to who we are and what we sound like today. From afro Caribbean, reggae, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Queen, Metallica, and hip-hop all being played in the house growing up. Exposure to live music early on also had us all catch the bug to be performers and pursue it as careers. Not sure if there was ever a "spark," but it just felt like what we were supposed to do.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Our biggest influences are definitely N.E.R.D, Linkin Park, Queen, Kanye West (musically) and Rage Against the Machine. In regards to who to work with, Tyler the Creator, Pharrell, Zach Cervini, Rick Rubin, Bring Me the Horizon, and Haley Williams, just to name a few. We have quite the laundry list haha.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
We are currently almost done with our full length album which will be dropping this year. Our first single "Enemy" is currently out and we're super excited about the rollout of this project. Prepare for the most amazing, genre bending, explosively fun, rage of a record you've ever heard.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Like everything you've never heard but wanted to hear your whole life.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Our proudest moment is the massive positive reception we have been getting from doing this sold out European tour with Bad Omens. Making all these new fans and collectively experiencing Europe for the first time as a band has been absolutely incredible and will be engraved in our memories forever.
Photo Credit: Colour Bond
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
"The music thing is a gift, but God help us make it cuz the music biz is a cliff."
- J Cole.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
OBGM's from Toronto for SURE. If you haven't heard of Bad Omens at this point, you're missing out. Our lads Boston Manor absolutely rip every show. Royal and the Serpent is crushing it everywhere. Fire From the Gods is an absolute must. Pink Shift from Baltimore are crazy good. So many to list.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
No shame, Skrillex's two albums he dropped in a row recently are killer. Skepta's "All In" is definitely in heavy rotation. Ab-Soul's "Herbert" is fire. Bad Omen's "Death of Piece of Mind." And wildcard, Coldplay's "Everyday Life." Crazy album. Everyone should be listening to that right now.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Food, tattoos, video games, sip nice red wine, watch anime, cook, muay thai, put our crocs in sports mode, and giggle at funny faces we make in the mirror by ourselves.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Gummy bears, herb, and Zach Jones.