W: Claude De Long
Very Fucking Weird. That’s how Filmore! described his music in 3 words. Filmore! sits in the mysterious hinterland between experimental rap, pop-punk and modern alternative - you cannot define his genre. When asked his influences they range from JPEGMAFIA all the way to Blink 182.
Filmore! is breaking boundaries and challenging genre stereotypes with his latest single “EVERYTHING IS BRAINROTT”, which is sure to grab the attention of a social-media addicted Gen-Z audience. Filmore! says he wrote this to capture the essence of the Chronically online experience, in which Filmore! is guilty of himself, but doesn’t love it nor hate it, he instead embraces the chaos and aims to write about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the internet. Filmore! says how when he started recording at around 16 he wanted to be the “next Earl Sweatshirt” and aimed to make music that sounded “smart” however, now finds that he writes focusing on honesty, while also making music that sounds “addictive” which "EVERYTHING IS BRAINROTT” without a doubt achieves. This single is eccentric, features Filmore!'s unapologetic vocal deliveries and a filthy bass reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator’s “IGOR” - This is definitely a track to check out.
It should also be noted that Filmore! is from Kildare. Being Ireland-based seems to be every musician's desire at the minute, it’s the melting pot for the formation of the best new alternative acts on the scene. Filmore! being a part of this scene says he’s excited by Irish groups and artists such as Chalk for their production, Kojaque and Fontaines D.C. with their heavily immersive live show and of course Irish rap-stars Kneecap who Filmore! says he would like to support in the future.
I asked Filmore! what song he thinks represents him best as an artist to which he said “Fuck Em Up” as he says it’s just “fun” which encapsulates what Filmore! aims to offer, music that isn’t overly produced, it’s raw, honest and doesn’t conform to genre stereotypes. More important than all it sounds carefree, as if you’re in the studio with him vibing out to these “Very Fucking Weird” ideas.
I asked Filmore! what’s the hardest truth you’ve had to accept about yourself to which he said “That I’ll never be Kendrick Lamar”. In a world of egotistical artists who believe they are the second coming of Oasis I found this to be a really mature response as an artist. For Filmore!, acceptance and gratitude as an artist is important and there needs to be a healthy balance between delusion and reality. Out of gate there needs to be delusion, says Filmore!, however he’s had to come to terms with the fact that in his words “each generation only has 1 Drake”. Filmore! says “It’s abnormal to be able to do this”, “to release a song is an egotistical pursuit as you think you’re worth people’s time and money” - in short being an artist, having fans and opportunities is a blessing in itself, that's what Filmore! preaches.
I asked Filmore! what would be his ideal collaboration and he said he would work well with Beabadoobee saying how he would “kill the vibe” after the “cute” indie pop - it would be “Two things that don’t make sense together”, and perhaps it would end up working really well. I also had to ask Filmore! about his writing and recording process as well; self-proclaimed Demo-itis sufferer loves it being unpolished, and wants the finished product to match the rough around the edges nature of the demo. Filmore! says he has “learnt to become more comfortable with accepting the finished product, while still maintaining the imperfections”.
Filmore! works with Producer Adam Redmond in the studio, they work on “ten skeleton ideas” then hone in one and commit to it. Adam Remond also plays a part in Filmore!'s live set and plays guitar. Filmore! says “look out for big things coming”, he has a Bloc Party gig in the working at the minute, and has a lot more planned for the future. Follow his instagram @whosfilmore for updates.
