Q&A With Rising Hip Hop Group UFO Empire
Hey UFO Empire! We appreciate and love your true authenticity to the underground Hip Hop culture, especially holding it down Orlando! Please tell us how many years have you guys been making music? What part of Orlando are you guys from?
Most importantly, where does the group name UFO Empire come from? First we’d like to start by thanking UGHH and everyone out there that has listened to SIGNS EP for the support and love. The response to the project has been overwhelming and we’re excited that it’s been received the way it has. As far as how long we’ve been creating music, UFO Empire collectively and as individuals have been at this for a few years. We’re originally from Oklahoma, Jamaica, and Orlando. We’re currently stationed in Orlando and thoroughly enjoy the vibe. The origin of the UFO Empire name is actually pretty dope, it all derives from the sound, Unidentified Frequency Overload (UFO) meaning you don’t know what this sound is or is coming from but it’s taking over. As we shared our music with others the initial reaction was always the same “I don’t know how to describe it but you guys sound different! It’s spacey, trippy, trappy, melodic, rock infused, lyrical, poetic etc.” and so unidentified seemed fitting. The Empire part is about staking claim to what we represent and the future of our sound.
A lot of independent Hip Hop is currently coming out of Orlando, what separates you
guys from all the other up and coming MC’s and groups?
Honestly from our view it’s not really about what separates us from other artist as much as it’s about UFO Empire continuing to refine our sound and to be heard by as many people as possible. Everything we create is rooted in honest emotion and it’s those emotions/feelings/vibes that everyone can relate to regardless of your musical taste. We’re just really focused on connecting to people.
You guys are extremely original!! How do you guys describe your sound?
The best description is probably just emotionally honest. You will hear various musical influences ranging from East Coast Hip Hop to Southern Rap, Pop, EDM, R&B, you name it. The three of us have a wide range of musical taste and that comes thru in what we create.
Tell us about your Hip Hop and/or music influences?
[Trey] Outkast, Lil’ Wayne, Empire of the Sun, Missy, Aaliyah, and Frank Ocean,
[Clay] Prince, DMX, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Kings of Leon, Temper Trap, Tame Impala
[Skip] Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Adele, Sade, and Will-i-am
Please breakdown the creative process of your new EP ““Signs””.
It all really just starts with Skip’s production. He provides the canvas and from there we write based off of what the track inspires. In everything that we create we want you to connect with what we’re feeling. With “SIGNS” specifically, we wanted to introduce you to UFO Empire and our sound while also giving you the 1 st piece to a larger story. What that story tells? You’ll have to wait for our subsequent projects to piece it together for yourself but we’re excited to share and hear the response.
Your honest opinion, out of all the songs on the project, which is the one song you guys
feel stands out the most!?
Each track is definitely unique but Lunar Waves seems to get a lot of love, same with WTF? You’re asking us to choose our favorite kid so we’d say like any other parent; it really just depends on what mood we’re in.
Rappers nowadays think by throwing up a few videos up on social media and pushing
quick projects, they can blow up overnight! Give us your view on how over saturated the
market is right now with so many MC’s/Producers but not to many quality music.
Nothing beats quality. Fans/listeners take note of how much you put into your project and your craft. It’s no different from cooking. The amount of time, care, and detail that’s put into the meal sends a message to your guest about what they mean to you and how much you value sharing in the experience with them. With SIGNS and all our music we take our time, care, and put a lot of detail into every aspect of what we do because it’s
important to us and we don’t take for granted sharing these experiences with you.
If it came down to 1 ALBUM only, what underground Hip Hop album would you guys
consider THE BEST OF ALL TIME!!!???……One 1 album you can choose.
ATLiens.
Here it is! Our most popular question! What is your definition of “underground hip hop”?
The breeding grounds for the future sound of music as long as artists continue to take risk and not chase a sound but rather create their own.
Where can people find you on the web? Drop all the vital links.
Follow us, UFO Empire, on your favorite streaming platform for the latest in UFO Empire music. Follow us on Instagram @UFOEmpire for behind the scenes takes and other forms of UFO Empire creativity.
Lastly, and shout out?
Again shout out to any and every one that has listened to SIGNS. It’s humbling to have
listeners from the West Coast to Germany and Australia listen and connect with what we’re creating. Special thanks to our master engineer Connor Smith. And a special shout out to those that haven’t listened yet, stop sleeping, follow the SIGNS, and let’s make contact. UFO!
