Exclusive Interview with MILO KOBAYASHI

An artist without boundaries, Milo is an innovator, a creator, and a storyteller, inviting you to a world where genres blend and barriers dissolve. With a decade of experience and boundless creativity, Milo Kobayashi continues to captivate and inspire with their sonic adventures. – Goldenview LLC. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

MILO KOBAYASHI: I can say the biggest moment that had a significant impact on my path into music was playing Parappa The Rapper 2. That game put me on a path towards music and it’s crazy I’ve done the craziest shit because of a rhythm game with a rapping dog.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

MILO KOBAYASHI: Started off with personal exploration and then got the formal training from college. It’s helped me discover my sound and what I want to experiment more with.

3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘Milo’?

MILO KOBAYASHI: Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, Tyler the creator. In that order. They inspire me to make music that true to me and only me. And my name started off as a pseudonym on Facebook because my mom was falling ill and family who I haven’t spoken to in forever were trying to reach back out to us and I wanted to hide my social media accounts from them. It worked until my sister tagged my account and outed me but by then it was already acknowledged I was hiding my accounts.

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

MILO KOBAYASHI: My voice for starters, I have a deep voice with a minor lisp and apparently everyone knew but me lol. I would say if you enjoy nerdy raps with emotion and fire then that’s me! I just want people to relate to what I’m talking about and not feel alone in the world.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?

MILO KOBAYASHI: I literally just try new styles and ideas and just see what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been doing music on and off for years now but this time I’m big serious on it, so I can tell I’m developing far but it’s annoying sometimes that I’m not as far as I feel I should be. I psyche myself out and feel like such an imposter, but I focus on conveying those feelings into the music.

6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

MILO KOBAYASHI: Music can influence a lot. Music is a very important tool as well when it comes to any kind of expressionism. I’ve been trying to convey themes of stoicism and living in your truth in my songs. I do focus on personal narratives and entertainment, but all my songs have a message of some sort.

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

MILO KOBAYASHI: I feel them on and off, sometimes I feel like a god, sometimes I feel like I’m wasting my time. I really just want to be able to play bigger crowds and shows, I’m always searching for community.

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

MILO KOBAYASHI: I focus on what the song is making me feel, then I write from those feelings. The most essential part of my process is having fun.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

MILO KOBAYASHI: Losing my mom really took a toll on me. I got dumped like 2 weeks after too so that did double damage on me, then having to deal with all of that on top of the pandemic almost made me quit music for good, but I had friends and fans that told me not to quit and to keep going and I did, no matter what anyone or any friend, partner, or family member had to say.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

MILO KOBAYASHI: At the moment, going on tour and being able to play at all these different places. I got to perform at DreamCon with my homie, met a lot of artists that I listened to since I was a teenager. It felt like the universe was telling me I can really do this shit. And I’m Up is my best song to date, I have more songs on the way and I’m currently doing a radio show on my tiktok and twitch accounts where I’ll either dj, do debates, talk about the news cycle, or just stream myself playing video games and it’s been a lot of fun doing my own thing doing whatever I want.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

MILO KOBAYASHI: I’ve been told my music was trash since I started making it at 16, unless it’s actually constructive and is in the nature to help me grow, I just ignore it. Most people just wanna hate to hate nowadays and it’s sad. You wanna be a dick because someone put themselves out there and you’re too scared to? Grow up. I take it all in stride because my music is FOR ME.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

MILO KOBAYASHI: Interaction with a live audience, I love having a good time and making sure the crowd is having a good time as well.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

MILO KOBAYASHI: There’s no wrong answer, if it speaks to you, it speaks to you. You can find out the inspiration or message behind the song, but it’s always going to go back to how you feel.