INTERVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
PHOTOS AND VIDEO BY QUANTUM FLUX VISION
Though his is only 21-years-old, Tyrell Dixon, who is better known by his stage name TOKYO TRENDZ, is a hip hop mogul in the making. Inspired by his mother, who was a singer, and his father, who was a DJ, Dixon got into music at an early age and embraced his own weirdness through it. Born and Raised in Hampton, Dixon was not only inspired by the music from his parents, but he also gravitated towards other genres to make him a well-rounded and versatile artist, through a combination of professional lessons and being self-taught on a variety of instruments, including the ukulele. I had the chance to discuss with Dixon his views on the lack of culture in the music scene as well as his upcoming mix tape titled Infinite. Come with me as we delve into The World of TOKYO TRENDZ.
What is the inspiration behind your name TOKYO TRENDZ?
It comes from my fascination with Japanese culture and from watching anime since I was 10-years-0ld.
Who or what are your primary influences?
For one, PHARRELL WILLIAMS is a big influence, and OUTKAST is as well. Also, I am really influenced by KID CUDI.
Now that you mention it, you remind me of KID CUDI a lot. You guys seem to have the same vibe as far as your style of fashion and music.
You are actually not the first person to tell me that (laughs). I get that a lot.
Your music is described as “abstract spacy hip hop sound with occasional elements from other genres from time to time.” What are some other genres you like to incorporate into your music?
It can be jazz, pop, sometimes rock, or R&B. I like to mix genres together and put my own spin on it.
I read in your biography that you think the Virginia music scene is “limited because of lack of culture”. Why do you think that is the case?
I have traveled to other music scenes all over the country in other states, and the lack of culture is limiting our music scene from progressing. There needs to be more people coming together to support our own artists.
How do you plan to use your actions and your music to fix the lack of culture in the local music scene?
For starters, I need to actually get signed to an indie deal, to get some buzz going about myself and the scene in Virginia. In my opinion, the culture can only be changed by someone that has made it, but comes back to build on it and bring more culture into it. The musicians that I have seen that have gotten successful move out of Virginia, but they don’t come back. It’s fine to move out of Virginia for other opportunities, but it’s important to keep coming back to give back to the local culture and community of the music scene.
How did you get involved with the group the Mutant Family?
It’s not really a group. It’s more of a collective. They are all friends of mine, and we have been working together for years. We started it a year and a half ago, and we have been working as a team ever since.
What changed amongst your team of friends when you started the collective?
The way we operate. We all give insight and suggestions on new material, as well as help each other out with promo and marketing for new projects.
Do you have any new projects that you are currently working on?
I do actually. I just released a new single last week called “Let’s Get Right”, and that song will be featured on my next mix tape Infinite, which will be self-released sometime this spring. I have not set a released date for it yet.
When you are not doing music, what do you do for work or for fun?
A lot of things. Sometimes I DJ on the side. I like checking out new art galleries and local art events. I really love to skateboard, and learn new things about music.
Do you have any final thoughts?
Stay tuned for what I’m gonna do next. Before I release Infinite, I will be releasing another song or two, as well as some new visuals (music videos).
