Allan Retro is a talented artist who is trying to make a name for himself. Born in Kingston, raised in Brooklyn, Allan had no choice but to grind for what he wanted. It’s not easy coming up in the city wanting to get involved in music. As most people know, music isn’t something you can learn in school. You have to teach yourself. That’s exactly what Allan did. Starting music in High School, he studied many genres and learned to incorporate them into his own style. We got a chance to talk with Allan and got to know the man behind the music. Read more below
Where are you from?
I’m from Kingston, Jamaica, my dad is Jamaican and my mom is of jamaican/asian descent. I’ve been living in brooklyn practically my entire life now..
How did you get your start in music?
I got my start in music in high school with a couple friends, I actually started studying a lot of different genres of music to incorporate into my own style. Techno, electronica, jazz, r & b, hip hop, rap, rock, reaggae, they all stem from similiar roots. It’s an expansion of sounds that are out there to be discovered and to be inspired by. I feel you have to appreciate different genres to get an overall experience of great sounds. It’s help me build my own “sound” which I’m happy for, so innovation is key especially in such a vast music industry.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for about 13 years now. I’ve had a couple hiatus in my time because of life’s situations, but my mother is like my greatest fan. She is always the one to push me to go for the top when it comes to the talent she sees in me. I used to be unsure and reluctant in the past to pursue my lifelong passion because of fear, but I realized I have to be confident in my talents because no one else will do it for you at the end of the day….
Who are your influences?
Sade, ATB, Drake, Roy Woods, NAV, PARTYNEXTDOOR, 6BLACK, H.E.R., Roy Woods, OceanLab, Ayumu Hamasaki, Namie Amaro, Flatbush Zombies, ASAP MOB, Bodega Bamz, Joey Bad ass and lots others there’s so many for me damn lol….
What motivates you?
Motivation stems from everywhere to me, it could be from someone helping a person on the street to an artist’s new song. Motivation has no boundaries and I implement them in my music all the time.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on making more content and to keep pushing my music in all avenues.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to be in a state of mind where I can purely be happy for making a living out of something I love to do everyday of my life, that’s my driving force.
What is your opinion on the current hiphop scene?
The current hiphop scence is unique and fantastic I think. More and more independent artists are being discovered for their exponential talents with having home based equipment, it’s so self sufficient right now im this day in age of technology and social media. So much great music out there waiting to be discovered. I love it.
Whats something people should know about you?
Well, I’m basically self-sufficient with my music. I produce, write, compose, mix, arrange and other components on my own. I feel you have uniqueness when you make your own music and sound as a whole. Artists like Kanye West & Erick The Architect (long time friend since HS) are special because their able to display their talents in different ways, showing the versatility and rarity of their “sound”. I have a lot more music on the way, be sure to follow me on social media and stay tuned
www.soundcloud.com/allanretro
Instagram : @allanretrobeats
Twitter : allan_retro
Gmail : allanretrobeats@gmail.com
