Photography © Thanushan Skandarajah
Photography © Thanushan Skandarajah
"I'm often described as a chill rapper
who makes sweet music
and I wanted to prove that I'm not only that."
"I'm often described as a
chill rapper who makes sweet
music and I wanted to prove
that I'm not only that."
We met the mysterious artist hiding under the nickname of Hotel Paradisio. Indeed, this young artist, who remains very secretive about the person he is and also his private life, agreed to grant us this interview where he opened up for A Rap & A Cup Of Tea.
The one who has reached nearly 1.5 million views on YouTube and is often described as a master of 'Cloud Rap' in France, told us about his projects, his debut in music and especially what inspires him.
Under this desire to remain low-key, we discovered - above all - a passionate and conquering young man who decided to dedicate his life to the thing he loves the most in the world: Music.
Where did you get the nickname for Hotel Paradisio?
I was looking for a pseudonym at the start, and I wanted something original from the common language. I liked the idea of taking the name of a place instead of a first name or character. 'Hotel Paradisio' came naturally to me. When I started music, I talked a lot about travel in my songs, and I thought it was good for me.
Can you describe your music to an English-speaking audience who wants to know more about you?
I'm a rapper, that's for sure, but otherwise, I don't really know how people perceive me. (laughs) I make the music for dreamers that takes you far away... Introspection and reflection are two main themes in my songs. In truth, I tried to change that a bit with my last EP, where I made songs with more rhythmic parts. I'm often described as a chill rapper who makes sweet music, and I wanted to prove that I'm not only that.
Indeed, we often talk about you as a rapper from Cloud Rap. Is that something you wanna change?
Yes, sort of. The problem is that people like categorising others and putting them in a box. It's always the same thing - they associate you with a musical genre and other artists. For example, at the beginning, I was very much associated with Ash Kidd because we made a song together called 'REV'. Things have changed because my music world evolves constantly, particularly on Amityville, my last project.
Since Ash Kidd, you've never done any featuring. Is that a wish for you?
You want the truth? I'd love to, but for now, I haven't met anyone with whom I wanted to do a featuring with. But I'm not opposed to that idea, though.
Which artists would you dream about doing a feature with?
There are many American artists with whom I'd like to make songs... It's a long list. (laughs) If I were to pick one, I'd say Post Malone. He’s trying many new things in Rap, and I greatly admire him.
I heard you were 14 when you started music. What pushed you towards it?
I started playing piano when I was younger, but it didn't really empower me. My cousins, who were older than me, started making me listen to American songs, and even though I was kinda struggling to get into the vibe at first, I got used to it. After that, I bought my first album of US Rap. It was Eminem. I was fascinated, and I started to write after that.
"There are sacrifices to make if you want to succeed.
The most important thing is to believe in yourself."
"There are sacrifices to make
if you want to succeed.
The most important thing is
to believe in yourself."
From now on, you’re an independent artist accumulating more than 1.4 million views on YouTube. It's pretty impressive!
I am indeed attached to my independence. I worked hard to get to this point. For almost three years, I’ve constantly worked on productions, songs, writing, etc. Now, I have gotten to live with this, and it has changed everything. I think my next project will contain only sounds that I made myself.
At the end of July 2018, you discussed creating your own label... Can you tell me more?
Later, I'd like to be able to produce artists, make video clips and make records by having my own studio. I'm still thinking about the name for now... (laughs)
You're as strong on your production as you are with the visuals on your videos. It must take you a lot of time. Do you devote all your time to music?
Yes, all my time indeed. (laughs) From morning to night, I'm always working on some ideas. Sometimes, I don't even see the time spent as I am so invested in what I'm doing. I have no limit, I'm literally "too" into it. (laughs) It's challenging to share my time daily between music, friends, and family. But you have to go through it if you want to succeed; sacrifices exist. It's essential. The most important thing is to believe in yourself.
Can you tell me more about your inspiration?
It comes naturally to me with the music. Often, the melody reminds me of an emotion, and I let my inspiration do the rest. I always try to adapt my words to the beat.
In your song 'Moto', you say "Working on my pen to turn it into a missile". Is Rap also a way to fix your problems with others?
Hum... yes and no. (laughs) Often, I add punchlines, but it's mostly to show emotions. I'm also trying to put myself in someone else's shoes. So, it can be a situation I already lived in or something that happened to somebody else. But it's true that I also make subliminal messages about what I can't say in a verbal voice.
You've got lots of skills in expressing your thoughts and feelings. Is it hard to open up, or is it something natural for you?
I do it naturally, but when I release the song, I try not to think too much about it. Otherwise, it would stop me from releasing loads. (laughs) It's like throwing yourself into the void somehow. Once it's done, it’s done.
In your song 'Nectar, ' you say, "I don't want to see my face in the press"…
This media world is something that scared me a bit. In fact, I remain a somewhat reserved person who doesn't necessarily like to show too much.
Can you tell me about your future plans?
After the release of Amityville on December 28th, I kept going with a new project that will be ready soon enough. I'll let you find out more soon. Keep your eyes open.
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