Hailing from Dehradun, Frappe Ash has been one of the pioneers of the underground rap scene. He was a part of SpitDope since his college times in Delhi and has been releasing music since 2016, with ‘Bet You Know’ and ‘Slambook’ being two iconic projects that he released over the years. Frappe is also a part of a Hip-Hop duo with Yungsta named ‘Full Power’. In the coming days, Frappe is set to release his album ‘Junkie’, a project that has been anticipated for quite some time now. Read more to learn about Junkie, Frappe’s creative process and his growth as an artist.
1. Tell us about the theme of your upcoming album “Junkie”. What narratives do you present?
Certainly! I’ve chosen the title “Junkie” to encapsulate the thematic core of the album and its exploration of various forms of addiction, whether they be to substances, relationships, or societal pressures. The title serves as a metaphor for how individuals often seek solace or escape in unhealthy habits or patterns, ultimately becoming “junkies” in pursuit of temporary relief from the complexities of life. Within the album, this theme is reflected in the lyrical content and sonic landscape, which delve into the struggles of growing up in a middle-class environment and the allure of seeking refuge in vices or distractions. Rather than simply glamorising or condemning these behaviours, I sought to portray them in a more empathetic and complex light, highlighting the underlying pain and vulnerability that often drive them. This shift in focus allowed me to explore new lyrical and sonic territory, resulting in a body of work that feels both familiar and fresh. Overall, “Junkie” is a continuation of the themes and motifs that have defined my music thus far, but with a renewed sense of introspection and depth. It’s an album that invites listeners to explore the darkest corners of the human experience while offering a glimmer of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
2. Your recent music video run has been nothing less than a treat for your audience, they present a quite funky, chill and calm sort of vibe. What approach do you have with the album visually?
Thank you for the kind words. When it comes to the visual approach for “Junkie,” I aim to create a cohesive and immersive experience that complements the album’s themes and message. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic and multifaceted nature of the music, I envision the visual elements of “Junkie” embodying a blend of gritty realism and surrealism, with a touch of retro flair. I’ve been working with my friends/team to create a visual experience that is as rich and immersive as the music itself.
3. Tell us about the soundscape of Junkie.
Working on “Junkie” represented a significant evolution in my creative process and mindset compared to my previous discography. With this album, I approached the songwriting and production process with a renewed sense of introspection and vulnerability, allowing me to delve deeper into my own experiences and emotions. I was involved in the production of course but I made sure I let everyone come in and do their thing too. Aman Sagar, Sez, Adil, Kriday, Bajewala, Toorjo, and Suspended Notes, all did their thing. I’m very excited for y’all to hear it. The breadth and depth of sound exploration in “Junkie” sets it apart from my previous work. For this album, I took a more varied approach to production, encompassing a wider spectrum of musical influences and textures. This resulted in tracks that were more dynamic and diversified, with each song delivering its sound. I wish I could explain how my brain works around these ideas once they come out of my bedroom but yes I do develop them with my producer friends and let them shine through it too at the same time.
4. You’ve been a part of the scene for years now, ever since the SpitDope times that was 7-8 years ago. How do you feel you have grown as an artist? What has changed since then?
One of the most noticeable changes since then is my approach to songwriting. In the early days, I was still finding my voice and experimenting with different styles and techniques. As time has passed, I’ve become more confident in my abilities as a songwriter, allowing me to push the boundaries of my creativity and explore new sonic territories. I don’t know how I have grown as an artist. I feel like people who listen to me would be the better judge for that but yeah I feel more and more comfortable on the mic with each song I record and I just have been having more fun with it you know?
5. What is your process while creating projects? Was the creative process of making Junkie any different from your last two projects?
I don’t follow a single process but rather an amalgamation of a few. I just make a lot of audio and text notes man. I listen to a lot of music and listen to other people’s work. I make a lot of voice notes of ideas and thoughts that I have and then take them to my producers or fellow songwriters and we execute them. The collabs are different in terms of numbers, scale and their nature but yet they come together beautifully.
6. What influences do you have as an artist? Also, what inspirations did you have while making this album?
Inspiration for this album was my life and my interactions within it. These songs are legit therapy for me as I could talk to them and later vice versa. Sonically a lot of the juice came through as I worked with different producers and engineers but yeah I was just bumping what I usually be bumping. It goes from dilla to A$AP to Cole to Bollywood to Tame Impala to Gorillaz to Carti to Frank Ocean to a lot of friends who are dropping’ music’ to some house music in the morning to almost everything under the umbrella of music. I’m not very passionately inspired by a single person nowadays like I used to as a kid. I remember everything used to be Eminem till a point in time and then it was Wayne and then I realized they all are just doing their work, keeping it real with themselves. That’s what I’ve pushed for keeping it more real than ever with myself. This is an honest expression filled with real shit that we all go through or have gone thru.
7. When do we get to see Junkie? Also, what other plans do you have this year?
I plan to drop a lot of music this year and the years to follow bro. As of now it’s just this, I’m trying to work on a follow-up project too. You will ‘sau taka fosho mos def’ see, hear and feel ‘Junkie’ in MAY!
