Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L could have never been an artist at all. Ostensibly, his first love was drag racing. However, “To clarify music was always my first love,” he tells us. “Certain events just brought it back to the forefront.”
It was only after the rapper was involved in a drag racing accident that squashed his career hopes in the sport, that he found himself reassessing the direction he’d been travelling in prior. A re-routing occurred, and S.Y.N.D.E.L found himself committing most of his time to studio sessions, in time seeing his distinctive rap-based sound emerge.
Showcased in new shades on arresting latest single “Double Or Nothin”, which deftly melds impactful beats, enthralling synths and Breon’s dexterous lyrical flow, he ruminates on the pain of irrepressible, unrequited love. “I think we all have that one person we just can’t leave alone no matter how hard we try,” he says. “Love hurts.”
Head below to get lost in Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s world, for yourself, right now…
Hey Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L! Where are we talking to you from today?
We are live from my hometown of Brooklyn, NY!
What’s something that made you laugh today?
Neal Brennan dropped this really dope comedy special that I watched earlier today. Definitely walked away with some laughs.
What are some artists on your current rotation at the moment?
A lot of Drake, Gunna, Playboi Carti, A$AP Rocky and Xxxtentacion for sure.
We heard that your first love was drag racing. How did you discover your passion for music?
I guess you can say my passion started in my childhood. I was always able to notice how much power music had over people. It’s a beautiful thing to witness, so falling in love with it felt natural to me.
Congrats on your new single “Double Or Nothin”! Can you talk us through how the track came to be?
Much appreciated! This song is something of a trauma bond story. Just explaining where one’s mind would be when going through a toxic, repetitive romantic endeavour. It can take you to a dark place.
How do you approach writing? Do you find a flow first, or are there certain lines in your head that you have to get out?
It really depends on the frame of mind I’m in for the day. I let the music tell me what to do. Sometimes the lyrics come before I even hear the music and I have to pick a beat that fits this random poem I made up in my head. Other times we just let the beat rock until I catch a vibe to it. The process is always changing.
Who are some of the biggest influences on your sound?
KissLand, Days Before Rodeo and TrapSoul are 3 projects that really shaped how I listen to music. Heavy, Mechanical, but soulful you’re able to sense pain. There’s a cold aura around those sonics that are pleasing to the ear. At least for me. So Bryson, Abel and Travis.
Who would be your dream collaborator?
If you mean artist collab then I would say, Abel. If you mean collaborate with a producer I’m definitely saying, Timbaland.
The “Protocol” music video is super vibey. How was it collaborating with director Daytona Starsky?
Appreciate the love! Working with Starsky was dope, he’s a super creative guy. I love Run & Gun style videos and the fact that he found a way to incorporate those transitions is what I thought was most impressive. Especially the Subway to headphones scene. Shout out to Lounge Studios for allowing us to use the space!
Lastly, what’s next for you? This time next year, what would you have liked to accomplish?
My first hit record. I need some plaques. A lot of people don’t know who I am yet but they will soon. I’m here to do the work. With the love I have for this music and the love I have for my city. I’m on my way. Who knows, if things go right I’ll be on the cover of this magazine.