"Not only does he do it all…he does it well." – 90.1FM KPFT
Mobonix is hailed as a rarity in the industry as a complete package with an arsenal of intense beats and a sexy lyrical delivery to match. Fans characterize his style as fun Urban Hip-Hop intelligently infused with varieties of other types of dance and pop music. His diverse tastes are extracted from living a contemporary nomadic lifestyle and a heavy attraction to DJ culture. His experiences in the Marine Corps forge a strong work ethic and offer a unique perspective in life.
Who is Mobonix?
That's a simple question with a tough answer. Mobonix is something…different. I got the name in high school from all the crazy stuff I got into…people just started calling me that. Mobonix is an entire experience.
Then...what makes Mobonix different from everyone else?
Mobonix creates good music. Mobonix produces…and I don't mean just make beats. But makes music. I sing, I write, I construct the song. And create my sound…my vision…you know what I mean? I work with a lot of other artists. For some reason, talented people seem to find me. People like Mindy Le, and 4Thirty to name a few. I've even been doing studio consulting. I do music for film. I try and put my eggs in as many baskets as I can find.
Sounds like you know what you're doing. When did you first get into music?
I know it's cliché for me to say...but actually since birth. Growing up, our family used to move around a lot. And I mean a lot! With the struggle of assimilating to a new school every few years...a walkman can become your best friend. Sometimes your only friend.
I pretty much memorized the lyrics to every song playing on the radio, and I loved performing every chance I got. My mother was also the lead in a Bengali band…which introduced me to the world of creating music.
Is she what made you decide to go into music?
Music wasn't a choice; it was something I felt passionately about that has to be fulfilled. After the Marines, the passion became a reality. The Marines mold you to believe that you can do anything you want. And you know what…another cliché…but you can. Because you push your limits everyday…and if you have your head in the right place you can really accomplish whatever.
So the Marines had an impact on your sound?
Ask any Marine, and they will tell you there's actually a lot of soul in Marine Corps culture. I was stationed in Norfolk, VA. And while I was there I really was influenced by the producers that came out of Virginia. So people in my squadron, heavily rotated guys like Teddy Riley, Pharrell and Timbaland. The Buddah Brothers would have beat competitions on the radio showcasing these native producers. And I had this little keyboard…
But growing up I would have to say RZA was the main producer who influenced my sound....the dark feel I speak of. Wu-Tang, Nas, and Biggie, all came out with debuts during that period...and it was an exciting time for hip-hop. I probably collected every Wu-tang record released, unreleased, or mix tape up until their first double CD dropped. My tastes are filled with variety. I also like Portishead, Toni Toni Tone, Craig David, A Tribe Called Quest, and Prince. Shiny Toy Guns is what's playing in my car.
I see, so when did you take the move from being a listener to participating in the industry?
I really started taking it as reality, when I appeared in a movie with Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar" fame. I was at the sets everyday soaking up everything I could. I hung out a lot at the production office and had a chance to meet the guys doing the music for the film. I had no scope of what a major production takes! Hanging out with them taught me a lot..and I just ran with it. I started getting small gigs. Fashion magazine parties..shows for sororities…whatever I could get into.
And that's when Miami Tape Club picked you up? Tell us more about that.
Miami Tape Club is the record label I'm signed to. I guess they like me because they don't have to pay individual producers or engineers. Currently I am working with a lot of artists through the label. But I am their first official release. We think of ourselves as a creative alliance. It will carry out the same vibe as my album, but we are venturing to rock and hip-hop.
Miami? Is that where you're from?
I'm from everywhere. When I was younger, I thought it was a bad thing moving around so much. It's hard not really having a home town or having friends you grow up with. But looking back, I'm happy at the person it forced me to become. I feel like I've met so many different types of people in different environments, which allow me to connect with just about anyone. Lived in Michigan, Salt Lake City, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Texas, and California just to name a few.
I moved around a lot….so I experienced a lot. Putting it altogether…all the experiences, cultures, people, and sounds, made my tastes very open. And my music caters to those types of people who enjoy good music without being genre biased. Inspirations include dancers and peeps with darker personalities. Sometimes that can even be the same people.
I don't think we touched on the EP....
But you already know what it's about…Mickey Finn is another name for a date rape drug. An EP is the debutante to the album. Think of it as a mini album. As far as the EP...you gotta listen to it and take it for what it means. My music will rape you.
Who's Jack Bauer?
The most unique track title I have is Jack Bauer, which basically shows off my production and lyrical skills. 24 fans know, Jack Bauer, is that unknown hero that is damn good at what he does…but is only credited by the select people who really know him. My AKA is Jack Bauer...but Batman in real life. (he smiles)
Tell us about some of the tracks you particularly want listeners to pay attention to.
Home is definitely the song everyone can relate to for their own situation. I like writing songs people can fit to their own unique situation. The greatest songs just pour out of artists in mere minutes. And this was one of those tracks that didn't take any thought when I heard Buble. To me, it was about my time in the Marine Corps, and I wanted to give back something to my beloved Marines.
She's Poisonous is another song I hold close to my heart. It is basically about the cycles of a dysfunctional relationship. A lot of people ask me who the song was about. Without giving away names, I actually took negative aspects of each girlfriend from the past and just created a 'super bitch'. All girls can be poison, and in a way I like that. So really it is a response to that entire ex thing...I hate them…yet still love them.
The Breaks is your overall fun party tracks that I know will make your ass twitch.
You'll have to listen to the whole EP because you might get your own meaning from it. And that's what music is meant to do. It's a little taste of what is to be expected from the upcoming album. In the end I just want to touch people and make an impact and I hope my listeners will be affected some way by what I do.
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