Meet Mardyny: The DMV rapper is next up
Virginia's one of a kind talent
In this day and age, there are two types of artists in hip hop. Those who stumble into overnight fame with a single viral hit, and those who strategically map out their success with consistent, quality music. Mardyny would fall into the latter category. The DMV rapper is well aware that there are not many others in the game who are doing what he's doing musically. He's built his audience with a combination of lyrics and melodic tunes, receiving over 100,000 streams on musical platforms in 2019. Considering he dropped his first track of last year in August, it's clear that Mardyny has an audience that is craving for more content. We spoke to Mardyny about his rising fanbase, his latest EP, and his plans for what's next.
1. Who is Mardyny? Where have you been?
I would describe myself as a person of the people. I’m someone that loves to incite change through my talents in writing, creating, and designing. The thought that you can make an idea into reality and that It can change people's lives is just so special to me and Is something I strive to do. When asked where I’ve been, I feel that I can say I’ve been here the whole time waiting for the right people to hear what I have to say.
2. What was it like growing up in Virginia, while trying to pursue a music career?
This was a difficult transition for me because I went from attending DOD schools to attending public schools. Eventually, I settled into my new life in Virginia and around my senior year of high school I started to write and record music here and there, but I didn’t start fully pursuing music until my senior year in college around 2014. I think pursuing music in Virginia is and was pretty difficult for me, it felt like I couldn’t make the connections I needed to because Virginia wasn’t a big hub for music. However, I have found it is way more helpful to build some music relationships in person. There’s something different about getting the ability to present yourself in person versus over a screen. People receive you better and tend to be more interested in what you have to say.
3. You seem to stream very well. Why do you think people take to your music so well? Was there a time where people didn't take to your music? How did you persevere?
I believe I stream well because the core of my music is centered around feeling and emotion, so when you can make your listeners feel something then they tend to make a connection with you and your music and that was the goal from the beginning. At the start of my music career, I was part of a collective that streamed very well at one point. When I went out on my own is when I discovered how hard it is to bring listeners in. There were many nights that I would ask myself why. Why aren’t things picking up? I feel I found the answers by continuing to work hard and put out music I believed in. I knew I would learn more and more about the industry if I kept trying and was persistent. As I continued to put out music, I eventually learned more about marketing music and the right and wrong ways to do it. These realizations have led me to be much more successful today. But nothing is overnight, and I still have more to learn.
"This project was inspired by a very stressful and trying period in my life. When I think back on those times, I remember how unhappy I was at my previous job and my rough financial state."
4. Many artists get asked this question, but would you want to be signed or independent?
If signed, what labels do you see yourself at? If staying independent, how do you plan on elevating your brand? I would like to sign to a major if it was a favorable deal. I’ve thought about different labels like Universal or Sony and I’ve also dreamed about signing to Roc Nations Management. As of right now, I am independent, and I will continue to elevate my brand by doing shows, releasing music, shooting videos, and creating other visual content.
5. Let's talk about your EP, you come out strong in "Revelations", what inspired this project? What are two of your favorite songs and why?
This project was inspired by a very stressful and trying period in my life. When I think back on those times, I remember how unhappy I was at my previous job and my rough financial state. It felt like most of my money was going towards rent and music, but I wasn’t seeing the results. Even during this tough time in my life, there were still ups that came with the downs. As a result, there are a couple of upbeat songs on the EP that remind me of the fun times I had going out into DC and partying with my friends.
"I was part of a collective that streamed very well at one point. When I went out on my own is when I discovered how hard it is to bring listeners in."
My two favorite songs on the EP have to be “Revelations” and “Rock N’ Roll”. The song “Revelations” was written like a daydream. I imagined the day I moved to LA and that I achieved the success I worked so hard for. I wanted to describe what it would feel like to have the blessing I have been praying for. “Rock N’ Roll” Is my other favorite because it reminds me of the times I had with my friends and the stuff we would do when we would go out. This song really gives me the party vibes that I love.
6. What can we expect next from you?
I will be dropping my first single of the year called “Lambo Doors” on February 21st, so be on the lookout for this! IT’S GOING TO BE BIG!!!!!!
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