TroyLLF, rising music artist, has big plans on the cards to start the year 2021 on a strong note. He excels in the art of delivering a good narrative and his music evokes emotions in his audience. For the past several years, he has done a wonderful job in the music world as he has impressed the audience with his music.
Born in San Francisco, California, the talented music artist is known in the music world with his stage name, TroyLLF. The music artist grew up under the influence of music lovers and it set a strong foundation for his journey in the music industry. Troy released his debut solo project Til Death Do Us Part in June 2013 followed by an immediate EP and as of recently, Troy has released 12 total projects with five being released in 2020!
We recently had the opportunity to interview TroyLLF in regards to creating music, his journey, as well as how he’s been able to thrive amidst the pandemic. Read our interview below.
Many musicians struggled to put out ample music, however, you on the other hand were able to put out multiple projects. What do you attribute to your success in doing so?
I think covid played a huge part in that honestly. To kick off 2020, the first project I released was “Poster Boy Troy 2”. Which actually was supposed to be released thanksgiving 2019, but got delayed due to some complications with cover art being finished. So by moving that to top of the year 2020, it in a way crowded the next release which was Muse Music which was already set for Valentine’s Day. But once those were out, the plan was to release 4th quarter! Once the pandemic hit, and things started closing down, it actually canceled video shoots we had that week that were scheduled. So after about a week or two, the studio we record at was deemed “essential” and was able to remain open, so we looked at it as a perfect opportunity to work on more music! We ended up finishing what turned out to be “Til Death do us Part 2” which released in April, and from there realized this pandemic might last a minute, we should get as much work in as possible! We decided with the time we had, we could knock out 5 with no problem! So that turned into our goal for the remaining part of the year!
In regards to creating music, how has your process changed amid the coronavirus pandemic?
The process just really made us plan a little better. We realized that shows wouldn’t be going on for a while, so being able to stack music was the goal. Really working on my craft, Putting ideas together and being patient is what it turned into. The pandemic was a gift and a curse all at the same time I think.
Free Play 4 will be your fifth full-length project over the course of this past year, how does it differ from your previous works?
I feel like Free Play 4 is a more complete version of where I am today. The previous projects in 2020 were shorter versions with Poster Boy Troy 2 Being 5 songs, Muse Music being 6, TDDUP being 10 (the exception) & Muse Music 2 being 5 songs. The production on Free Play 4 is was a lot more hands on by bringing in HollaTheTruth, Mickey T, & Selam Sound just name a couple. The process was just more fit with the idea of treating it like an Album.
As far as creativity and inspiration, where do you go for that these days?
I try to live a little during these times. Been able to do some light traveling to clear my mind. Be in different spaces that have helped me kinda gain some creative inspiration and kept me busy! But also, I tap into a lot of life experiences to be able paint pictures lyrically. Being able to get in the studio with the team and create has been helpful as well. Working with Yasi the R&B singer I’ve been working with and mentoring, Poo$ie another young rapper outta Oakland by way of New Orleans, as well as King Tahoe & my manger Scino. We’re always on the phone, or in the emails with ideas, concepts, whatever when it comes to creating. So I’ve been blessed to say the least to have the energy around.
Not only that, but you were able to sell $100 copies of the physical project. What inspired you to do that?
Well technically, it wasn’t just the $100 copies. It’s an actual package we put together and priced at $100. Music we feel has been undervalued for a while now. So we decided to raise the price of the art! We held the project from streaming services so we could exercise our “Direct To Consumer” Market. So The late Nipsey Hussle has definitely been an inspiration for the Idea. I’ve been following the steps he took when releasing Crenshaw & Mailbox money, how he had a limited amount for a certain price. He also utilized Ryan Leslie’s app “Superphone” which is something we’ve invested in that has allowed us to stay in contact with our supporters directly. So with $100 on our end, it comes with a special edition cereal box packed with Autographed Merch, Music, and limited edition items. We Have 100 Cereal Box Packages priced at $100 each, or They can buy the Hard Copy (Signed) for $25 which comes with a digital download to keep.
What else can your fans expect from you for the remainder of the year?
This year is really about rebranding. Bringing the music, bringing more experiences to the consumers and changing the way the independent artist hustle. I’m currently working on a Collab project with the artist Poo$ie “Life + Times” which should be out likely summer 2021. Looking to roll out a New Label “Free Play Music Group” with a some new energy behind it so I’m excited about that.
Non Music related, look out for the project level x forever 21 second collaboration hittin shelves this summer!
