We have been a part of the music scene for a long time and a name that continues to pop up is LiL Crimes. One thing any artist learns quickly in the industry is building relationships is gold, and if you didn't already know, LiL Crimes roster of connections speaks volumes. Immersed in the music scene since the age of 17, he has cultivated a deep love for music that has formed into creating his own path. As an artist, he has weathered the highs and lows, understanding that failure is but a stepping stone to success. Now, at the precipice of a transformative chapter in both his life and musical career, LiL Crimes presents his latest single, 'Mercy,' a poignant anthem that encapsulates the intoxicating essence of change. While embracing a rebirth era, his unyielding passion for what he loves remains unwavering. With a hidden vault of unreleased music waiting, the anticipation for a monumental year for LiL Crimes is palpable.
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RIPDAYDREAM: I usually do a deep dive in on artists before developing questions and for you right off the bat, I realized you were super connected in the industry. I have so many questions I want to dive into, but first let's start with you telling our readers who LiL Crimes is and what you are all about.
LiL Crimes: Yo! I’m Crimes, I’ve been making music for almost three years with this project/ name. I’ve played in a few bands from the time I was 17 until I was about 23, so I’ve been making music for a long time. I love to cut hair, skateboard, write graffiti, hang out with homies, and travel. I’m a pretty big introvert these days, I love to spend time at home, or at the ABX studio with all my homies.
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RIPDAYDREAM: One thing any artist learns quickly in the industry is building relationships is gold. You are tapped in with Cold Hart, Killmurphy (met him two years ago and the dude is hilarious), Select Sound, Adam Degross (legendary just by himself), and many more. To me, this speaks volumes that not only does your music attract people, but who you are as an artist. Talk about how you made some of these connections and what it means to you.
LiL Crimes: Honestly, it was all kinda luck. I’ve known Murph for a long time, so when we started CBZ, it was just easy for us, we have a lot in common. Coldy and I linked after we played a show in SLC together (shoutout goldblood). After that, we just kinda of kept in contact and have been super cool since, he’s a genuine guy who just wants to be the best version of himself at all times, it’s super tight. Adam is basically my dad, plain and simple. Dude has had my back since day one. Another person I’ll shamelessly plug is my brother Caspr, dude is as wild as they come but is so genuine and fun to be around. It means a lot that I can call these people my friends, and it’s not just a simple work relationship if that makes sense. Like none of these people were ever in a forced relationship, we all linked up based on common interests, they’re all people and like cool shit. Especially Adam at 2 AM with his 50 dollar Taco Bell order.
RIPDAYDREAM: As an artist, your music is constantly evolving, and when you first start I feel you never quite know what direction it's going to take you. How do you feel your music has evolved since you first stepped into a studio? Also, I am not sure where you first started dropping music, but I am curious if you were involved in 2016 SoundCloud when it was at its peak.
LiL Crimes: Honestly, my music has changed so much over the past few months, let alone a few years. It’s pretty cool to see and to create it. I have an amazing team working with me and helping me who are honest about everything, unapologetically. Like if somethings cool, they’re all about it. But if it’s garbage or just doesn’t seem to work, they’ll always be honest and tell you. It’s really nice, oh man../ I have a couple songs from that time that are long gone, I’ll have to see if I can find any of my files, I’ll show you in person if I find them hahaha. But they were like weird phonk joints under the name Sleepyhead. Suuuuper not good, but they were fun hahaha.
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RIPDAYDREAM: Let's break down your new single 'Mercy'. Production done by the talented Adam Banx it feels like a unique and emotionally charged sound. Walk me through your creative process.
LiL Crimes: Honestly, this song is probably my favorite song I’ve created to date. I’ve gone through a lot in my life, made a lot of crazy choices, put myself in harms way, and I’ve definitely had a path of destruction behind me for a long while, the past year I’ve been taking time to take care of my mental health. I’ve went into programs, therapy twice a week, really trying my hardest to give myself the tools I need to be a better person. That being said, Adam made the beat in like 30 minutes (I said 45 minutes once and he got mad at me). It was so good, and I remember trying to come in a little hot on it, but it just didn’t have the right feeling, so I sat there for like 25 minutes and wrote a big chunk of the verse. Adam was in the middle of something and started saying “have mercy on me” over and over, and at that point it was kinda over. It’s funny because like 4 days prior I had gotten Mercy tattooed on my face.
RIPDAYDREAM: One thing I appreciate is listening to your music and seeing your image I noticed you have stayed authentic to yourself. It's very easy to get caught up in trends and I think a part of the reason fans gravitate towards you is staying true to your vision. How do you feel you have navigated this?
LiL Crimes: I mean, I’ve always been the big t shit big pants guy since like elementary school. I’m kind of a cartoon character, I wear the same type of things every day. I’m not really worried about how I look, if I like it then it’s a wrap, imma wear it haha. As for the music, it’s one of those things that I wouldn’t want to put something out I wouldn’t listen to myself. Like, if I just out of nowhere made a crazy yeat Song, I would never listen to it. I’ve experimented a bunch, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like the stuff I’ve made over the last 6 months has been my best work, and the most authentic. I love pop punk, sad Emo music, so it’s kind of just easy for me To fall in love with what I’m making, making it that much easier to stay consistent and true to myself. If that makes any sense haha.
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RIPDAYDREAM: Can you give us a sneak peek into new music or projects you are working on for this year?
LiL Crimes: Yeah, I mean I’ll probably wait to ever drop a full length, but I’m gonna for sure drop a bunch of new music with some of my favorite individuals (see the second question for hints), a weird Drill song with my homie Baku, and a ton of music videos with my brother Whatafuckingbitch. Maybe an EP. I’m accidentally sitting on so much music which I HATE doing, so it’s really just a matter of when I feel like dropping another record and stuff.