Artist of the Month: CLOUDII
For the month of July, the XILE Collective is excited to feature Cloudii, an up-and-coming EDM artist from the San Francisco Bay Area, as our Artist of the Month. With a unique blend of influences and a compelling backstory, Cloudii is quickly making a name for himself in the electronic music scene.
Cloudii’s journey into music production began serendipitously.
“I made a friend at a rave, and after seeing him DJ on Snapchat the next day, I was intrigued. I had no idea what DJing was but wanted to learn, so I hit him up and went to his house that day. The rest is history,”
This spontaneous decision set Cloudii on a path that has since become his passion. His sound is a unique amalgamation of various genres. "Dubstep-wise, my biggest influences are Virtual Riot, Syzy, and Infekt. Outside of dubstep, I'd say Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and J. Cole," he shares. This diverse range of inspirations is evident in his music, which seamlessly blends heavy bass with melodic elements.
Initially drawn to guitar and singing, Cloudii’s direction shifted after experiencing dubstep shows. "It just clicked for me that this is what I really vibed with," he explains. This realization propelled him into the electronic music scene, where he has since thrived.
When it comes to producing new tracks, Cloudii follows a distinct process.
"I usually start with sound design, then create a flow. I make the intro after and add a pre-drop sample that matches the vibe of the tune,"
His meticulous approach ensures each track is a well-crafted auditory experience. Cloudii began producing with FL Studio but has since transitioned to Ableton. He frequently uses Reason Rack VST and Kilohearts plugins, producing on his PC with Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones. This setup allows him to create his signature sound with precision.
Locally, the DNA Lounge holds a special place in Cloudii's heart as his favorite local venue. "It's my second home," he says, highlighting the importance of the local music scene in his journey.
Staying motivated has been a significant challenge for Cloudii.
"Staying disciplined and working hard through tough times always pays off eventually"
His perseverance is a testament to his dedication to his craft. For those just starting, Cloudii emphasizes the importance of persistence. "Don't be afraid of being bad at it! As Jake from Adventure Time once said, 'Sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something!' Keep your expectations low and enjoy the process," he encourages.
Cloudii has exciting plans for the future. "I will be posting my next single in July, followed by a few more singles throughout the rest of the year. I have some collabs coming with other local heroes too!" he reveals, hinting at what fans can look forward to. Engagement with fans is crucial for Cloudii. He uses platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and Instagram to share his music and interact with his audience. "I like posting polls on my stories to get my supporters' opinions, whether it's about a track I'm working on or their favorite soup," he shares, emphasizing the importance of community in his career.
Cloudii’s passion, dedication, and innovative approach to music make him a standout artist in the EDM scene. Be sure to follow him and stay tuned for his upcoming releases.