2019 has brought a substantial amount of new artists across genres to music listeners’ streaming service platforms. This nearly-instantaneous influx of songs to different devices has its pros and cons when it comes to the discovery of new talent. Withal, the power of the internet provokes a grander conversation about the limitless influence independent artists have within their circuits and the culture overall.
Spring Valley, New York rapper, Zyaire Rosier, is aiming to ascend beyond blogosphere recognition musically. “I create for from a deeper source than the need for popularity, the MC affirmed. “My mother has been one of my biggest inspirations, as she shared this lyrical gift and musical affinity with me.”
The Knockturnal caught up with Rosier to discuss his poetics, the need to keep his integrity, and why lyricism matters to him. “New listeners should know I am dedicated to this process. While I am grateful for the Rap Fest and AfroPunk cosigns, I am mostly motivated by my relationship with God,” the lyricist said of his musical pursuit. Get to know the rapper and check out our conversation below.
The Knockturnal: What do you want listeners to know about you and your music?
Zyaire Rosier: Honesty is my driving notion musically. These songs set sail on the water of my integrity and emotions. In other words, I do not let the storms of life get the best of me. I would rather step out to the shore, and tell my hip-hop audience how I overcame tribulations.
This gift allows me to serve and heal others. Rapping is powerful. I would argue that most of the context of my conversations with God… are through my music. I am seeking to become a better man in the mirror.
The Knockturnal: What was your studio experience like with Danielle Mckay while recording “Alive“?
Zyaire Rosier: Danielle is always fun to work with! With her, the vibe is more significant than music and can become comedic. She has a sense of humor and is good at what she does. So, it’s always exciting to collaborate and be around new energy.
This song became evolutionary. I believe I bring out the best in Danielle Mckay in the studio, and vice versa. Creatively, we trust each other. There’s always a synergy in our musical environment.
The Knockturnal: You are a Haitian-American artist. How does identity influence your sound?
Zyaire Rosier: Being a first-generation Haitian-American, my culture at home was always different than the one in the outside world separate from my household. When I was growing up, kompa music heavily influenced my sound. I found myself within the energy of the music. It is innate.
During the weekends, there was always a party at our house. My mom would play loud kompa music. For those unfamiliar, kompa is a modern merengue of Haitian and African roots. It is fused with jazz elements and African rhythms. At home, the sounds would range from my sister’s favorites, to include, Toni Braxton’s LP, Secrets, Mariah Carey’s album, Butterfly. Also, I would listen to Tupac Shakur and TLC albums.
Outside on the courtyard of the building complex I grew up in, the local playlists were very seasoned and rich in hip-hop. This helped me develop my love as a wordsmith. My neighbors would always play Wu-Tang Clan tapes, and it was fascinating to me. Those tapes embodied a different sound from what I was accustomed to at home.
My friends over the years continued to be heavy influencers of my exposure to hip-hop. I always found it interesting how all the sounds were connected to my upbringing. So, a mixture of experiences became the influence of my sound and helped formed my identity. Being that I was a Haitian-American child with parents from a third world country, I was often misunderstood. I was always juggling between the two cultures and fighting to find where I fit in. I would say overall; it is the soundtrack to my life.
The Knockturnal: Why is it important to you to executive produce each of your singles?
Zyaire Rosier: It’s vital for me to executive produce my music because certain events that inspire my music sound a particular way to me. I know what is best for my art. For instance, a certain point, or scenario might sound like a stream, a firecracker, or roller coaster in my mind. In order to capture the essence of that moment, I have to be hands-on musically to convey it to my listeners.
I want to do my best to express and resonate truth. Production is another means of being able to do that with my art. There is so much that inspires a record. At least for me, the song must always resonate with the experience it is lyrically encapsulating — in order to bring that memory to life again.
The Knockturnal: Tell fans what is on the way.
Zyaire Rosier: I’ve been writing and recording for my second project. My team is excited to share it. Also, I enjoyed taking on new roles, like, the production of the song, “Alive.” With that said, I plan to not only produce more visual content, but I will continue to play roles in front and behind the scenes of the camera. Stay tuned to find out what is next.
Photographer Credit: Judlin Civil
