Se7en Digits Talks Music Journey on Power 107.6 The Truth
July 20, 2024Rising Above: How Adversity Shaped Seven Digits
Shah Cypha: “So talk to me about how you came up with that brand.”
Se7en Digits: “Yeah, so, when I was younger, I was born missing some digits on my fingers, so I have seven digits. I was like, well, how can I turn that into a strength for myself? So I turned that into my name.”
Seven Digits’ story begins with a significant personal challenge—being born with seven digits. Instead of succumbing to the limitations this condition might impose, he used it as a foundation for his artistic identity. This story of resilience extends beyond his name, weaving into the narrative of his life as he navigated bullying, adoption, and cultural adaptation.
Growing up as an Asian American, he faced distinct challenges, including significant bullying. However, Seven Digits highlighted how these difficulties pushed him toward music, initially through piano lessons designed to strengthen his hands. His journey exemplifies a profound transformation of adversity into an art form, embodying resilience and creativity.
Se7en Digits: “My mother decided to sign me up for piano lessons, and that helped strengthen my hands. So, at the same time, I was gaining strength; I was also learning music and fell in love with it.”
The leap from personal adversity to musical inspiration underscores a vital theme in his narrative: leveraging one’s struggles to fuel passion and ambition.
The Melodic Fusion of R\&B and Hip-Hop
Musical Style: Bridging R\&B and Hip-Hop
Shah Cypha: “Talk to me about your music sound.”
Se7en Digits: “My style, I think it’s right in between R\&B and Hip-Hop. Like, it goes right down the middle. You have some melodic aspects of R\&B, but then you also have the lyrical content of Hip-Hop and also, like, the flows and cadences of that mix together to make my style.”
The versatility of Seven Digits’ music lies in his seamless fusion of R\&B’s melodious elements with Hip-Hop’s gritty lyricism. This blend provides a distinctive sound that captures the emotional depth of R\&B while retaining the rhythmic complexity and narrative intensity of Hip-Hop.
Shah Cypha: “It’s definitely something that, you know, shows uniqueness. It grabs more fans.”
The ability to cross genres not only highlights his versatility but also broadens his appeal, drawing in diverse audiences and establishing a unique niche in the music industry. This versatility is not just about musical ingenuity but is rooted in deep knowledge and appreciation of both genres.
Influences: Shaping a Unique Sound
Shah Cypha: “Talk to me about some of the people you listen to musically.”
Se7en Digits: “When it comes down to cadence and flow, definitely Tupac and Eminem, J. Cole, Kendrick…Melodically, PnB Rock, Tory Lanez, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown.”
The influence of artists like Tupac, Eminem, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar reflects in his rhythmic prowess and lyrical sophistication, whereas inspirations from artists like PnB Rock, Tory Lanez, and Bryson Tiller shape his melodic contours. These influences not only inform his sound but also affirm his commitment to evolving within a rich musical heritage.
DIY Music Production: Self-Reliance and Mastery
The Power of Self-Production
Shah Cypha: “Do you mix and master your own music?”
**Se7en Digits**: “Yeah, I feel like for me, it came down to, well, I could outsource this, or I could learn how to do it myself. And me, I like to learn. So, like, I was like, yeah, definitely, I’m gonna learn how to mix, I’m gonna learn how to master and produce and all that.”
Seven Digits embodies the DIY ethos, mastering the intricacies of music production to achieve complete creative control. This autonomy allows him to produce, mix, and master his music, ensuring his artistic vision is fully realized without compromise. His journey into self-production underscores a broader trend in the music industry where artists seek independence from traditional production constraints.
Economic and Creative Independence
Shah Cypha: “What is it like having those skills?”
Se7en Digits: “It’s a cheat code nowadays…being able to record when you want, mix and master how you want.”
This autonomy translates into significant economic and creative benefits. By producing his music, he saves substantial resources that would otherwise be spent on studio time and external producers. More importantly, it allows for a more personal and immediate artistic process, making his music a direct extension of his vision and ensuring purity in his artistic expression.
Se7en Digits: “I have to be in a very stress-free environment for me to create my best work.”
The freedom to create in a self-defined environment enhances his productivity and creativity, ultimately contributing to the authenticity and quality of his outputs.
The narrative of Seven Digits is one of transformation, versatility, and independence. His ability to turn personal hardships into strengths, blend genres to create a unique sound, and master the entire music production process illustrates a powerful journey of resilience and adaptability. This multifaceted approach not only affirms his place in the music industry but also sets a compelling example for aspiring artists.
In navigating these realms, Seven Digits underscores vital lessons in resilience, continuous learning, and creative self-reliance, painting a vivid picture of what it means to be an artist in the modern music landscape.
Seven Digits’ journey does not just speak to his skill set but also to his profound resilience and commitment to his craft. His story is not merely one of musical talent but rather an inspiring saga of how adversity and creativity intertwine to produce art that resonates on multiple levels. His continued ascent in the music industry serves as a testament to the power of versatility, dedication, and self-reliance, making him an exemplary figure in contemporary music.