Valleyside Boys (VSB) first formed in 2017 when Scally started doing studio sessions at Dharmarat’s house. Since then the group and the music has grown! They all have their own individual projects which almost makes VSB quite special to those who follow their music, because when they finally get together you know you’re going to get a high-energy show or some insane new releases.
Valleyside Boys music is raw and relentless. These guys really have nothing to hold back and have a lot to say. This music isn’t that clean cut rap you hear on the radio or see on TV. VSB has that true rap underground sound.
.
CHECK OUT OUR CATCH-UP WITH A FEW MEMBERS OF VSB BELOW:
.
1. Happy NZ Music Month! How did you initially get into creating music?
Dharmarat: I was creating music at like 11 which was terrible and wannabe-gangster-ish. Then I stopped at like 13 to go and live life some more and eventually come back to it when inspiration truly hit me. After hearing ‘Bastard’ by Tyler, The Creator in like 2011, I realised it’s possible to do it all inside the comforts of my own house. Everything ‘till that point on my radar was all professionally done. I saved up and got my first mic, keyboard, software,worked tirelessly and here I am.
Hor: Parents got me into playing keyboard and guitar when I was young. They took me to lessons and really encouraged it. But when my old homie gave me a USB with ableton live 6 on it is when I got into making my own beats.
Kimz: As a group we just linked together through music and formed this brotherhood thing we have going on. I’ve personally just always been into music and Hip-Hop especially. Me and Almac back in high school staying up late thinking we were making fire. I’ve always been into rapping and once I started hanging with the boys at Adams’ I eventually just hopped on the mic and yeah that’s where I started actually recording vocals and songs.
.
2. Tell us about your inspirations & motivations?
Dharmarat: I’m mainly inspired by feelings I either feel or have felt. I basically just try to recreate feelings that I’ve had into my music.
Hor: I just love making beats. Searching for samples & flipping them, that’s my therapy. Lately Dibia$e has been mad inspiring for me with the 404. Drats work ethics are always motivation for me too.
Kimz: I don’t really have an inspiration. I listen to any genre of music and can vibe with it. I just like having a good time with the homies and making music that we can vibe too. Motivation would be seeing one of the homies sharing your stuff or reacting to it. It makes you feel like you’re doing something right I guess?
.
3. What have you been up to in this lockdown and how has it affected you?
Dharmarat: I’m an essential worker so I’m luckily still getting my main income. Having the boys not come over every Friday, I’ve been more focused on my solo stuff. I’m just about finished a project which is exciting ‘cause I wasn’t expecting to see the light at the end of the tunnel till closer till like October.
Hor: I have mostly been making beats on my Sp404, growing my vege garden or dropping Kim’z in UFC. I’ve been off work the whole time but lucky to be getting the wage subsidy so it’s been safe. I miss my son and the homies though.
Kimz: Not much really tbh, playing gta. Online with the homies and chillin. Keen for it to be over so we can link on Friday’s again and get to work on volume 3.
.
4. What do you think of the NZ music scene?
Dharmarat: It has its good and bad sides from what I see. On one hand, in Auckland is where every main publication, blog etc. is. So we’re lucky to have been born so close to the main hub. On the other it’s a little about who you know. If this person personally doesn’t fuck with you then good luck getting any kind of promo over there. In terms of the artists though, the NZ music scene is so generous for what they receive in return.
Hor: There’s a lot of talented people and a lot that need to be heard more though. Support your local yo.
Kimz: Underrated! So much talent that the people definitely need to discover. Share your locals stuff man! Support local artists!
.
5. Goal board time – where would you like to see yourself in a years time?
Dharmarat: A little more respected than this year, with a great album out. And still at the whare with the boys making music and hopefully on a few more stages.
Hor: I want to drop a few beat tapes before the end of the year, Sus vol.3 with the VSB homies and domore gigs. Hopefully my vege garden is still growing.
Kimz: Rich, not working, chillin’ with the homies and my girl making music for a living.
Realistically though, hopefully have a solo tape dropped, finish volume 3 with VSB, more gigs and just hopefully having our music out there more for everyone to listen to and vibe with.
.
