What’s your stage name and where are you from?
I go by Primitive, and I’m from Sydney, Australia.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
It’s funny, I’m a chef by trade, and I had an old chef who loved the word primitive. He believed you could use the word in any context: “How was your weekend? Primitive. How have you been? Primitive.” I loved the idea, and originally I named myself Primitive Pete, but my peeps were like, “drop Pete.” Primitive was born.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
Rags to riches, pads, and scriptures. Stayed optimistic because I had to get this. Pen ink dries in a liquified life force; arteries are drained in the veins of the mic cord.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
My latest track is called “Weird Flex” and features the one and only A-F-R-O. I have never spent so much time writing a verse, and I don’t know how many takes I did to lay down my vocals. Fro is a beast, the ultimate MC. It was humbling doing a track with him but super intimidating. Plus, I’ve got an Aussie accent, so it’s an interesting contrast to say the least.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I spent most of my life addicted to drugs and alcohol. I got clean and sober through 12-step meetings, and I’m 9.5 years clean and sober now. Through music, I can share my experience of pain and change. I want to convey that there is help, there is hope, and it’s never too late to change. Asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Releasing this track featuring A-F-R-O has been huge. Funnily enough, the biggest challenge wasn’t around production; it was around outsourcing the cover art and getting it to a level in line with previous releases. My usual guy was unavailable to make the art, so I had to go down new avenues and ask for help outside my usual network.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Man, my ultimate is Eminem. Early Eminem is easily my biggest influence. I would love to do a track with him to show my appreciation. Em was the first rap I ever heard and my introduction to hip hop. Growing up, there was no hip hop in my home.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
More shows, more collabs, more releases. Bring on anything and everything.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Would love a collab with another of my idols. Been getting into this dude Deca atm, and he is so dope. Also, would love to play a festival.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
Yes!
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Always down for anything and everything—within reason, haha.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
YouTube: Primitive ft. A-F-R-O – Weird Flex.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Instagram @officialprimitive_ or drop me a line on my website primalproductions.com.au.
