Artist on the Rise: Rey Sparta
Meet alternative hip-hop artist Rey Sparta. Born in the Bronx but currently residing in Orlando, Fl. Rey was known as one of the "quiet kids" growing up, he would express himself by drawing comics, painting, and writing poetry. He started his professional music journey working at Studio 18 as a songwriter for other artists but decided to take his own music career seriously and began focusing on his craft. The artist finds his inspiration through well-known creators; Kanye West, Linkin Park, Kid Cudi, Eminem, to name a few. His sound is very different from other alternative rap like artists Baby Keem and Travis Scott. Rey Sparta's music is full of rage and passion which also matches his style. Rey is currently working on his debut album Church on Mars, set to release in summer 2021. He says to expect the unexpected when it comes to this project as he speaks for the quiet kids. As we anticipate the release of Church on Mars; Rey and his team have been dropping singles in the meantime. His latest single, Quiet.Kids, is down below give it a listen and stream everywhere! I also got the pleasure to speak with Rey about himself and his work. Check it out.
Now Playing: QUIET.KIDS - REY SPARTA
Who is Rey Sparta?
RS: I was born in Bronx, NY. Raised between Orlando and Spartanburg, North Carolina. I basically fell upon music with art. I always drew. Drew my own comic books, poetry, painted clothes, shoes, and it just naturally came along later in life. I pursued sticking to my own music. The Sparta was just kind of like the passion behind what I do. Spartans are known for full force, full throttle, doing what they believe in and sticking to it. Rey is part of my name, which is where I got that from.
How would you describe your sound?
RS: My sound is ragey, introspective, artsy, passionate feeling stuff. I definitely was raised on rap and then my parents listened to a lot of old school, disco, Michael Jackson, etc. It's like a genre blend.
Where are you in your music journey?
RS: I've just been focused on honing out projects. actual artistic projects fully telling my story. I think I've given bits and pieces, and tried things here and there but I think this is a full representation of where i'm at now.
What is your creative process like when it comes to making music?
RS: usually I have headphones on me. I'm listening to beats like 10hrs out of the day. I usually write subjects and ideas as they come. I sit in a meditative state and let ideas flow.
New project, Church on Mars, and new your single, tell me about it!
RS: I was recording a shitload of songs. I was inspired by Yeezus in 2013 and I was talking to my engineer about how I wanted to create a sound with this type of aggression but still tell a story. I grew up as a super silent kid. There's a lot of misconceptions when it comes to quiet kids. I wanted to be the one to speak and scream for them on a track. Thats where I got that idea from. The project is full of aggression, non-apologetic, sticking firm to what you're talking about. It's a feeling of storytelling. It's a ride.
What do you want people to gain from your music?
RS: I want people to fully embrace being non-apologetic. stop saying something and then going back. Those people who want to stand firm in what they believe in, even if it offends people.
One song heavy in your rotation?
RS: Travis Scott - Pornography
Last movie you seen?
RS: The conjuring 3
Zodiac Sign?
RS: Aries
What can we expect from you the rest of 2021?
RS: we've been prepping a lot of stuff behind the scenes and working with like minded individuals to do a lot of performance based stuff.
Keep up with Rey Sparta and his music on Instagram @reysparta_
-Jasmine Pollard