BUTTONZ on ‘Ghetto Dope’: The Journey Behind the Beats and What’s Next

Hey BUTTONZ! Glad to have you here to talk with you about your release ‘Ghetto Dope’.

Thank you. I’m happy to be here!

Can you please tell us more details about ‘Ghetto Dope’? How did it come to life and when?

“Ghetto Dope” came to life in a really special way. A good friend of mine sent me a sample from an old 90’s rap track, and as soon as I heard it, I knew I had to build something around it. I knew instantly what I needed to do. That sample instantly sparked inspiration, it had this raw, gritty energy that took me back to my rebellious years, skateboarding and just vibing with the chaos of life. From there, I started layering basslines and intricate sound design to capture that vibe while making it my own signature BUTTONZ sound.

Grand Alliance Music · BUTTONZ – Ghetto Dope

Can you tell us more about your ‘Rebirth EP’? When should we expect to listen to it?

“The Rebirth EP is more than just a collection of tracks—it’s a reflection of my growth and transformation as a musician. When I first started out, I was focused on DJing and curating sets for the dance floor, but over time, I felt this pull to create something of my own that’s deeper and more personal. This EP represents a snapshot of my evolution as an artist, blending the influences I grew up with,funk, hip-hop, and bass music, and blends into something that feels authentic to who I am today. I hope listeners can feel the passion and the journey behind every note.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a blend of bass music with funk, soul, and hip-hop influences. It’s heavy and intricate but also carries a lot of emotional depth and storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to sampling and combining elements that feel raw and nostalgic. I love pushing boundaries with sound design, creating something fresh, personal and unexpected.

Who is BUTTONZ and why music? At what age did you get into music and how?

BUTTONZ has always been drawn to electronic music and heavy bass-driven beats—it’s been a constant throughout my life. But it wasn’t until I was 19 and started attending my first electronic shows that I truly immersed myself in the process of creating music. Those experiences opened my eyes to the power of live performance and the energy that comes with sharing music in a live setting. It made me want to not just listen to the music, but to be a part of it. From that point on, I started diving deeper into production, experimenting with sounds, and finding my own voice. Electronic music gave me the space to explore new creative directions and express emotions that I hadn’t been able to capture in any other way. It’s been an ongoing journey, and every new project, like my Rebirth EP, feels like another step in that evolution

Do you remember the name of the first song that made you love electronic music?

It was a long time ago but i would have to say the song was called LE by Settler Project. A heavy kick driven hard house track with a quick paced melody, I was instantly hooked.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout your music journey?

Pretty Lights has been a huge inspiration to me, not only because of his music but also because of his story. His ability to blend soul filled samples with electronic beats with authenticity is something I’ve always admired. What resonates with me the most, though, is how he’s overcome what seems like impossible obstacles. I can relate to his struggles and triumphs, and his journey reminds me that with perseverance and authenticity, you can overcome even the toughest challenges. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, knowing that growth and success are possible, no matter how difficult the road might seem.”
More inspiration throughout my music journey has been the underground bass music scene and my fellow artists who really push boundaries. Artists who weren’t afraid to blend genres, experiment with sound, and create something uniquely their own were a huge influence on me. The power of music to evoke emotions and bring people together has always motivated me. Another major influence would be the community itself, the producers, DJs, and listeners who share the same passion and energy. I’ve always found inspiration in people who create from a place of authenticity and emotion. That connection through sound and space.

What’s the one activity you love doing in your free time when not making music?

When I’m not making music, I love getting outdoors and hiking. There’s something about being in nature that really helps me reset and recharge. I also enjoy skateboarding when I can, as it’s a great way to stay active and tap into that same electric energy that I bring into my music. Outside of that, I love attending the musical events my friends put together; there’s always something special about the community aspect of it. And as a co-owner of Grand Alliance Music, with fellow artist Will Glazier aka Willdabeast. I find a lot of joy in helping other artists get their spotlight and supporting them on their journey. It’s all about community and collaboration, in both music and in life.”

Can you tell us more about your dream and future collaboration and what do you hope to achieve in the next 2 years in your professional career?

My dream is to continue evolving BUTTONZ as an artist while expanding my reach and collaborations. I would really love to work with other musicians, producers, and creatives who inspire me. I see collaboration as a way to push my boundaries, get out of my comfort zone of producing alone, and experiment with new sounds. I’m always looking for opportunities to team up with artists with a fresh new sound. I’d love to collaborate with both established and emerging artists in the electronic music scene to create unique, genre-blending projects.
Looking ahead to the next two years, I’m focused on pushing my own music to new heights, whether that’s through new releases, live performances, or even bigger collaborations. I hope to build on the success of projects like my Rebirth EP and create even more opportunities to connect with my fans and the larger music community. Beyond that, I want to continue helping other artists grow through Grand Alliance Music, ensuring that the label remains a platform for innovative and groundbreaking talent. We’re all about supporting each other, building a strong network of artists who are passionate about making music that resonates.Ultimately, I want to inspire people with my music, continue to challenge myself creatively, and make a lasting impact in my community.

This is all for now. Thank you for your time answering our questions. Where can our community find out more about your music and your future releases?