Covington-born experimental instrumentalist and electronic music producer Fro-Yo Ma kicked off the second day of BUKU Music + Art project with a performance on the Back Alley stage on March 12.
His newest EP, “pants,” was released in 2015. The producer also illustrates all of the artwork that accompanies his music. This is his first BUKU appearance.
The Daily Reveille: What can you tell me about “pants,” your newest EP? Who were your inspirations for that project?
Fro-Yo Ma: That project was a collection of songs that I made a few months before it came out. I was inspired by Tyler, The Creator and a lot of other artists. There are so many.
TDR: Are you working on any new projects right now? Did you perform any new material at your set?
FYM: Yeah, I’m working on another EP and I played a lot of it today. I’m going to be singing on the whole thing. Most of the stuff I played today has hooks, but I haven’t recorded the verses yet.
TDR: Do you know when that next EP will be dropping?
FYM: No idea. To be announced.
TDR: When did you first develop an interest in producing?
FYM: In my junior year of high school, I started making beats. I was just doing it for fun. I’ve always wanted to be a musician. It wasn’t like a decision I made on a specific day. I just started making music and rolled with it.
TDR: How do you incorporate instruments into your production?
FYM: I just play guitar. I used to play the saxophone a little bit, but not so much anymore. I record guitar on pretty much everything I make now.
TDR: You’re also an illustrator, right? How do your illustrations accompany your music?
FYM: I just draw them because I like to. Then I look at them and I’m like, ‘Oh, that one kind of fits this song’ and I just put it up like that. I don’t necessarily make the song and listen to it while I make the drawing. I kind of just draw stuff and if the color pallet matches the song I make it work.
TDR: If you had to perform at one music festival or event, which one would you choose?
FYM: The Odd Future Carnival. They’re growing each year. I think they actually sold out this year at 30,000 tickets.
TDR: How do you try to differentiate yourselves from other producers coming out of New Orleans?
FYM: There’s a lot of cool people making music in New Orleans, so I’m not necessarily trying to set myself apart from anyone. I just make whatever music I like.
TDR: Are you going to be sticking around for the rest of Buku? What sets are you looking forward to?
FYM: I really want to go see Kehlani. Super bad.