Protomorphic

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Protomorphic

What up! It’s Grim Singmuf! As you know I can’t stop creating! For me and most on my team, creation is a must. To us, it is more than a hobby, therapy, or a fun pastime. We just can’t stop, the feeling is beyond passion. One of my good homies, and half of my group “Altars of Sand”, Protomorphic came through to shoot the shit. What does Protomorphic even mean? To be Primitive in structure or form. Think of our ancestors, our roots. Simple times, and simple pleasures. She has been in Recovery from Heroin for Twelve years. The stigma behind Mental Health/Addiction is what drives Protomorphic to be outspoken. She feels for the Human Condition and it comes in her music.

Take us on a journey through your artistic self-discovery.

During my journey, the first 6 years I felt a little…out of my own body. I couldn’t find An outlet. A healthy “high.” I had always had a love for spoken word, and reading to others. I started freestyling one day. I wasn’t good at it. But I loved it. It was on and poppin’ From there. When you speak your mind and live in your truth, you’ll notice fewer people around you. For the past six years, I have dedicated my time, energy, and effort to developing My craft, some sort of skill. As well as living independently.

You seem to have an affinity for words, where does that come from?

I’m ready to drop bars at any point in time. I think in parables. Words can paint us pretty little images, can’t they? They can also be used to destroy. I am an abstract freestyle MC and my main goal? Bring people together. Despite our Differences. We are a lot more alike than you’d believe. I simply let go, leave space to be a channel, and flow.

Where does your style come from?

There is no such thing as original thought. But as far as style, this form is a rarity. One Love. On the physical plane.

Some rappers, such as B Real, have said finding their personal sound was a huge part of their development. Where do you get your “rapper voice” from?

I hail from a small town in Massachusetts. Yes, I have a wicked pissah Bostonian accent. Depends on how excited I am, It’ll pop in and out of my music. I hope you enjoy it!

You appear to be very passionate about your art, releasing a few freestyles daily. When you are not focused on rapping, what do you do that inspires your artistic endeavors?

I believe in mastering your craft, whatever that may be to you. For years I was in the background, seeing the world through a lens, literally. As a photographer, I gained hope and inspiration through capturing the essence of musicians. Little did I realize I was seeking to capture the essence within myself, laying dormant. I’ve stepped back, I’ve put the camera down. We see what we want to see. I find myself in a state of observation.

I’ve come to find inspiration through fleeting moments, never to be captured. Really stopping to stare into a flower, then simply leaving it be. My mind encapsulates memories, shared with friends, family, strangers. I try to be as present at the moment as I can be, with no ulterior motive. Also read books, study mythology, the nomenclature of sorts. Always trying to be a sponge from a third-party perspective, never truly judging anything. It is what it is. To keep it 100, my son inspires me to continue to keep an open mind and keep fighting the good fight, so if I’m not freestyling I’m kicking it with him. He keeps me young at heart, which I believe keeps me driven.

I’ve heard you jam out on the bass, what other instruments do you play?

I slap the bass a bit. Still always learning. I play by ear but desire to learn more about music theory. Also, I play the congas, rock out on the Melaka. Really, I just like to play around with any instrument I can get my hands on.

Are there any instruments that you want to learn, or plan on learning to play?

Right now I’m focused on becoming a better producer…I’ve got to get 4 months’ worth of dental work done, but I refuse to stay lazy and silent through it all. I plan on constructing some beats that I can write an album to during my hiatus.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

My Ability to stay humble, never comparing myself to others. You’ve got to meet people where they are at…I’m flexible and open to collaborate and grow, expand my “style”…sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s really all trial and error..as a musician I stay patient with myself, even when I’m trying to figure out where my head is at. I generally have no idea what is going to come out of my mouth once I start going with the flow…I dig that. Always got to trust my gut.

Do you have any weaknesses that you’re actively working to improve on?

I’m always looking for love. What I fail to recognize and appreciate is the love I already have. For my child, my family. My friends and associates. Honestly the past few years I have been a hermit. I have to love myself, as I am. I can’t expect love to just come to find me, I need to come back out of my shell and share deeper connections again. Isolation and loneliness are complicated. I feel at one with the universe, with Mother Nature. At the end of the day, I guess it’s all love baby, but I do have a weak desire to find a partner I can expand with. I just can’t be caught up in daydreams and expectations.

We can officially add music to the list of industries where women are grossly underrepresented, how does this affect you in the underground scene?

Honestly, this just inspires and drives me. I’ll always try to shine a light on empowering women. Even in the underground, I’ll always try to represent for the underdog.

How do you overcome the inherent obstacles set before female artists like yourself?

I stay in my own lane, I’m in touch with who I am. Never do I allow obstacles to stop my flow, my creations. You see, I believe it is more of The Human Condition and potential existential crisis I’ve got to look out for. Being a female is irrelevant for me personally seeing as I balance the masculine and feminine energy I find myself with. There may be controversy with that statement, but that’s my objective viewpoint. As a woman, I’m used to being objectified. It’s just an obstacle I’ve had to find face value in.

Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

My favorite part? Just being able to let go and be one with the mic or an instrument. No extra nonsense. My least favorite part is this image people try to box you in with. I don’t let that get to me though. I’ll always exceed that box. I don’t rock with barriers.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Be yourself, don’t focus on what people think of you. Always adapt, expand.

What type of musicians do you prefer to collaborate with?

I don’t have a preference to be honest, if you are passionate and make me think, I want to collaborate. I believe we can all learn something new from one another.

If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?

Illuminati Congo.

What are the hardest obstacles in your life you’ve overcome?

Being a heroin addict. I’m going on 12 years in recovery. Domestic Abuse. Dealing with anxiety and PTSD. Chronic Homelessness… I don’t allow myself to have a victim mindset, living in my past. I’ve been living on my own in peace for 6 years now. Reach out. It never makes you weak. It only builds character.

Do you find it important to reflect this in your music?

I feel like trauma always has a funny way of rearing its ugly head one way or another. Expressing my passion, pain, and reflection, in general, is an important aspect of the way I flow, write, etc. I do find my message of light and hope In the face of adversity and addiction an ideal. If I can make it this far, we all have a chance to heal.

What advice would you give to artists struggling with mental health?

You are not alone, and there are resources available…take your pain, obstacles, and defeat you’ve felt and transmuted the vibes. I’ve had my days in a mental prison, thinking I’d never make it out again. When you learn your own behaviors, and you can harness your highs and lows, what you create becomes a timeline of sorts. A release as well. In this, I find relief. Don’t stigmatize yourself, you are not your diagnosis.

What’s next for Protomorphic?

Protomorphic has to undergo oral surgery, so she will be taking a break from releasing freestyles and focusing more on writing and producing for about 4 months. I think I’m due to pump my brakes and let people catch up with my music, seeing as I have hundreds of freestyles.. Honestly, after that, who really knows? All I can say is I’ll be on the rise, on the brink of truly stepping into my power. It’s vain, but we all have insecurities. I think once this aspect of my life is over I’ll feel like a new person. With a lot to say, a lot to give. Stay with me through the journey! 

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