The world of music is fueled by passion, pain, and profound experiences, but what about a feeling we all know well boredom. For the artist known as boredom. (brdm.) this often-overlooked state of mind is not something to avoid; instead, it serves as a springboard for creativity. Emerging from Southern California, with ties the indie rap scene here in Jersey, brdm. blends sample-based hip-hop with conscious rap while drawing inspiration from rock, jazz, and other genres.
In a recent conversation, we explored the world of brdm. We delved into his musical journey, influences from the local scene, and thoughts on the current state of live music.
From Boredom to Creation: The Story of Boredom.
The concept of boredom is at the core of his creative process. “Boredom is an idea I embrace,” he explains. “From boredom comes inspiration, and I use that energy to fuel my passion for making music.” This perspective distinguishes him in an era where many artists are driven by hustle culture and external pressures. For brdm., the quiet moments and pauses in life provide the space for true creativity.
Southern California Roots
Raised in Southern California, brdm.’s musical journey began early, surrounded by family influence and a deep appreciation for rhythm. “My mom was in choir, and she’s always singing,” he recalls. “Growing up, drums were my thing—I picked up rhythm quickly, and it stuck with me.”
But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that Boredom seriously committed to music. “When everything shut down, I decided to stop messing around and actually pursue music with intention,” he says. “What started as a hobby turned into something real. I knew I had to take it seriously.”
This shift from hobbyist to serious artist marks a pivotal moment in Boredom’s career, setting the stage for what’s to come. Going on to expand his bodaires and work with Jersey natives like Yung Dread Da Phophet on projects like DREAMS & STRUGGLES
The Best Gigs, the Future of Live Music, and Performance Ethics
While boredom. has yet to step on stage for their solo performance, they’ve been part of some exciting collaborative moments. Their friend KiiD Wit The Cam—with whom they released a collaborative album—has performed live in Atlanta, and brdm. has had the chance to watch and learn from those experiences. “Seeing KiiD Wit The Cam perform has been a cool experience,” he shares. “I’ve learned a lot just from being in the audience.”
Looking at the state of live music more broadly, brdm. has some strong opinions. “It’s 50/50 for me,” he says. “On one hand, there’s so much innovation and new energy in music today. But on the other hand, there’s this trend of lip-syncing during live performances. If you’re going to perform live, do it live. Don’t just press play and let the track do the work for you.”
This desire for authenticity is something many music fans can relate to. brdm. believes that if you’re genuinely performing your song, you should own it, flaws and all. “Live means live,” he asserts. “You should feel the energy of the moment. Don’t just perform over a pre-recorded track with your vocals still on it. That’s not a performance—it’s a playback.”
Local Legends and Collaborations That Shape Their Sound
In the Southern California music scene, boredom. has found camaraderie and inspiration from a few key artists. “One artist people should definitely check out is Jamesthe3rd,” he recommends. “He’s an amazing lyricist and a great rapper.” Another artist making waves is Gone Wallace, whose unique style greatly inspired brdm.’s growth.
But it’s not just the rappers who stand out in brdm.’s circle. They also shout out Zai (Isaiah Samuel Crews), a talented producer who’s becoming a rising star in his own right. “Zai is definitely someone to watch,” he says. “His production is on another level and only getting better.”
However, the artist who speaks to brdm. the most is Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, an underground rapper known for his complex wordplay and poignant takes on love and struggle. “Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon is probably my favorite underground rapper right now,” he says. “His lyricism and the way he talks about real struggles resonates with me, especially when he exaggerates certain things to make a point.”
Highlighting New Bored Order: A Mixtape Like No Other
Their 2023 debut mixtape, New Bored Order, is a must-listen for those just tuning into boredom’s music. “It’s a concept I came up with to blend rap and wrestling,” he explains. “I wanted to bring those nostalgic feelings to life, mixing two things I love—wrestling and rap.” The mixtape isn’t just about the concept; it’s packed with impressive features from some of the best lyricists in the game, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to dive deeper into brdm.’s world.
In New Bored Order, listeners can experience boredom.’s unique approach to storytelling, lyricism, and production, all while exploring themes that transcend the usual boundaries of rap.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Boredom.?
As boredom. continues to carve out his place in the music world, it’s clear that the journey is just beginning. The artist’s willingness to experiment, push boundaries, and embrace boredom. as a source of creativity promises a future full of exciting musical moments. Whether they’re exploring new genres, collaborating with fellow underground artists, or creating more projects like New Bored Order, there’s no telling where Boredom will take us next.
But one thing’s for sure: wherever they go, they’re doing it on their own terms—and with a sound that’s all their own.
If you haven’t already, check out New Bored Order and keep an eye on boredom. as they continue to break new ground in the world of conscious rap and beyond. Follow them on Instagram, Spotify and his social media.
For more on the South Jersey music scene, follow Lucid Media Blog. Check out our free resources like How to Secure a Record Deal in 2024 and interviews like The World of Nitrx0: Psychedelic Rage and Baby Nitro, and follow our social media! And as always…
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