Over the weekend HCM had the opportunity to interview a talented hip-hop duo by the name of The Seal Breakers. The group hails from hip-hop birth grounds, the state of New York, and is determined to have their views felt about the status quo. The Seal Breakers have had their share of challenges in the ever-changing world of the music industry, from changes in group members to remaining relevant in the miasma of rap artists today. Take a look at their interview to gain more insight into the group known as The Seal Breakers.
INTERVIEW
HCM. Where are you from and how did you get to this point in your career as an artist?
The Seal Breakers. We, Brooklyn, bred. So much of who we are is because of where come from. The church we started our journey as musicians, is in the heart of bed-stuy where we grew up. “The Seal Breakers” has gone through so many phases toward what you see us as now. An instrumental band, to a Trio, to who we are today. Just me and bro. Everything begins and finishes with the fam.
HCM. When did you know that you were going to make music a career?
The Seal Breakers. We knew when we went from making instrumental music to feeling like we had something to say. It’s hard not to be impacted by what’s around you. Our pops introduced us to hip hop young, and as an artist himself, it inspired us heavily.
HCM. What musical influences did you listen to growing up that helped to mold you into the artist you are today?
The Seal Breakers. Like we said, we got put on to hip hop young. It was always you gotta be a “student of the game”. It didn’t feel like our barbershop opinions were valid unless we really understood the culture and history of rap. With that said we delved into Tribe, Slum village, KRS, Biggie, Hov, Pac, Outkast, Public enemy, De La Soul, The Fugees and fell in love with the art form. Made us wanna take a little from everyone and make it our own. New school, old school. Everything is recycled, it’s about how you put it all together that creates YOUR wave.
HCM. On your current/upcoming album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
The Seal Breakers. Aside from the internet thugs and trolls? We really just wanted to make a statement about how we feel as individuals in 2022. We’ve been active artists a few years removed from a decade. In that time we’ve learned ourselves and you learn how to move, who to keep around. No Drama is really a testament to the confidence we have in what we bring to the game right now. Something new, even if it’s familiar in some ways.
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
The Seal Breakers. The greatest challenge is rising above the fluff today. We just gonna call it fluff. It’s a lot of amazing artists and music then there’s music that exists in the space and gets the attention of consumers because it’s put in their faces more. The goal is to be consistent so that you rise above it whether you got a machine or not. Our genuine love for music is the greatest thing we have going for us. When you aren’t making all the money off your music it comes down to will and how much you love what you’re doing. We can sit in a studio for 12 hours and it feels like 4 because we LOVE what we do so it doesn’t feel like working.
HCM. What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
The Seal Breakers. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people in our career so far. Anytime you get to tap in with people who eat, sleep, and breathe this art it’s an opportunity to grow. The big break hasn’t come yet but we’re blessed to collaborate with legends in our eyes. Whether it be producers like Greg “Mr. Speed” Brown or S.Dot. The opportunity to feed off next-level creativity is what makes the difference in an artist’s career.
HCM. How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?
The Seal Breakers. We can’t even imagine. Sky is the limit. It’s things today we’re creating that we never imagined 4 years ago. It’s a constant evolution that you never realize is happening but are able to appreciate it in retrospect. The more we connect with new artists and creatives though, we know our sound has gone shake up the game. Definite.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
The Seal Breakers. We want to be able to be with people wherever they are in their journey. If you’re happy, dance with us. If you’re sad, listen to this story because I’ve felt that. If you are conflicted spiritually tap in because we are all just tryna figure it out too ya know? Just walk away from our music knowing it’s coming from a genuine place. We still got a lot of layers to tap into but as long as the listener feels what they hear is genuine we won. We are really blood brothers so, family is the root of it all and if they can feel that, they can feel us.
For more details and information about The Seal Breakers, contact them via email at nycswilliams@yahoo.com
Connect with The Seal Breakers on Social Media
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Check out the latest music video from The Seal Breakers here:
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