FreshNewTracks Sits Down With….PropaneLv

Posted by BIGLIFE on October 24, 2013

Portland’s PropaneLv is on the rise. His “Varsity Blues” project has taken the blogosphere by storm, and he’s on a meteoric rise. We sat down with the budding hip-hop sensation to talk “Varsity Blues”, money, and who his four wives would be if he were a polygamist.

1. Who is PropaneLv?

I think he’s still just a guy trying to find his path in life. I’ve always felt a little off and I still can’t escape that feeling. When making music I feel at home, but everything outside of that still hasn’t come together for me.

2. Impressively, you’ve wracked up 4 million views on Youtube. In a day and age where the internet is a double edged sword for an artist, how have you managed to rise above the noise?

Well in a lot of ways I think I still am fighting to rise above the noise. I think the one thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to tell stories. Music that has stood the test of time for me has always been about story telling and emotions. I still listen to old Nas songs because the stories and the way they make me feel have never become dull to me.

3. A few weeks ago, Vice reported that “Portland has a hip-hop” problem. What is your opinion of the current scene and do you feel your geographical location hinders your success as an artist?

I think thats completely accurate, but due to the internet you can’t let where you’re from be your excuse for not creating exposure. Sure it helps but look guys like Wiz and Mac both coming from Pittsburg. I wouldn’t consider that a hot spot for artists but they both created undeniable movements through their fans and music.

4. What does your family think about your budding rap career?

They don’t really understand it. They’re both from small hick towns in Oregon, so to them doing something out of the ordinary is extremely odd. My mom is incredibly supportive even though she doesn’t understand it. My father I think is just kind of pretending it isn’t happening haha. He’ll come around eventually though.

5. You just released an exceptional project that is “Varsity Blues.” It’s brooding, contemplative, and hopeful. How would you describe it, and what was the inspiration behind the project?

Thank you. I really just wanted to tell my story. I’m a nobody from the middle of Oregon who wants to be something greater than that. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling. I wanted this project to be a soundtrack for anybody trying to find themselves. I had the title Varsity Blues before I ever started the project because I thought it described my sound perfectly. Talented but still unsure… still humbled.

6. On “When The World Turns Over” you rap: “The music all I really got, and I’m gonna throw it all away to get a shot.” What have you had to sacrifice to get to this point and what are your expectations for the future?

I think relationships would be the biggest thing. With family, friends, and women. Oregon is really yet to produce something great in this genre of music so I think its incredibly difficult for the people close to me to understand why I’m doing this. I sacrifice those relationships to spend time on what I love doing and although that comes with its consequences I still wouldn’t trade it for anything…

As far as the future I just want to improve. I can’t think about too much outside of that because in a lot of ways its out of my control. I just want to create songs that stand the test of time with my fans.

7. D.Shuts produced the majority of the tape, which is an impressive feat. How did you guys meet, and was it a conscious decision to have him produce the majority of the album?

Being that its 2013 we met on the internet. A mutual friend helped produce a track he did and I was like damn this guy is really good. We started working together and eventually became good friends. Shuts gave me a sound and really taught me a lot about song writing. I absolutely wanted him to produce the entire album, I can’t wait to start on the next project with him.

8. For every successful artist, there’s an even more competent team behind them. Tell me about the members of your team (LTRMN) and how they’ve contributed to your success.

My day to day guy Colin is really the reason why all of this is happening. He pulled me out of Albany Oregon when I was still rapping in a closet too afraid to show anyone what I was creating. He’s given me confidence and direction.

Mikey is kind of our yes or no guy. He’s got a knack for knowing what is cool. He kind of oversees everything and helps us tweak things until we are happy with our product.

Kris is our branding guy. He designs for Jordan so he’s obviously cool as shit. He makes things happen and we wouldn’t be talking about Varsity Blues without him. He’s got that New York no bs mentality and I think we really need that.

My on stage guys are Marcus and “Datboy”. Their fucking trouble man. They’re the life of the party and I love them to death.

Now, to the weird questions. Lightning round, go!

1. Is money the root of all evil?

Honestly I think power more than money is. Everyone has worked that job right out of high school for that 40 year old shift manager that takes his job and his position way too seriously. He only makes 12 bucks an hour but is constantly reminding you that he’s the boss.

2. What color would you make the sky if it wasn’t blue anymore?

I think that Orange/Red color we get out here in the summer sometimes. Bitches see that shit and can’t help but want some D. We could use a little more of that.

3. If you were a polygamist, who would your 4 wives be?

In no order: Emma Watson. My boo thang Rihanna bc she seems bat shit crazy and thats hot
Kelly Rowland. Oprah man. She’s so paid my video budget would be through the roof. Sleeping with her every now and then would be worth it with all the power she has. Call me crazy..

4. When flying, do you prefer the window or isle seat?

Isle. I drink so much damn coffee I stay needing to use that bathroom. I love the window but if its an east coast flight I’ve gotta make at least 2 trips.

5. If you could go back in time to erase one mistake, would you do it?

Naw when you make so many mistakes I don’t think changing one of them would really change anything.

9. What do you want the world to know about PropaneLv?

We’ll hopefully they know my music, but that im just your average social awkward white guy trying to figure out this thing called life.

PropaneLv’s “Varsity Blues” is available for purchase on iTunes here.

Tags: album, artist, guy, kind, music, project, sound, time, use, Varsity Blues