SubscribeEclectic Trio “Primary Element”: New Sound and New Expectation to Hip-Hop
by Kanika Vann
“Primary Element’s formal introduction to the music world definitely allows them to breed a new brand of success amidst the struggles of acceptance.”
It’s often difficult to determine when and where we fall in love with music; when we become infatuated with its harmonies and modulation; timbres, tempos, and textures, but at some point we surrender to its infectious beats and trademark sounds; willing to abandon our simple selves in exchange for a cadenced transformation. All we know for certain is that once we’ve known it, we lose any option for surrender; once we understand its multifaceted dynamic, its ability to transform us and guide us, accompany us and console us, we can never again return to a life without it. And while this seemingly aggressive attachment to music may draw more of a comparison to a love we refuse to lose than it does to our musically-metered addition, it most assuredly describes our desires to repeatedly embrace and experience music’s intensity.
This voluntary attachment to sound chronicles the tales and motivations behind the eclectic voice of hip-hop trio, Primary Element. Consisting of twin brothers, Stephen and Stanley Spottswood, and surrogate brother/band mate, Mike Wallace, this group of technologically-inclined, classically-trained musicians is sure to take the music world by storm with its unique lyrics and fearless deliveries.
Motivated by the likes of Pharell Williams, Kanye West and Kid Cudi, this group of talented, young artists seek to change the face of hip-hop, not simply by changing its lyrics but by disrupting what fans have come to expect from today’s music and disrupting the messages permanently associated with one of its most controversial genres. “Our songs aren’t laced with profanity, so we don’t offend our audience. People want to hear us and children and adults respond well to us. We rock the crowds at clubs and on college campuses just like many other rappers—without feeling forced to promote all the negativity that seems to show up in other artist’s music. Not cursing challenges us as lyricists,” said Mike. “It’s easy to express hate and stress by cursing. But instead, we use metaphors or jokes to convey similar messages.”
The deep-rooted artistry that Primary Element wants to re-introduce to the hip-hop world seemingly contradicts their youthful designations, but luckily, gives those who value genuine lyricism over white noise, a real reason to hit their repeat buttons. “We simply want people to take that leap of faith with us, and embrace music again, not just settle for what’s out there,” Stephen stated.
And though, all three attend different universities, their passion for creation, knowledge of Skype® and iChat®, and love of good music only helps to strengthen their bond and fuel their desires to implement change, as according to Stanley, “Music is our indulgence; what we embrace, and we only want others to experience our love of music; be a part of the direction we hope to take our music into.”
The Maryland natives have completed a total of three albums, “Lost in a Dream,” “Hello World,” and the soon-to-be released, “Ambition;” each chronicling their experiences; struggles and successes, as new artists in an established field.
And while each member has his strong suit, there is no one member who stands alone; instead audiences are introduced to a variety of collaborative combinations that highlight the voices of all three. And despite the trio’s obvious immersion in the hip-hop culture, it was jazz, classical and gospel music that seemingly etched their musical destinies in stone; fixating their ears to the sounds of brass and strings, and persuading their early love of music, while pre-determining their music-filled futures.
But the most noteworthy aspect of this group’s dynamic; more striking than their dedication or praiseworthy aspirations, is the fact that Primary Element does all of its own music production, photography, and advertising; acting as true entrepreneurs, which truly makes them a force to be reckoned with, branding their skills by writing conscious material, performing concerts in sold-out venues, and producing self-titled websites, including their official website: primaryelement.bandcamp.com and their twitter.com/primary element, Twitter page.
It’s easy to see that Primary Element contently embraces their differences, their distances, and respective environments, while finding themselves bonded by their opinions and their connection, their music preferences and their desires to serve as the most recent catalysts in the musical reformation that is sure to alter the face of hip-hop.
