Photo credit: Cameron Corrado

Vancouver-bred genre-defying artist Boslen shares his debut album DUSK to DAWN. The 22-year-old rapper’s first body of work since signing to Capitol Records in partnership with Chaos Club Digital, DUSK to DAWN showcases Boslen’s eclectic and forward-thinking brand of alt-hip-hop, as well as his deeply reflective approach to storytelling.  

Featuring guest spots from Tyla Yaweh, Vory, Dro Kenji, Rascalz, and Charmaine, DUSK to DAWN draws its undeniable power from Boslen’s boundary-pushing vocal experiments, shapeshifting transitions, and heavier production than he’s attempted before. After opening on the soulful minimalism of “DUSK,” the album cycles through an entire spectrum of textures and moods, ultimately arriving at the beautifully warped “DAWN.” Naming hyper-creative artists like Kid Cudi among his main inspirations, Boslen notes that DUSK to DAWN emerged from a desire to explore how vulnerability and self-empowerment can co-exist.

Tell us about the story of your artistry?

I am from a small town of 80,000 people in Canada named Chilliwack. Growing up I played rugby and I really devoted my life to that. Music was never a pillar for me until I found Kid Cudi. After I discovered Cudi I would write a bit but my focus was still always rugby. After high school I went to play at my university which is where I met my manager. He was at the university for business and we met on the first day of school. That first night he motivated me to start playing songs that I was recording in my dorm room at parties on campus. After that the ball started rolling with small shows and things grew organically from there. 

I tore my ACL going into my second year, for the second time which brought on a lot of depression and self doubt. I ended up shifting my entire mentality to music and I dropped out of school. I was sleeping on my manager’s couch in Vancouver where I met the rest of my team. My artistry really developed when I met my executive producer justsayin. He made me reflect on the idea of artistic integrity and we both found an appreciation for similar tastes in music. 

What is the message behind your art? 

The message behind my art came from a place of always feeling like an underdog. I think sports created this mentality. Through my music I use that to empower me and others who listen. I want people who listen to my music to think of themselves, because we all battle with the balance of highs and lows in life. 

 What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?

Vancouver and the cultural development of the city is one for sure. Relationships I’ve had in the past that have been both good and bad inspire me. I also find inspiration in things like self doubt, my family, my team, and the amount of hours they have all worked for the vision. 

Who is an artist that you look up to?

I look up to Kid Cudi and Kanye West

 All-time favorite record?

YEEZUS

Tell us about DUSK to DAWN and how it came about?

This project started a couple months before COVID hit. It was cold and snowing in the city and the studio I worked out of was right next to my place. justsayin came to Vancouver from Turkey for 5 months to make this project with me and we both agreed that what we wanted to make was a  project that was timeless, like many of our inspirations. I wanted this project to show my highest highs and my lowest lows through all 12 songs. 

You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?

I think it comes from me being so early in my career. I still don’t have one specific sound. I used to think that was a negative, but as music evolves I found that being a genreless artist is my strongest attribute. I can deliver different emotions in a lot of ways which makes the end product and the creating process fun. 

What excites you the most about what you do?

The fact that there are some people that I am inspiring. I want to leave a trail of inspiration just like how some of my favorite artists did for me. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Just on a different creative level. I see myself influencing numerous  genres of music. I see my team and I financially stable and my family healthy. Most of all I see Vancouver as a key city in Canada for music and culture. 

Your style is very original and elaborate. Describe your fashion sense?

I just wear what I feel comfortable in. I think as a kid I used to copy what rappers would wear and a lot like Goodwood, snapbacks and crooks and castles haha. Now it’s more just pieces I put together that represent my personality. 

What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?

Having to sit on a project you made for over a year. Your mind starts to question itself and I’m sure many creatives can relate but when something isn’t out in the public you over analyze it a lot and sometimes you lose sight of what inspired it in the first place. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

My dad told me a quote before I went on a Rugby trip to France. “To whom much is given, much will be tested”. I have lived by that ever since. 

 Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?

Vancouver.