Midnight Microdose Vol. 1 is only just the first, mouthwatering chapter of Kevin Ross' upcoming full length album, and it sure to send you reeling through an inescapable trance. The six track EP is swimming with fluid waves of subtle psychedelic flurries harnessed by powerful beats and an all-encompassing, magnetic vocal from Mr. Ross himself. Ross understands every extremity that comes with being an artist, both inside and out of his music. When he's not recording an album, you'll find him reimagining the future of independent R&B with his own record label, Art Society Music Group (AMG). He uses his futuristic sense of creativity to pioneer the impossible through entrepreneurship and art.
Here's what Kevin Ross had to say about his latest work, Midnight Microdose Vol. 1, and what can be revealed about his future to come.
How does Midnight Microdose Vol. 1 differ from your previous work?
I’m more confident in my ability as a creative. I understand my responsibility to my audience and my value to the industry.
There’s a heavy emphasis on introductions that came to surface with the release of Midnight Microdose Vol. 1 (Introludes playlist, “First Dose"). What does the significance of an introduction mean to you?
Intros and interludes can say a lot within a short period of time. If it’s good then it can become addictive as a listener.
How did the voiceover on “First Dose” and “Infomercial” come together?
I knew that I wanted a “voice of god” type of narration through the project. Carving out the quirks is what made it fun and hopefully enjoyable to everyone listening.
Where does Midnight Microdose Vol. 1 transport you and where do you imagine it taking listeners?
That’s not for me to say. Every person’s trip will look and feel different.
Were all the songs on Midnight Microdose Vol. 1 written throughout a specific era in your life?
Every song (except “Look My Way”) was written after the birth of my baby boy. Having a newborn can make you feel like you're naturally taking a micro dose of something every day… for months on end lol!
How did you conceptualize the experimental side of this EP?
Making a bunch of mistakes until I discovered aesthetics and sounds that I gravitated towards.
What does the title, Midnight Microdose Vol. 1, mean to you?
“Midnight” is the time of night where my thoughts are most active. So, one night I’m reading through some comments on social media and I saw a theme going. Most people said they enjoyed my music but they thought the songs were too short. I thought it was hilarious because that was always my intention all along lol. The goal is replay power. In the age of streaming, we only get a fraction of a penny for every stream. So in order to make my business make sense and cents (literally), I have to make you want to replay your favorite songs over and over. So I decided to lean into it and make a project of short songs, hence “Microdose”. If music is your drug of choice, then I’m your dealer.
Give us a lyric from the EP and the story behind it.
“Take what you need from me”. I say it all through the intro “First Dose” but I mean it. As artists, we are in the business of servitude. Like it or not, people take what they want and leave what they don’t want when it comes to our music. Which is completely fine. Once I know what you like, then I have the ability to super serve you and possibly expand your sonic palette with something new.
What can we expect to see on the unreleased second half of this full-length album?
Duality. That’s all I can say.
What was your favorite moment you had while putting together Midnight Microdose Vol. 1?
The sessions where my son was in the studio with me. There was no time to overthink. Just trusting my skill set, instincts, and being free in the moment of creation.
Connect with Kevin Ross: Instagram
