Assassination Point De, Mode XL Interview

Snoopra: Could you tell us a little bit about your rap career before Mode XL's album?

Mode XL: We were constantly working. Instead of using demo recordings for advertising, we believed it would be better to stay in constant practice and present the audience with a real production. In a sense, we were constantly practicing before Altın Jak.

Snoopra: How did the idea for the album come about?

Mode XL: We reached a certain point in the recording process where we felt ready. After creating a few tracks that we could include on the album, we made this decision.

snopra: Can you tell us a little bit about the album, in terms of concept?

Mode XL: There isn't a single definitive style on the album. While the tracks might sound similar as a whole, there are actually differences. Also, Altın Jak isn't just an album made for a specific rap audience or for ourselves; it's an album made for Turkish rap, which needs to develop and expand.

Snoopra: Which song from the album will you be making a music video for? Can you give us a little hint about the video?

Mode XL: Let the track be a surprise. We're currently in constant contact with directors for the video. We'll start shooting once we have a clearer idea in mind.

Snoopra: Will we be able to see the music video on TV?

Mode XL: There's no point in making a music video if you can't see it on TV.

snoopra: We heard the music video won't be filmed in Ankara, why?

Mode XL: We would love to film in Ankara. However, it's very difficult in terms of technical support.

Snoopra: What are your thoughts on the hip-hop Oscars?

Mode XL: We support every event organized in the name of rap. We are confident that these events will have higher budgets and more media attention in the future. We hope this time it will be even more successful and not overshadowed by anything negative.

snoopra: Was the first album a huge hit?

Mode XL: A very successful album in the Turkish rap scene. However, we can't say that this is the case because this isn't its target audience.

Snoopra: How are album sales going?

Mode XL: Very good. Hopefully it will get even better.

snoopra: What makes Mode XL different from other rap groups?

Mode XL: The listeners should decide the difference. But in our opinion, the difference is Golden Jack.

Snoopra: What are your thoughts on Turkish rap?

Mode XL: It definitely hasn't achieved its goal yet. We need a little more time and patience to reach the point we want.

Snoopra: Turkish rap has come a long way since Cartel, but it hasn't received as much media attention. What do you think is the reason for this?

Mode XL: When Cartel first emerged, there were even listeners who weren't aware that the music they were listening to was rap. It was a very fresh musical style for Turkey and adapted well to the trends of the time. The reason it doesn't get enough media attention these days is because Turkish rap isn't a well-established musical genre, and large companies have the power to steer the music industry as they wish. Right now, big-capital music companies and the media almost entirely decide what people listen to.

Snoopra: Right now everyone wants to rap fast. What's your opinion on that?

Mode XL: Absolutely, rapping fast doesn't automatically mean rapping well. What's important is being able to add vocals that give character to the beat. This can be very slow or very fast.

snoopra: Lately, MCs are dissing each other. Are you thinking of doing the same?

Mode XL: Diss tracks aren't made just for the sake of taking shots. A diss track must have a worthy reason. Small insults come and go from everywhere. We don't have any issues with anyone right now. However, patience shouldn't be tested. Otherwise, we'll respond to one word with an album, and two words with a double album.

snoopra: What are your plans for the future?

Mode XL: We are currently working on our second album. However, this isn't about producing tracks, but rather exploring a new sound. First, we're looking ahead. We're focused on improving our resources and studio... After that, productions will pour in one after another...

snoopra: Will Mode XL have a website?

Mode XL: Absolutely. We'll open it shortly.

snoopra: We know Yasin is a good DJ. Who else do you work with?

Mode XL: First, let's clarify something; Yasin is a producer, not a DJ. Producers create, DJs play. Evren and Yasin and I are also a production team. In our work, we collaborate on everything from instrumentals to vocal recordings and mastering.

snoopra: Do you produce any rap artists?

Mode XL: There's an incredible demand for production work. We're trying to select the talented ones who genuinely want to do this. You'll hear their names in due course.

snoopra: Everyone says that building infrastructure is very easy. What are your thoughts on this?

Mode XL: Building infrastructure is not easy at all. You can see how successful those who say it's easy are. And you can also find the answer to your earlier question about "the difference".

snoopra: Your record label is in Istanbul. You're in Ankara. Does this cause any difficulties?

Mode XL: It definitely presents challenges, but they are surmountable. There's both a positive and a negative aspect. When we have work to do, we constantly have to travel back and forth, which negatively affects us. The positive side is that it keeps us away from the gossip in Istanbul. This allows us to focus on our work.

Snoopra: What style are you planning for your second album?

Mode XL: We couldn't capture the sound we wanted on the first album. We're currently working on the sound for the second album. The album will have a specific concept.

snoopra: Thank you so much for the interview. Finally, what are your thoughts on the Assassination family and the Turkish Rap community?

Mode XL: We also thank the Assassination family and wish them continued success. Greetings and respect to the entire community.

Mode XL Profili →