Leaning very alternative in more ways than one, the tendrils of Bedside’s hip-hop experi- mentation this time reach deep into rock music. Although an unconventional turn, it’s actually a direct extension of his personal influences.
“I’m inspired by bands like the Mars Volta, Underoath, Linkin Park, P.O.D., Slipknot and the Fall of Troy,” says Urena. “And I view this album as an exploration of subgenres within rock music through the lens of my production style, which is influenced by Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, among others.”
As such, Orchard isn’t just another kaleidoscopic Healboi Bedside collection. With pronounced hues of punk, emo, screamo, indie rock, electronic and even dance, it’s sometimes barely even hip-hop. In fact, far more songs here are sung than rapped.
Moreover, the album’s detailing and com- plexion — rooted this time in organic rock textures — mark a departure in Bedside’s usual sample-based hip-hop production method.
“This is my first album where 95 percent of the music is sample-less,” he says. “I played a lot of guitar, bass and singing, screaming and rapping vocals.”
For as motley as this all seems, Healboi juggles the heterogeneity without devolving into forced fusion. Instead, the album exploits interesting juxtapositions to achieve a sound horizon and an emotional palette that transcends traditional hip-hop.Orchard now streams everywhere.
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Orlando artist Healboi Bedside releases outer-limits hip-hop album ‘Serene Exile’
This article appears in Nov 13-19, 2024.