Crafted to bring back proper hardcore hip hop, Neuro Placid is what would happen if Johnny Rotten had a rap career. Combining witty lyrics regarding a dystopian observation of modern life with edgy punk like backing, Placid is making waves in his home town of London and someone that Backseat Mafia would like to introduce to the rest of the world.
Give us a potted history of the band
The idea of the character Neuro Placid came about when I was sleeping on various friends sofas across the country over the period of 4 months. I had been struggling with substance abuse issues and went on a sober break during this time. This caused imposter syndrome in my mind seeing everything so clearly and becoming self aware so I had to create a new identity for myself to get the confidence to get back on stage because as far as I was concerned, Ollie Brown (my birth given name) was dead.
After a year of being in the studio I finally took the project to the stage with a backing band and I’ve played across the country but mainly SE London and Brixton Windmill since. I’ve earned myself a little fanbase which I’m proud of. And for what I’ve accomplished? I like to stay Humble but 2pac did say Neuro Placid was his biggest inspiration before he passed in 1996
Who inspired you to start making music
My first inspirations were rappers I heard on radio when I was probably 9 or 10 years old. Tiny Tempa, Dizzy Rascal, Rizzle Kicks. Those pop sensibilities have always stayed with me. I also love soul music, country, folk, and punk. My most obvious influences are Casisdead, ramson badbonez, Little simz, Slowthai and Santan Dave.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
In Utero by Nirvana sparked a love for divisive art in me from a young age, so did Sex Pistols Nevermind The Bollocks.
If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone who’s never heard you, what do you say
Like Hellen Keller with a microphone
Tell us about your new track
My new song is called MDMA, it’s about the regrets I’ve felt from the drugs I’ve taken in my past and the consequences and situations they’ve put me in. If it doesn’t teach people to stay away from drugs then I hope it teaches them that if you feel like you’ve damaged your brain it doesn’t mean you can’t still be the greatest version of yourself to others. Setbacks are only obstacles. I get a lot of them.
Where can we get hold of it
The song will be on all streaming services. You’ll probably hear your grandma bumping it in the kitchen while she’s having her afternoon cuppa.
Tell us how you write
I write it all by myself. I know. I know. I’m amazing. Jak Colley from RKRD studios is the wizard who makes this stuff sound good. He’s been instrumental to me having the confidence in these songs by telling me what the songs needs or doesn’t need. then he mixes them to a standard that makes me believe I’m a rockstar every time.
What would be your dream gig
My dream gig is when my anatomy gets surgically altered with double lung implants so I can sprint, dance and rap while chain smoking all at the same time to a crowd of screaming goth girls.
What can we expect from you in the near future
Once MDMA is out on March 15th there’s gonna be a music video for it also that will come out either a month or two later. 2 more singles through the year and then an EP at the end. Also look out for my collabs with Copeman bygio and Fuse nbg this year.
Tell us your favourite records that are rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
Avelinos God Save The streets was an amazing project that came out recently. Vex has got to be one of the hardest grime songs out in a few years. And Famous Last words by Casisdead was next level. He rapped with the hunger of a fresh MC but with the technique of a veteran. The beats were diverse but stuck to the overall theme of the album. His Number 23 mixtape was a masterpiece too so he’s kept it up for years.
Check out the video for track Silly In The Mental, below:
Find out more via Neuro Placid’s Website
