Credit: Conway the Machine

Conway The Machine may be known for his vintage soul samples, poetic lyrics, and effortless flow, but his inspiration comes from an unlikely source. Conway – real name Demond Price – said in an interview with CLASH magazine that he likes rock legends like Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Led Zeppelin.

When asked about the artists that helped him develop his style, Conway replied, “I listen to everybody, really. I listen to a lot of different stuff”. He listed a few of the other people that he’s currently bumping, including Rick James, the Isley Brothers, Amy Winehouse, and Tyla.

While it’s easy to see the connection between soul, funk, and modern hip hop artists with Conway’s work, the rock influences don’t immediately fit the rapper’s gritty street narratives. “I love all genres of music”, Conway said. “I find inspiration from all different things. I see sounds and I hear colours”.

Such synesthesia is rare, but it explains how Conway uses music from rock bands and other genres to inform his own artistry. It also explains how Conway has been able to move from underground acclaim to international fame – his music speaks to more and more people, and his diverse taste drives his creativity.

In the interview, Conway specifically mentioned Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are his rock preferences. At the time, he was on his European tour, and said he felt energised by the places and people he was encountering.

“When I’m in these cities I want to be around people, meet people, go to the prominent spots with the most history, things like that… so I can get a feel for things, and draw inspiration from it”, he said.

It seems that Conway has a natural ability to absorb different sources of inspiration, and also be absorbed in the things that inspire him. The process does require maintenance though, the combination of intense performances and creative preparation demand upkeep.

“I pray. I pray, I hydrate… and I’m locked in. I’m ready”, he explained. “I try to write all the time. I write on the road. Whatever I’m doing I’ll try to get my thing together. Keep my blades sharp”.

Although this mentality doesn’t immediately seem rock and roll, it shows Conway’s ability to merge extreme commitment with his art, and also extreme discipline. And, his music is rock and roll in that it represents an underbelly in the world. It’s raw and it’s dark.

Conway even talked about that edge when working on his album Slant Face Killah. “I wanted to get into a space that reminded me of how I started… when I came out with God Don’t Make Mistakes. I want to tap back into that mode. I want to be the villain again”.

When asked if his work would move towards a sense of hope instead of darkness, Conway answered “It’s a mixture of both. A triumphant darkness. If that makes sense.”

Conway The Machine certainly has his own sound, but it makes sense that his inspirations aren’t limited by genre. From the thunderous riffs of Metallica, the bluesy swagger of Led Zeppelin or the funk-infused beats of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Conway uses it all to elevate his music and achieve his triumphant darkness.