FROZEMODE has only released two singles – Maybelline last year and Simon Says this year – but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming one of the most hyped British underground bands. The group is made up of 3 individuals, I.V.GATLIN, Cho-Hollo and Lisong, who all hop on the mic to deliver critical rap lyrics that ooze of confidence and an ‘I don’t give a f*ck’ attitude. Blending several genres at once, notably rap, punk and DnB, FROZEMODE has created a unique sound that is quintessential to their band identity. For World Recycling Day, the trio headed out to hit the thrift stores to pick up some second hand gems. We chatted with FROZEMODE on this day to mark the occasion, as well as getting more insight into who they are and what their creative process is like.
Hey guys ! Can you introduce yourselves to our readers?
Yo people, we’re FROZEMODE. We’re three individual artists who come together to make music. We go by the names of Lisong, I.V.Gatlin and Cho-Hollo. First and foremost we are brothers, brothers who just want to have fun, express ourselves and at the same time try and bring something different to the scene. Taking inspiration from grime, punk and DnB (to name a few) our music is grounded in our London roots but soon due to be universal.
Let’s talk about your band name. How did you come up with FROZEMODE?
Cho-Hollo and I.V.Gatlin were throwing around name ideas back in college and landed on the name FROZEMODE. FROZE is something more emotional and gritty. We live in a cold world, which has given us cold hearts. Also, just like how you can’t control the temperature, you can’t control the MODE music puts you in. If FROZEMODE wants to turn you up we’ll turn you up, if FROZEMODE wants to chill you out we’ll chill you out.
Your 2022 single Maybelline has a UK garage/drum & bass feel to it while this year’s Simon Says is a new-age punk single. Where do you find your musical inspiration? Any particular artists you look up to?
We always want to cross genres with our music especially since we all have slightly different tastes. To name just a few, we take inspiration from artists like Skepta and Idles to Kendrick Lamar and Young Thug.
As a group, coming together with ideas is very different than as a solo artist. How does the creative process work in Frozemode? Does one person take the lead for the raps and background instrumentals or do you all riff off each other?
The way we come together on a track always changes depending on what each individual song requires. Sometimes we write together in the room and sometimes we write alone in our own time and bring the new vibes to the other members. But we all always write our own parts and put them together, together. In terms of the background instrumentals we have been working with a bunch of great producers and you might hear a Lisong instrumental on a FROZEMODE track soon too!
Obviously when dealing with a group of people, each person will have their own creative vision and voice. How do you resolve creative conflict – whether it comes to music or dressing accordingly?
A lot of communication! Also, we never take away from what the others are doing, instead we add to it. We want to let the fact we are three individual people shine through and this carries over into fashion as well.
You recently went second hand shopping in honour of Global Recycling Day. Tell me a little bit about that experience.
Was a lot of fun, man. To be fair it was nothing new for us, we like to go vintage/charity shopping anyway because you can find a lot of rare garms that way. Also, obviously it’s nice to know that whilst you’re looking fly you’re not contributing to an unnecessary waste of materials or to a company that uses sweatshops etc. There are loads of great vintage shops to choose from nowadays – for example, Duke’s Cupboard in London, North South Vintage in Leeds or Bubble Vintage in Nottingham, also you can find loads of hidden gems in most charity shops if you know what you’re looking for. We went to Brick Lane as it is full of vintage shops. A good place to check out when you’re there is The Brick Lane Vintage Market as they have over loads and loads of independent traders all in one location so you are bound to find something sick. Cho-Hollo picked out a peng YSL jacket from there which he wore for our live-show later that night.
What would you say is the best way to celebrate Global Recycling Day?
Vintage/charity shopping is definitely a good way and also helps support some smaller businesses and good causes too. Rappers – stop recycling the same tired bars and recycle some rubbish instead.
Thrifting can be tricky because you have to sift through a lot before finding that one gem. What has been a top tier piece you’ve found while vintage shopping?
Lisong: A Burberry Fleece I got in Newcastle.
I.V.Gatlin: I once copped 5 unique Missoni jumpers for less than £100.
Cho-Hollo: That YSL jacket I just copped.
How do you think the music industry can contribute towards a more sustainable future?
Less physical releases, as great as they are – maybe it could work to have digital music accompanied with a physical memento that uses a lot less material than a traditional vinyl release for example. Also, more sustainable touring – it isn’t really possible to not use ANY fuel burning vehicles right now, but better forward planning and artists sharing transport etc can definitely help. We need to work together to make a difference. Also, less single use plastic at venues – we are seeing this more and more but it’s still not as widespread as it could be!
With only two released tracks, you’ve only given us a teaser of what FROZEMODE can offer. Will you be releasing any more music this year? What can we expect in the future from FROZEMODE?
Yeah, loads more music to come. We have loads of live shows lined up and tracks in the bank. We’ll keep on being ourselves and hopefully keep growing in that way, so watch this space.
More on CULTED
See: CULTED SOUNDS: FRENCH THE KID SPEAKS ON FRENCH RAP & USING MUSIC AS A REMEDY
See: CULTED SOUNDS: ARCHY MOOR TALKS VULNERABILITY THROUGH MUSIC, SOUTH KOREA AND FAVOURITE TRACKS
