Envi, a Queer pop artist based in Seattle, has a style that can be described as upbeat and provocative, as displayed in the two singles, “Dreamland” and "Tight,” that will be featured in his debut album.
Regarding his creative process and the vision for his upcoming album, Envi explained that “Dreamland” took two years to complete. “I’m 22 years old on the rap verses of ‘Dreamland,’ I’m 24 on the extended rap verse, and then I think I’m 23 on the hook, so I’m like three different ages on that song,” Envi explained.
Along with this dedication to each of his works, Envi also provided insight into his organic approach to writing and producing music. As for what fans can expect in terms of potential themes or the narrative of Envi’s debut album, he stated, "My music is pretty much always whatever is happening in my life or whatever is going on in my head. My first mixtape, Secrets, was darker because I started that when I was 21, when I struggled with depression. And then Secrets Vol. 2 was happier, because that was made when I moved to Seattle and I was independent and was starting to actually love myself and understand myself. This current project is where I am right now.”
Regarding his identity as a gay man and how it shapes his music, he said, “I think being a Queer artist is a big part of what I do, because all the songs I have written are from my perspective as a Gay man, and it’s something I don’t even think about until… I hear other people’s reactions in my comments. Because I do get a lot of comments that I will delete from people that are homophobic.
“I’ll forget that for some people it is so shocking to hear a male write a song about being in love with another male. It’s effortless for me because it’s just my life, and I think it is something that we need more of [so] people don’t have that shocked reaction.”
Envi also reflected on Queer artists in the music industry. “Not to take away from a lot of Queer artists who came before,” he said, “but it’s a common trend for Queer artists is to come up [in their careers] with everyone thinking that you are straight and then come out of the closet and… be openly Gay. I think, because of that, people are used to getting music from Queer artists that is sort of ambiguous about what gender they are talking about. … I think for some people that can make them uncomfortable, and that’s why I think we need more of it, until they realize it’s just a love song — or even if it’s not about love, it shouldn’t be so taboo.”
The provocative nature of Envi’s music mirrors many artists whose work can be classified as hypersexual, including Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, or Rihanna, which many argue is done to appeal to a wider demographic of straight cisgender men. But Envi’s performance takes that and spins it on its head to appeal to a more Queer audience.
To that point, Envi said, “Yeah, because we need something to enjoy too. I think growing up Queer, a lot of times we love female pop stars, because it’s closest thing to the viewpoint [we] can relate to… It’s like how about having Queer artists who are talking about our lives — I definitely want to provide that for the community as well.”
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