Who is Cave and where is Cave originally from?

Cave was the result of going through several fairly cringy and failed attempts at rapping throughout high school under names like Tis Wizardry and Samurai Swine Flu. The current form is the result of college just being a little overwhelming and needing something to take my mind of school stuff every now and then. I’d like to think that now Cave is the kid that pops up on stage at rap venues wearing the paper bag mask and just puts on a show people aren’t expecting. The name comes from Cave Johnson from the video game Portal 2 which is just a fantastic game I can’t recommend enough.

Before the music, what was life like for Cave? 

Just a cycle of progressing through life if that makes any sense. Wake up, go to classes, work, eat, play some video games and then go to sleep. Music gave me variety in life and a better attitude/outlook in general.

What are some early influences that shaped who you are?

My earliest music influence is this artist I listened all throughout high school named Milo. He rapped about a lot of anxieties and thoughts that I could really relate too. As I started shaping my own sound and becoming a better artist my influences started to lean more towards Denzel Curry and Saba.

If not music, what would you be doing or better yet, what would you be pursuing in life?

I’d probably be on the same, although admittedly less exciting, path that I’m on right now. Currently working on a Computer Science degree and a business minor at UF. Although I honestly without music I might’ve been graduated by now, don’t let my mom know.

How did making music come into play and not just listening to it?

I have a love for rap music, especially the technical aspect of it. The breathing, the finding sounds that flow well together, finding combinations of words that sound better to the ear, all of that. I’m not a talented singer or producer or engineer, so making sure the technical and emotional performance of rapping is something I take pride in, and always loved seeing in other artists. So I think the serious transition into music happened when I had a deeper understanding of the complexities of rap.

The latest song you dropped is “Bevo” and what exactly does that represent to Cave?

It’s sort of the first song I’ve made explicitly for a girl lol. Most of my other tracks that mention women are 99% fictional and nameless so this was definitely a personal step forward. The references are just a lot of dumb inside jokes in the track and small illusions so she knows its for her but it’s not right in the face of everyone else. Outside of that, this song is definitely my best yet personally I think. It’s the first time I’ve actually sang a chorus, and the features on it are some of my favorite people who inspire and push me to get better at this music thing. I’d say Bevo represents growth in Cave as a whole.

Knowing of you and your last project. Can you say you’ve grown as an artist?

I’m taking time with the music this time around. In the making of WORMS I had studio sessions where I was finishing two songs per. I think the highest version of a song I reached MIGHT have been V3. This one single took around 4-5 studio sessions and the final version was 5, so I’d say patience is something I’ve definitely become more used to.

What are some memorable moments you’ve had along this journey?

As corny as it sounds all the friends I’ve made. When you go to college the idea is you’re going to make a bunch of new friends from living arrangements, class, clubs, etc. but I had a tough time being open and outgoing in those scenarios. The amount of lifelong friends I’ve made because of the Gainesville music scene is something I’ll forever be grateful for.

What else is there to expect from Mr. Cave? Any more music coming?

Working on what may or may not be my final album currently. I’m not sure, I haven’t really though much of how music plays into my future, recently it’s been “please just let me graduate and get hired”. I’ll probably keep dropping singles throughout the process but I’m excited to see what’s coming.

Last but not least, any final words of this interview you would like to let out?

If you’ve listened to my music and like it and also make music I do features for the free so hit me up! Also please pay your producers.

Before we get into the thick of things, who is Goosymane?

 First and foremost GoosyMane is an immigrant. I’ve travelled from place to place my whole life. GoosyMane was an outsider, but now I’m a conqueror. GoosyMane is a man of his people, everything I do is for Latinos and kids that grew up like myself. Most importantly GoosyMane is God’s tool put here for a righteous purpose, whatever that might be.

Where are you originally from? How has the played a part in your music and who you are in general?

Originally I’m from Venezuela. That alone influenced everything I am today. That alone politicized my entire existence on this planet. Coming here at such a young age at times I turned my back on what I truly was for years. Now at the age of 25, I thank God everyday I was born where I was. Our history runs deep and the pride I have for being Venezuelan is directly reflected in my art.

What was Goosy’s early life like?

Growing up in Venezuela life was good. I can’t really complain my family was well off. It was when we came to US that we learned what struggle was. My parents worked all sorts of minimum wage jobs to keep food on the table and the lights on. I’m thankful for it all though because it made me stronger. We’re all doing better now, but it was a long road. A road that not only taught GoosyMane valuable life lessons, but my whole family. Lessons we had to learn in order to be successful in this country.

Everyone has influences, what would you say some of your influences are? 

Pimp C, Wyclef Jean, Shakira, Calle 13, Wisin y Yandel, Don Omar and Big K.r.i.t just to name some..

When did you start making music and taking it serious? What was the turning point?

I would say when I was 21 and moved back to Orlando after living in Houston for 5 years was really a turning point. A turning point not just in my artistry, but in my work ethic. Spring 2018 I would say was probably the moment when All this music shit really started making sense and gaining more traction for me. People began to respect my music for what it was and I think that was when I found my sound.

So you have this new song, “Tumbala” that is out now! What can you say about this record and your direction with it?

 Tumbala is the second track I’ve ever released in Spanish and it’s the first single off an upcoming project. I went through a good 2 months where all I listened to was Latin American music. I knew I wanted to experiment with the “technobow” sound and after a couple drinks Tumbala was born in the studio. The main goal was to make people shake some ass though, honestly. Tumbala is just a taste of the project I have coming. I experimented with many different Latin sounds and obviously I have some of the GoosyMane heat my American fans are accustomed to! Just know whatever comes next in 2020 it’s gonna be my biggest moves yet.

We can see that your heading more into your heritage with the Spanish influence on your records. Can you tell us more about that?

 I’m glad you touched on the topic. Honestly, for a long time my family told me I should make music in Spanish, but I always said “it’s not time yet” “they’re not ready yet”. The truth is maybe I was afraid I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a rapper if I was to make music in Spanish or that it wouldn’t gain traction.. Fuck all that negative thinking though! I feel as I was denying myself of a mission I was destined to take. That mission is to speak out on the issues of my people while also empowering them and letting them know they should be proud of who they are. Part of that mission is to make my people shake some ass and party too because it’s part of our Latin American experience! The rhythm is within us, it comes from Africa and our Native American ancestors! Latin Americans are powerful. I want all my brothers and sister to feel that power when they listen to my music. We don’t have to be what they want us to be, we’re so much more. That is why I HAVE to dive into my heritage with my art. I was born to tell this story.

What are your plans for 2020? Videos, records, any other endeavors.

Definitely have a few music videos on the way. A whole project. More partnerships with brands, bigger shows, EVERYTHING! We all in 2020 and to infinity and beyond. FUCK WHAT YA HEARD BITCH IM THE ONE ITS ME GOOSYMANE THE MUTHAFUCKING TROPICAL TYCOON. AMOR Y PAZ PA TODA MI GENTE- Goosy