In the dynamic landscape of today’s music scene, where styles intertwine, and distinctions fade, Steven Murillo, creatively known as Sleepwethr, makes his mark. Embarking on a solo journey after his tenure with pop punk and post-rock bands, Steven has carved a niche for himself within the lo-fi realm, offering a fresh and eclectic sound. This article delves into the genesis of Sleepwethr, exploring the inspirations behind his music and his aspirations as an artist.
The Birth of Sleepwethr
Born in the creative crucible of Brooklyn, NY, Sleepwethr is the lo-fi solo moniker of Steven Murillo, a name familiar to fans of bands like Me From You and Dweller. Sleepwethr represents a significant pivot in Steven’s musical odyssey, marking a departure from his roots in punk and rock to explore a more diverse soundscape. The project amalgamates elements of R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Alternative Indie, creating a rich auditory experience for listeners. Steven’s music, characterized by its introspective lyrics and mellow beats, invites comparisons with luminaries like Mac Miller, Kota the Friend, Arlo Parks, Tom Misch, and Frank Ocean, positioning Sleepwethr as a beacon for fans of these genres.
A New Musical Direction
Steven’s journey with Sleepwethr began as an experiment, a venture into the unknown. Moving away from the familiar territory of punk and rock, he sought to challenge his songwriting prowess and embrace genres that were, as he puts it, “out of my wheelhouse.” This exploratory phase was not without its challenges. As Steven embarked on creating the House Plant EP, he found himself relearning music fundamentals, diving deep into the basic chord structures of R&B. The result is a body of work that resonates with influences from Frank Ocean, Arlo Parks, and Souly Had, yet carries a distinct identity that is unmistakably Sleepwethr. The EP is a testament to Steven’s commitment to growth and exploration as an artist, embodying his journey towards finding a unique voice within the vast musical landscape.
Connecting with the Audience
For Steven, Sleepwethr is more than just a musical project; it’s a medium for connection and expression. Through his music, he seeks to share not just melodies and rhythms, but emotions and experiences. Steven’s aspiration is simple yet profound: to create music that resonates with people, music that listeners can vibe with and feel the emotions that fueled its creation. This desire for connection extends beyond the music itself, as Steven actively engages with his audience through social media platforms like Spotify and YouTube. These channels not only serve as platforms for sharing his music but also as spaces for interaction, where fans can get a glimpse into his creative process and journey as an artist.
Looking Ahead
As Sleepwethr, Steven Murillo stands at the threshold of an exciting new chapter in his musical career. With the House Plant EP already making waves, Steven is poised to release a plethora of new music in the coming year. Unrestrained by genre conventions, his goal is to continue exploring and experimenting with his sound, writing music that feels authentic and fulfilling to him. In a world where artists often find themselves pigeonholed into specific genres, Sleepwethr represents a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the boundless possibilities that exist when one dares to venture beyond the familiar.
Steven’s journey with Sleepwethr is not just about creating music; it’s about redefining himself as an artist and challenging the norms of musical creation. As he continues to navigate this uncharted territory, one thing remains clear: the future is bright for Sleepwethr, and the music world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this fascinating musical journey.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Steven Murillo. Here are excerpts from the Interview.
Hi Steven, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I’m a songwriter and producer. My last few projects were Dweller and Me From You, which were both in the punk/rock genres. My goal is to test my songwriting as a musician and put out music that I really love and vibe with.
Please tell us about your music.
The idea behind Sleepwethr was to write music that was out of my wheelhouse. In the beginning, it was very directionless, but I think the songs have found a direction of their own. With the House Plant EP just being released, I tried to basically relearn music to know basic R&B chord structures. The EP is heavily influenced by artists like Frank Ocean, Arlo Parks, and Souly Had.
Please share about your journey.
As an artist, I think it’s important to challenge yourself to do new things. My goal is to just not limit myself going forward and write whatever feels good to me.
Any message for our readers?
I just hope you vibe with my songs and you feel what I felt while writing them.
Thank you so much, Steven, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!