Smoki G is the professional name of singer, songwriter, rapper and bedroom producer Badri Patel. He made his professional solo recording debut in 2021 with the fun and funny lo-fi breakbeat freestyle, “Booty Smell.” That record introduced a talented artist with a loose, experimental vibe.
Over the last two years Smoki G has released a string of five stylistically adventurous singles. The recent college graduate started making music as a diversion from his studies. With a foundation in hip-hop his songs dip into pop, synthwave, trap and alternative for a trippy THC-fueled psychedelic vibe.
“Smoke Specters” is the latest single from Smoki G, released worldwide to all major streaming services on July 8, 2022. Rolling on a mellow analog bass funk, the track pairs a melancholy dark pop feel with a driving four-on-the-floor beat. Piano chords and arpeggios share space with a smooth finger-picked acoustic guitar as Badri delivers a a meditation about the passing of time, the fear of the unknown and a wistful look to the past as he trades verses with a haunting vocal sample from “Hi Ya” by UK artist Whip Equip.
I made this song after graduating and wanted it to create a sense of foreboding and representation of the difficult journey that comes with being a part of the real world
Smoki G
Check out “Smoke Spectres” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with the artist about the past, present and future of his music. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this to connect with the Smoki G.
8 Questions with Smoki G
Where are you from?
Dover, Delaware.
How long have you been making music?
I have been making music for fun for about two years now.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
It is just me.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I wouldn’t really say i have too many music influences necessarily as the artists that really inspired me to make music are rappers and that is so far from this Genre haha. I will say that Hans Zimmer and his film scores were very inspirational as well. The emotion and power that he is able to put in such a broad range of scores is amazing. He can create a mood fitting any situation.
In a similar vein this song is kind of like a rough journey a main character is on into a hard and cold world which is similar to the story many of us are actually living. Even the most subtle of his soundtracks can still create so much emotion and feeling. I have always wanted to create music with feeling behind it.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My greatest influence would have to be Elon Musk for showing us that it takes being a little crazy to change the world. Also my parents and Richard Branson for showing me that you must have big dreams if you want to make an impact but you must not forget to help others and make a difference in the world while on your journey to success. They taught me the importance of compassion.
What inspired you to create this project?
I recently graduated from college and felt compelled to make a song that has an balance between feeling a little sad that you miss everyone and the experiences of college as well as the fear and stress of what is going to happen now that we must face the realities of the real world. But it is supposed to be a journey into the real world. It won’t be pretty and we will miss our loved ones but we will make our mark.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
My plans are to keep making music on the side as I see it as a great creative pastime. I will make songs when I feel compelled to express myself or just make something fun to listen to.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I guess one thing I would say is that although it is cliché, music really is the spice of life. Life without music wouldn’t be a very good time. And if you don’t find music that you like at the moment, you can always make your own!
