We had a chance to chat with our good friend Crl Crll just in time before his Red Bull Sound Select performance this coming Saturday. Fresh off a performance at this years Westword Music Showcase, we had a chance to talk about his current and future projects.

Ultra5280: Tell us your name and where you are from?

Crl Crrll: Man you know me dude..! Next time you ask me some simple shit like that I'm gonna jump through the internet and barbecue slap somebody! No but seriously my name is Carl Carrell I go by CRL CRRLL which is my name no vowels! Everyone spells it wrong all the time. you can just call me CC to make it easier on you. I'm from Denver grew up in the west side. 

Ultra5280: You just celebrated one year as a solo artist, what have been some of the biggest obstacles and how different is it than playing in a band?

Crl Crrll: It's been a good year for me as an artists stepping in front of the mic and stage lights but I've always been producing and writing. It's different from my band project because there's no one to blame things on except for myself and alcohol. I've enjoyed being able to do things like travel and play out alot more. The main obstacle for me is not getting caught up in the party and grinding out my visions in the lab, I had a hard time doing that this past year because of all the tracks I was sitting on. Also coming up with new sets for every show and just changing up what I do to be a little different as well that can be an I stifle in itself but never stops me from getting it done. 

Ultra5280: What inspires you to write music? Do you build a song around a beat or do you build a beat around a song?

Crl Crrll: My inspiration draws from many things, some of my songs can be real personal. One thing I do is sit down with a movie running in the background and experiment and play with sounds, I've started a lot of projects that way. 

Ultra5280: As an up and coming artist what kind of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?

Crl Crrll: Try things, experiment, test your boundaries when it comes to music don't ever lose that fire and curiosity that pushes you to create. I think we all want to do something special in our lives and as long as we have that feeling inside you'll do it. 

Ultra5280: We are midway through 2014, what else is in store for CRL CRRLL?

Crl Crrll: I've got a ton of singles that I'm wrapping up now that will be releasing this year as well as gear that I'm pretty excited about. Some great shows like this Redbull Sound Select Saturday the 28th at Larimer Lounge, Young & Sick tour support at Lost Lake July 14th and Higher Grounds Music Festival this August. A few dates all around Denver and some dates outside the city as well. 

Ultra5280: You had a chance to partake in your first SXSW this year, what was that like and would you return if given the opportunity?

Crl Crrll: My SXSW experience was ridiculous in a good way! I had the chance to rock the stage with some greats my first go round, as well as crash a pretty dope house party. Next year I'm going even harder, so best believe I'll be back Austin! 

Ultra5280: How would you describe your genre, I've heard electro, soul, hip hop….? 

Crl Crrll: Man I get this question all the time I like to dance and I love rhythmic shit so my genres tend to definitely jump around which I feel most music today does. There's just so much great classic music out to learn from but I'd have to say electro/soul/house/trap are the main genres I bounce between. 

Ultra5280: What’s the craziest thing you have seen besides me rapping with the mic off at any of your shows?

Crl Crrll: Man it don't get no crazier than that this year my man, nothing that I could put on record without incriminating anyone! Hahaha you straight up got on stage with a turned off mic and sang the shit out of my song but you know what man I love you for that one, haha never gonna live that down! 

Ultra5280: Any last words?

Crl Crrll: Amen.. Let's Eat!