Behind the Collaboration: The Journey to Teaming Up with Denzel Curry

Inception of the Idea

The concept for this collaboration took root during a previous tour with $uicideboy$. Reflecting on that experience, the thought lingered in the back of our minds: “Could we ever do this ourselves?” As discussions unfolded last year, I found myself advocating for Denzel Curry as the ideal partner for this project. His charisma and diverse vocal styles make him not only entertaining but also a perfect fit for what we wanted to achieve. Denzel’s profound appreciation for hardcore music, coupled with his covers of iconic bands like Rage Against The Machine and Bad Brains, demonstrated his understanding of the community. We needed someone who could match our intensity and grasp the essence of what we were trying to create.

The Initial Contact

Interestingly, I had never met Denzel before this project. We took a leap of faith by writing a rough demo and sending it to our mutual friend, Kenny Beats (now known as Kenneth Blume), almost as a joke. To our surprise, Kenny immediately shared it with Denzel, and within the hour, we received a response: he was on board. In that moment, we exchanged glances and realized, “Oh, I guess this is really happening.”

First Meeting and Video Concept

Our first encounter took place last summer in Europe, where we had the song ready but were still contemplating the vibe for the video. I had a clear vision in my mind, shot for shot, and insisted it needed to be filmed at our home in Louisville. The opportunity arose at Outbreak Fest, where I finally met Denzel. Despite my nerves, my bandmates encouraged me to discuss the video with him. When I finally asked, he enthusiastically replied, “I’m down.” That moment was incredible and set the stage for what was to come.

Shooting the Video in Louisville

The video shoot took place at the iconic Louisville skate park, which was an exhilarating experience. While we initially planned for a live show format, we aimed to elevate that idea to something extraordinary. With around 700 attendees in the bowl, the energy was palpable. To create a contrast, we also filmed performance shots in a historic downtown building where we could capture Denzel without the chaos of stage diving around him.

A Hometown Celebration

This project felt like a special hometown celebration. We organized a full day of playing in the bowl for the fans. In our promotions, we stressed that this was not a typical show to manage expectations. However, as the crowd filled the bowl, we took the stage, announcing, “No phones, or you’ll be asked to leave.” We appreciated the turnout and launched into our new track, “All My Friends.” The excitement was electric. When Denzel arrived, we played the new song five times in a row to capture the moment, followed by five additional old tracks to ensure we had plenty of footage. It was an unforgettable experience filled with joy and energy.

Upcoming Performances

Knocked Loose is set to perform at the Slam Dunk Festival on May 23 and 24 in Hatfield and Leeds, respectively. Be sure to grab your tickets now!

Conclusion

The collaboration with Denzel Curry not only reflects our shared passion for music but also highlights the power of creativity and community. From the initial idea to the unforgettable video shoot, this journey has been a testament to the magic that happens when artists come together with a shared vision.

FAQs

What inspired the collaboration with Denzel Curry?

The inspiration came from a previous tour experience and the desire to work with an artist who understands and appreciates hardcore music.

How did the initial contact with Denzel happen?

The initial contact was made through a rough demo sent to our mutual friend Kenny Beats, who promptly shared it with Denzel.

Where was the video for the collaboration shot?

The video was shot at the Louisville skate park and a historic building in downtown Louisville.

What was the atmosphere like during the video shoot?

The atmosphere was electric, with around 700 fans in attendance, creating a vibrant and lively environment.

When will Knocked Loose perform next?

Knocked Loose will perform at the Slam Dunk Festival on May 23 and 24 in Hatfield and Leeds.