Kaden Frost was barely in middle school when he knew what he wanted to do in life. Since then, he’s worked on his craft, and today says he’s got no plans to stop anytime soon. With that, we talked about how much he’s grown in just a few years, how music has been his rock, and more like his latest, “No Season.” 

Kendra: At this point, hip-hop has been ingrained into our culture that it’s apparent in everything we do, from the way we talk to how we dress. For you, though, what was the initial draw to hip-hop and the culture it inspired? 

Kaden Frost: I love the fact that in hip hop, no matter how good your material is, you can continue to improve your craft. It’s become addicting for me to chase growth in the game of hip-hop. It’s something I’ve seen from artists like J. Cole, Kendrick, Eminem, etc., and it’s something I love about the culture of it.

Kendra: So you dropped your first release back in 2020. Had you had plans to get into music that year, or were you more motivated by the aspect of, if not now, when? 

Kaden Frost: I’ve had plans to get into music back when I was 13. I heard a track by Eminem and realized I wanted to do more than just listen to rap. I needed to create my own stuff. Since then, I’ve been making music and working on my craft.

Kendra: How would you say you’ve grown as a songwriter when comparing the material on ‘2020 Graduate’ to “No Season?”

Kaden Frost: A huge amount, I’ve definitely been able to create my own sound more. I feel like my writing skills have grown immensely, and I have more purpose to every line.

Kendra: Which, in “No Season,” you mention fighting off demons. Has music always been what you’ve leaned on when combating hardships in life? 

Kaden Frost: Definitely. Whenever I’m pissed, or things are rough, I almost get excited because I know I’m going to get a good song out of it. Recording is my way of releasing my stress, anger, sadness, etc. It’s therapy for me.

Kendra: You’re out in Salt Lake City, Utah. Not a place that is known right off the bat for hip-hop. How is the local music scene out there? 

Kaden Frost: At first, I thought it was non-existent, but the more I’ve gotten into it, I’ve grown to love the scene out here. Not a ton of rappers, but because of that I’m able to be impacted more by other types of music that has helped me create my own sound. 

Kendra: Time for a side note – this month, we’re asking everyone to contribute a song to our ‘ZO Summer 2023’ playlist. So what summer anthem would you add, and why? 

Kaden Frost: I actually wrote a song the other day that I’m gonna call “Dope World.” I wrote it on the beach to be able to completely catch that summer vibe, and I think the song does a good job with that.

Kendra: Lastly, with “No Season” out now, what else is on the horizon for you at the moment?

Kaden Frost: I got a whole career ahead of me. I’ve got some crazy collabs planned, I’ll be at some big music festivals, and I’ll be going on tour next year. Y’all just gotta follow me and watch the journey because it ain’t ending or slowing down anytime soon.