We caught up with South Carolina artist PrivateFuneral and had them pick five questions from a list of over 30 options. Tune in and get to know South Carolina artists.
Artist — PrivateFuneral
Tell us something you’re proud of about your latest album that the average listener might not realize.
“Dance With The Devil” is an intensely honest album. While creating it, I grappled with personal struggles I’d never previously shared in my music. I delved into issues like insecurity, anxiety, anger, hate, lust, loneliness, mortality, and the overarching depression I’d faced for the past five years. The production might seem raw and imperfect, but that’s intentional—it draws attention to the lyrics, making the project more immersive. My goal with music has always been to evoke a feeling. With this album, I wanted listeners to truly grasp what I felt during its creation, hoping it might help them process their emotions just as music has aided me.
Why did you start making music?
I began making music in 2019, at 13, as I sought an outlet for my emotions. Expressing feelings through words has always been challenging for me, but music made me feel less isolated. Channeling my emotions into lyrics and melodies became therapeutic, so I continued, eventually sharing my creations online. And here I am today.
What’s your message for someone who just started performing, or new artists?
If you’re keen on making music, avoid comparing yourself to other artists. Growth is a journey. There will be moments when melodies, lyrics, hooks, or flows elude you, tempting you to quit. But remember, it’s all part of the process. Comparing yourself to someone else, especially if they’re where you aspire to be, can be self-defeating. Every artist’s journey is unique. Your art, your voice, your talent—they’re distinctly yours. Embrace that uniqueness. Stay true to yourself and persevere. And importantly, don’t fear failure—learn from it.
What should you never tell a musician?
Never juxtapose one artist with another. It’s not only discouraging but also dismissive. Every artist has their essence. While some might imitate others, labeling someone as “sounding like Juice WRLD” just because they incorporate melodies in their rap is both reductive and irritating (at least to me).
What’s one big change you’ve seen in the music industry that you like and one that you do not like?
Lately, TikTok has dominated music promotion, often sidelining artists’ potential for long-term success. The platform has fostered a peculiar culture around music and artists, hastily branding any rising trend as a “TikTok song/artist.” Personally, I’m not a TikTok enthusiast. You’ll seldom find me using it for promotion, primarily because of the prevailing culture. I think it’s cringe.
