Introducing WEARDOZ: A Creative Collective Rooted in Diverse Inspirations
Weardoz, a multifaceted creative collective founded by AkumaBoi in 2014, has blossomed into something beyond their initial aspirations. What began as a personal outlet for Akuma to express himself, beyond his music, has now evolved into a sprawling platform that unites talents from around the globe. It's a living, breathing art movement that channels inspiration from various sources, including hip-hop, punk styles, graffiti, drift cars, anime, and grunge aesthetics.
Members of Weardoz hail from different corners of the world, including Germany, Arizona, South Africa, and beyond. The collective comprises a diverse array of artists and creators, each contributing their unique talents and perspectives. With AkumaBoi at the helm, Weardoz has become more than just a group; it's a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and self-expression.
The primary goal behind Weardoz's inception was to build a supportive community, shed light in dark times, and inspire others to pursue their dreams. This ethos is at the core of their collective spirit, driving them to expand their horizons continually.
The Weardoz journey has not been without its challenges. Their original YouTube channel, with over 50 thousand views, was taken down in late 2017, prompting them to create a new platform, "weardoz1.1." Despite this setback, they've amassed over 10k views, reaffirming the collective's enduring appeal.
Let's delve into the inspirations and backgrounds of some key members:
AKUMABOI — Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including family, fellow artists, and a diverse array of musicians and filmmakers, AkumaBoi has been immersed in music since a young age. His journey began at the age of 4 when he received a drum machine as a gift from his mother. From there, he developed an insatiable love for hip-hop and rap, leading him to experiment with beat-making and eventually recording. His passion intensified after connecting with mentors and friends, propelling him into the world of music and creative expression.
$in — This member, influenced by a variety of artists from Slipknot to Suicideboys, discovered Weardoz around 2016-17 and instantly felt a connection with the collective. He initially hesitated to reach out but eventually contacted AkumaBoi in 2021 to share his music. Their musical collaboration and friendship blossomed from there, and $in found a supportive and welcoming community within Weardoz.
CousinFloyd — With inspirations spanning jazz, punk, metal, and hip-hop, CousinFloyd is a multi-talented artist known for his contributions to the Ontario underground music scene. His involvement with Weardoz began after meeting AkumaBoi at Jake Beers' (hxmesweethxme) celebration of life. Their creative synergy led to collaborations in music and video production, solidifying CousinFloyd's role as a crucial member of the collective.
CubaGoat — A member who joined Weardoz in late 2016, Cuba quickly formed a strong bond with AkumaBoi due to their shared love for rap and hip-hop. Although initially hesitant to rap, Cuba's musical journey eventually led him back to the creative fold, culminating in collaborations with AkumaBoi and over 20 unreleased songs.
ShaggyNick (Murikami Shinigami) — often considered the backbone of Weardoz, has been an unwavering presence since 2016-17. His support during challenging times cemented his close friendship with AkumaBoi. While ShaggyNick eventually moved to British Columbia, he remains the official ambassador of Weardoz on the West Coast, contributing to the collective's enduring creative output.
Weardoz is not just a collective; it's a testament to the power of creativity, community, and mutual inspiration. With their diverse influences and unwavering commitment to self-expression, they continue to blaze a trail for artists & art collectives worldwide by throwing their own shows, rocking their own culture and allowing a space for artists to thrive. Weardoz is not just a creative outlet; it's a lifestyle. "The Future Is Bright," they proclaim, as they continue to evolve and transform their vision into an enduring legacy.