The Phoenix music scene is a melting pot of genres, taking influence from its desert roots in addition to more modern sounds. Known for fostering independent artists, the city has birthed a diverse range of musicians over the years across rap, rock, and electronic genres. While it’s often overshadowed by larger markets like Los Angeles, Phoenix thrives on a DIY ethos, with local venues and collectives supporting emerging talent. And one of those local talents is Phoenix native Landon, better known as 4o4notf0und, who has spent the past three years carving out his own space in the music world. 

4o4 has a heavy focus on melodic rap, but tends to find some influence from various trap sounds as well. Reminiscent of many of the energing artists that we see rising fast from a kid making music in their bedroom to performing on some of the world’s largest stages, 4o4’s music feels undeniably apart of today’s underground movement. His upcoming project, “4 U”, is a reflection of his journey thus far, and helps set the stage for whatever 4o4 wants to create next.

“This project is how I’ve been feeling for the past three years: My journey, and everything that has become of my art,” he shares. 

The album is a deeply personal look into the highs and lows of his experience, woven together through enjoyable music. Influenced heavily by the likes of Yeat, Juice Wrld, and Lil Peep, as well as childhood staples like DMX, 4o4’s sound is forward-thinking. While the trap influence is apparent in the beats, it’s the emotional depth of his lyrics and the melodic delivery that help to paint the full picture of who he is as an artist, and what he is capable of doing on the mic. On “4 U”, 4o4 leans into his influences while still continuing to explore and refine his own sound. This is still the beginning for him, which is something that 4o4 made a point of acknowledging.

What makes “4 U” particularly significant is the level of control 4o4 had over the project. Unlike his previous releases, this album was entirely engineered and mixed by him, marking a major step forward in his artistic journey. Having started with little knowledge of production, 4o4 poured countless hours into perfecting his craft, even now attending school for audio engineering. “This is my progression,” he explains, highlighting how much he’s grown both as an artist and as a producer.

This hands-on approach isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about raising the bar for himself. 4o4 admits he was more critical during the creation of “4 U”, pushing himself to ensure that every aspect of the album was up to his standards. For 4o4, “4 U” is just the beginning. The album represents a pivotal moment in his career, where his skills as a musician and producer have aligned to create something he’s truly proud of. But more than that, it’s a stepping stone that will lead him to even greater possibilities. As he continues to learn and grow, 4o4 remains grounded in his love for music. 

“Honestly, out of music in general, I’m just trying to have fun. This truly is my life,” he shares.

It’s this passion that drives him forward, and it’s clear that “4 U” is not just an album but a mission statement for an artist with big dreams and the drive to achieve them. With “4 U”, 4o4notf0und has crafted a project that’s as personal as it is ambitious. By diving deeper into his sound, he has created a project that in his eyes, marks a turning point in his career. As he prepares for whatever release is to come after the album, it’s clear that 4o4 is going to approach it with an entirely refreshed sense of tenacity. This is only the beginning for 4o4, and with “4 U”, he’s set the stage for an exciting future.