The Relay Interview
Relay (aka Symptom Silence): The Multifaceted Force of the Underground
Southern California-based artist Relay, also known for his production alias Symptom Silence, is a name that thrives at the intersection of versatility and underground innovation. With a musical journey that spans punk, classical, hip-hop, and hyperpop, he is a true sonic shapeshifter, unbound by genre or expectation.
Growing up with Green Day and training in violin from fourth grade, Relay’s early years were steeped in melody and technical skill. By middle school, he had mastered the guitar, and by 10th grade, he was already dropping rap music, blending his influences into a sound that was uniquely his. Inspired by icons like Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Sesh Hollow Water Boys, and Lil Peep, he remained deeply connected to the underground scene, always seeking new sounds and creative avenues.
The pandemic era led Relay towards hyperpop, a shift that resulted in a major production moment—a breakout track with Yungster Jack. However, at the time, music wasn’t his primary focus. That changed in late 2022, when he fully recommitted to his craft, diving back into vocals and dropping a consistent stream of releases.
As a collaborator, Relay moves within a tight-knit creative collective (#SoTragic) and an expanding network of underground talents, including halfxtruth, 9hearted, Rocky Bliss, and Mvylee, along with major names like Mental, Angelus, and Yungster Jack. His 2024 album, "Wealthy Drug Addict," was a milestone, featuring multiple self-produced tracks and showcasing his range from radio-polished anthems to raw, lo-fi bangers.
Beyond his artistry, Relay is backed by a powerhouse team. His manager, Flex Boy Mack—known for producing for Ka$hdami, Trippie Redd, and D Savage—has helped push their collective, Female Utopia, into official LLC status.
Looking ahead, Relay’s 2025 mission is clear: expand his fan base and hit the stage. With an arsenal of music, a rapidly growing network, and a fearless approach to sound, he’s set to make major waves in the underground and beyond.
