Exclusive Interview with Mohan

Artist Spotlight: Mohan

Mohan is a melodic trap and hip-hop artist from the DMV known for crafting atmospheric, hypnotic, and hard-hitting music driven by energy and emotion. Starting as a beat producer at 14 before transitioning into rapping and singing, he developed a style built around layered melodies, immersive production, and instinctive creativity. His music explores themes of ambition, relationships, pain, and self-growth while pulling listeners into emotionally charged soundscapes designed to feel both reflective and empowering.

In this exclusive Q&A, Mohan opens up about the stories behind the music, lessons learned along the way, and what keeps their passion alive.

MusicsWeek: Who are some of the artists or musical influences that have shaped your sound the most?

Mohan: Definitely artists like Don Toliver, Travis Scott, Gunna, Young Thug, and Future. I also pull inspiration from the UK side, like D-Block Europe, Nafe Smallz, and M Huncho. A lot of those artists influenced the way I approach melodies, atmosphere, cadence, and emotion in music.

MusicsWeek: In what ways do your personal experiences inspire or influence your music?

Mohan: A lot of my music comes from emotions, moments, and energy I’ve experienced throughout life. Whether it’s confidence, self-doubt, heartbreak, ambition, isolation, or even just wanting to escape reality for a moment, all of that naturally finds its way into my sound. I don’t always make super direct storytelling music, but the feelings behind the songs are always real. A lot of times, I create based on intuition and whatever emotion I’m locked into at that moment.

MusicsWeek: How does your cultural background show up in your sound, lyrics, or creative process?

Mohan: My background definitely influences my creativity even when it’s subtle. Growing up around different cultures and sounds gave me a unique ear for melodies, rhythm, and expression. Sometimes it shows up in the way I flow, the melodies I choose, or even certain phrases and energies I bring into the music. I think it also made me naturally open-minded creatively, so I’m never afraid to experiment with sounds or blend different influences together.

MusicsWeek: When did you first realize music was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

Mohan: I think around 2020 was when I realized music was deeper than just a hobby for me. I was spending endless days and nights making music without getting tired or bored. I was genuinely excited to learn everything about it, from recording to melodies to mixing. That obsession kind of showed me this was something I really wanted to pursue seriously.

MusicsWeek: Can you tell us about the first song you ever wrote and what inspired it?

Mohan: The first song actually came from me finding an auto-tune app on my phone. At the time, my brother and I used to listen to music every day, so I recorded myself trying to trick him into thinking it was an actual new song. It was more of a joke, and I was just celebrating because I didn’t have school that day, but honestly, that moment sparked everything creatively for me.

MusicsWeek: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you push through them?

Mohan: I’d say the biggest challenges were mental battles like imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and overthinking my sound. Early on, you compare yourself a lot and question if you’re good enough. But as the years passed and I kept creating, I became more confident in my sound and individuality. Once that confidence started growing, a lot of the fear and doubt slowly faded away.

MusicsWeek: Is there a song you’ve written that feels especially meaningful to you? What’s the story behind it?

Mohan: Honestly, earlier in my journey, there were definitely songs that felt really personal to me because they came from real emotions like heartbreak, self-doubt, loneliness, or trying to figure myself out. Back then, I used music more as an emotional outlet. Now my music is a lot more driven by creativity, energy, and enjoyment, even though there are still meaningful lines and moments hidden throughout the songs.

MusicsWeek: What’s something fans would be surprised to learn about you outside of music?

Mohan: I’m actually really into philosophy and spirituality. I like thinking deeply about life and human nature. But at the same time, I’m competitive too, especially when it comes to FIFA. I’m definitely talking trash if we play.

MusicsWeek: What kind of impact or legacy do you hope your music leaves behind?

Mohan: As of right now, honestly, if my music can genuinely impact even one person, I’d be satisfied with that. Everything beyond that, I leave in God’s hands.

MusicsWeek: Looking back so far, what achievement in your music career are you most proud of?

Mohan: As an upcoming artist, getting featured in a campaign connected with Cash App was a huge moment for me. It made everything feel more real and showed me that the work I’ve been putting in is starting to reach bigger spaces.