Smooth synth undertones reverberate from the background, eventually transcending into a slow yet infectious beat that’s just the right mix of groove, rhythm, and otherworldly weirdness. This is the opening sequence of “good doggo” — a track by Moe Cabral, our guest for the fourth episode of Sound Fiesta season 2.

The producer, who goes by the moniker y o u n g s l e e p y b o i, is known for his distinct sound which ranges from lo-fi hip hop to future-funk. “good doggo” is just one of the tracks from his latest album, Hello Girlfriend. As the song progresses, it picks up its pace, going from something to bob your head to into a beat you can hop along with.

We chat with y o u n g s l e e p y b o i about how he got his name, how his sound has evolved over the years, and the homegrown artists he’s inspired by.

What’s the story behind your name?

Back in my freshman year of college, I would always be late for my 8am class ‘cause of the traffic. I would wake up at 6am and leave by 7am so I won’t be late. I’d sleep in class ‘cause of a hectic schedule. I almost failed a class for being late and sleeping in class. Everyone would call me “sleepy boy” cause I also sleep in my afternoon classes. 

How’d you get into music? 

I had a band in high school, but we never really continued it so I focused on producing and DJing instead. My dad taught me the basics of DJing and producing when I was in sophomore year of high school. We had this small group back then, we were three, it was me, Asch Catabona (Asch/Tomcat) and Apol Demigillo (PivAd), where we’d just share and teach each other about music producing. From there on I kind of learned everything by myself. 

How has your sound evolved then and now? 

Listening to my old beat tape now, it sounds weird to me, but in a good way. Most of my songs before were just brain farts and something I’d think of after a long browse on the internet for memes and other songs. Now, I’ve developed my own creative process so that I like the outcome of the song I’m making. 

Any homegrown artists you’re inspired by? 

I’ve always been inspired by similarobjects. He didn’t just teach me about producing electronic music but he also taught me how to be an electronic music producer. I listen to June Marieezy, crwn, August Wahh, No Rome, BP Valenzuela and Asch, but one of my biggest inspiration is my sister. Besides being in multiple bands, she has a solo project called Teenage Granny. She taught me a lot of things and helped me grow as a musician. 

What are some of your upcoming projects? 

I have a lot of unfinished tracks and I hope I can release it by the end of the year. I’m also planning to have a compilation EP with Bedspacer (Mich Cervantes), AHJU$$I (Luis Montales), lui. (Javier Pimental), Pamcy and Meh Shua.

Sound Fiesta is in collaboration with Playhouse Studio for video production and Kindred Productions for audio management. This video is shot in Dulo, Poblacion, Makati City — a bar, restaurant and events space.