Jesus Rivera
Born in Manila and located in Los Angeles, Spazzkid's been making waves over the last few years with his lush, glistening brand of synth-heavy arrangements, quickly scooping up a following after the release of his wonderful 2014 debut Desire (願う). Since then he's gifted fans with the 2014 EP Promise , ("Truly" has been on repeat in my headphones ever since) as well as a number of remixes and a nation-wide tour along like-minded beat-maker, Giraffage, showcasing his energetic live set.Today however, Spazzkid has given word of a new shift in his repertoire as an artist—he's changing his name. That's right, Spazzkid is no more. But don't worry kids, the music isn't going anywhere!In an exclusive announcement to THUMP, we've learned the artist will now be operating under his given name, Mark Redito, a deeply personal decision that's comes via an explanation Redito has shared below. In tandem, he's gearing up for his first single under his new handle (and as he tell us, musical vision) "3AM Apologies," available for free download on Ryan Hemsworth's label Secret Songs. Check out Mark's statement after the track.
I will be forgoing my "Spazzkid" moniker effective immediately for a multitude of reasons, but I wanted to write to everyone explaining the two main ones.
The first reason for the change is undergoing scrutiny for use of the word "spaz". This is in no way negative and I am 100% supportive of critical thinking and assessment throughout all facets of the music world. After careful research into the various uses of the word "spaz" as a derogatory term, I no longer feel comfortable representing my music and art with a term that has the power to hurt a large group of people. While it was never my intention to offend anyone, I owe every person aggrieved by my old moniker a heartfelt apology, and this is just that. I'm sorry. Secondly, I have felt disconnected from "Spazzkid" for a while and the direction I want to take the project doesn't mesh entirely with the old me. Growing as an artist over the past few years has changed my life in ways I am just beginning to quantify, but with those changes comes a responsibility to continue being honest with myself. This is why I've chosen to eschew using a moniker altogether and go by my birth name "Mark Redito" from now on. Thank you all for continuing to support my music during this transition period and look forward to plenty of new material soon!-Mark ReditoConnect with Mark Redito on Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter
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To all fans, friends, family, listeners, passers by, and anyone else who reads this:
I will be forgoing my "Spazzkid" moniker effective immediately for a multitude of reasons, but I wanted to write to everyone explaining the two main ones.
The first reason for the change is undergoing scrutiny for use of the word "spaz". This is in no way negative and I am 100% supportive of critical thinking and assessment throughout all facets of the music world. After careful research into the various uses of the word "spaz" as a derogatory term, I no longer feel comfortable representing my music and art with a term that has the power to hurt a large group of people. While it was never my intention to offend anyone, I owe every person aggrieved by my old moniker a heartfelt apology, and this is just that. I'm sorry. Secondly, I have felt disconnected from "Spazzkid" for a while and the direction I want to take the project doesn't mesh entirely with the old me. Growing as an artist over the past few years has changed my life in ways I am just beginning to quantify, but with those changes comes a responsibility to continue being honest with myself. This is why I've chosen to eschew using a moniker altogether and go by my birth name "Mark Redito" from now on. Thank you all for continuing to support my music during this transition period and look forward to plenty of new material soon!-Mark ReditoConnect with Mark Redito on Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter