Stress Gods & Romano: Crafting a New Sound for the Culture
Stress Gods & Romano: Crafting a New Sound for the Culture
- Stress Gods blends diverse influences into captivating new sound via organic, collaborative process.
- Group champions power of collaboration, aiming to build lasting legacy like Outkast & Goodie Mob.
- Producer Romano's musicality, genre-crossing vision elevates Stress Gods' raw talent to industry-ready shine.
In a music landscape often dominated by solo acts and fleeting trends, a new force is emerging from Atlanta and New York. The group Stress Gods, comprised of Dr. Ricks and Dr. Hayes, alongside super-producer Romano, is redefining what it means to be a musical collective. Their recent interview in the Red Room at The Beat DFW gave an exclusive look into their creative genius, collaborative spirit, and vision to leave a permanent mark on the industry.
The Architect: Romano’s Musical Vision
Before you can understand the group, you must first know the architect behind the sound, Romano. Hailing from Atlanta, the heart of Black musical excellence, Romano is a self-taught prodigy who learned to play multiple instruments by age 14. His journey was inspired by studying the greats, understanding that true artistry is rooted in musicality. “You got to study the greats,” Romano shared. “You seeing they instrumentation, you saying they musically inclined. So, you know, you got to follow the grace, man.”
This dedication has made him a go-to producer for superstars like Chris Brown, Cardi B, and Summer Walker. Yet, his ambition doesn’t stop there. Romano aims to continue crossing genres, with his sights set on collaborating with artists like Chris Stapleton and Sabrina Carpenter, proving that good music knows no boundaries.
The Birth of a Movement: The Stress Gods
The formation of Stress Gods feels like destiny. Dr. Ricks from New York and Dr. Hayes from Atlanta met in college, bonding over shared interests in fashion, music, and architecture. They understood that these elements are all part of a universal language. “If we all speak that same language, no matter where we from… it’s gonna mesh,” explained Dr. Hayes.
Their connection was amplified when their mutual friend introduced them to Romano. The producer didn’t want to change their sound but to elevate it. “I just heard they sound, and it already, to me, just was great,” Romano said. “So I just really wanted to take it and just take it to another level, but still keep it the same.” This partnership was the final ingredient, taking their raw talent and polishing it to an industry-ready, undeniable shine.
More Brains are Better Than One
In an era of “me, myself, and I,” Stress Gods champions the power of collaboration. They push back against the solo-artist narrative, arguing that the best music is born from collective energy. “More brains is better than one,” the group stated. “The best music is made from, like, a collaborative effort.” They see themselves as a team where each member can step up when another needs support, ensuring their creative output is always at 100%.
This synergy is the foundation of their name. Being a “Stress God” is about handling life’s pressures with grace and striving to be the best version of yourself daily. Their logo, featuring flowers growing from a skull, symbolizes this idea of growth and eternal life through their art. “We’re just trying to push to be better than we was yesterday,” Romano added.
A Gumbo Pot of Culture: The Sound
Listening to Stress Gods is a journey through a “big gumbo pot of culture.” Their music is a rich blend of their diverse backgrounds, including African, Jamaican, New York, and Atlanta influences. This is most evident in their hit single, “In The Flesh,” a track they recommend as the perfect introduction to their sound.
What makes their process truly special is that every song is created from scratch. They walk into the studio with no pre-made tracks, building the music together in the moment. “Every song you heard, every song you ever heard,” Romano proudly stated, revealing they use vintage synthesizers like the Prophet-10, famously used by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, to craft their records. This organic approach ensures their energy is captured authentically in every note.
The result is a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new, blending soulful melodies, hip-hop sensibilities, and Afrobeat rhythms into a cohesive and captivating experience.
The Future is Intentional
Stress Gods and Romano are moving with intention. From their fashion choices to their social media aesthetic, every detail is planned to build a lasting legacy. They draw inspiration from the branding mastery of groups like Rockefeller and G-Unit, aiming to create a movement that transcends music.
As they continue to build brick by brick, their goal is clear: to be counted among the greatest groups to ever come out of Atlanta, alongside legends like Outkast and Goodie Mob. With their incredible talent, unified vision, and the guidance of a genius producer, they are well on their way.
Find Stress Gods on all platforms at StressGods and StressGods.com. Follow Romano on all platforms at RealXRomano.
