Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Traphaus Creo
TrapHaus Creo, also known as Spencer (born Mpumelelo Charles Moroe) is a recording artist and record producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. Often described as “Chilled” music, his music influences and styles include Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, Pop and Soul. He was born in Lenasia, raised in Mapetla, Soweto but grew up in Lenasia South, in the south of Johannesburg, it wasn’t easy as drugs and crime were and are prevalent there through the youth especially and making music kept him out of trouble and away from the wrong crowds, a bad lifestyle and even worse life choices. Creo taught himself how to make beats in 2009, and with a background as a battle rapper in primary and high school, he then combined his skill sets and began making music. He later taught himself how to sing a few years later which extended his versatility and sound. His childhood passion of drawing also plays a part as he designs his own artwork and is hands on with everything in his music from the production, artwork, vocals to even his own mixing and mastering. His sound is normally an amalgamation of genres, experimental and well crafted alike. His favourite aesthetics range from trap drums to melodic hooks with lyrical raps in the mix.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
As a listener, music has always been a pivotal part of my life, my earliest and most cherished memories will always be tied to my mother playing her CD collection in the background for every moment. That’s where my love for Pop, Soul, R&B and Indie music originated. As a creator, I discovered a passion for poetry and production at a very young age, which eventually transformed into a love for Hip-Hop and Rap music, which, in turn, expanded my arsenal and gave me all the space I needed for creatively, while decreasing limits I would set upon myself, to develop an ability to make music in different genres, moods and even fuse them at will for aesthetic purposes.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for making music started when I got my first DAW when i was younger, I have always been fascinated by music production. What really set me on the path was back in 2010, I met an upcoming artist in the industry, at the time. He invited me to his studio and gave me the chance to see how some of his music was made. The encounter was so inspiring and resonated with me that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I am currently working on my sophomore project titled ‘Lotus’. The concept is about purity, rebirth and enlightenment. As they rise fully from the water, scarred but radient. Instead of searching for the light, the become the light. Betrayal no longer defines them, love transforms from dependency to self-empowerment, and darkness becomes part of their story, not their cage. There are a lot of elements and prospects that I have been experimenting with sonically and visually to bring that concept to life. Hopefully it will be well received by my audience.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound blends introspective storytelling with modern trap and R&B-inspired production. I tend to mix emotional honesty and personal reflection with smooth, atmospheric beats – creating songs that feel both vulnurable and confident at the same time.
There’s often a sense of depth beneath the surface, you get catchy flows and memorable melodies, but also lyrics that carry real meaning if you listen closely. My sound feels polished yet raw, combining soulful vibes, lyrical substance and creative beat choices that make each track stand out.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That, when it comes to creativity, there are no rules. In fact, the more rules you set, the more you limit yourself. As long as it sounds good and the vibes match the aesthetic, you’re on the right path. Even if it’s not what you envisioned, just bring it into existence and there will always be time to fine-tune and bring it closer to your vision later. Also that people have different tastes and not a single artist in history has ever been liked by EVERYBODY, it’s okay to find your unique niche and audience. So I don’t take critisizm harshly if there’s nothing constructive about it.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My microphone, keyboard, laptop and FL Studio (Digital Audio Workstation). I would like to add my cellphone as an honourable mention because I write my lyrics, construct so many plans and rely on it for so many intricate moments in making music.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Currently, I am enjoying music by emawk and my favourite song by him changes from time to time, especially between songs like ‘VIEW’, ‘Convo #27’, and even songs he’s featured on like ‘Jay Bird’.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
The topics I normally cover and the songs I make are all directly influenced by everything I experience personally. Even my most unrealistic and creative distinctions are hyperbolic but influenced by something I have experienced personally as I treat my music as a diary or journal a lot of the time, just documenting my thoughts, emotions and feelings which amplifies the element of relating to my audience and sets the tone for my sound. I just try to find positivity and a lesson in the negative experiences and find the blessings in the positive ones.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my music makes my listeners feel seen, motivated and reflective, like they’re part of something deeper than just a vibe.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That it’s not about the dog in the fight, it’s about the fight in the dog.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Coachella & Lollapalooza would be amazing but honestly, none. I have a lot of music that can be enjoyed intimately and some that should be played loud and more energetic. So when it comes to venues, all are honestly a dream to me. As long as the audience is happy, I’m doing something right, regardless of the capacity.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Seal, his 1994 self-titled album was one of the first albums I have ever listened to and one of the only, where I can listen to every single song without a single skip to this day. He will always be one of my favourite artists and a dream collaborator.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Google ‘TrapHaus Creo’ and you’d most likely find everything you need about me or my music. Here are some links though:
https://linktr.ee/traphauscreo
https://instagram.com/traphauscreo
https://youtube.com/traphauscreo
https://traphaus-creo-shop.fourthwall.com
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/traphaus-creo/1412546107
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To make a living doing what I love.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I could care less about fame, awards or industry politics. I make music to heal others and remind my listeners that they aren’t, and never will be alone, through joy and pain. What I actually strive to do is let listeners discover themselves through me instead.
