Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, talented upstart Aha Gazelle has a laser sharp focus on his craft and his artistry. Signed to Lecrae’s Reach Records, the southern hitmaker is on his way to “household name” status and he’s bringing a fierce work ethic with him.

“Living life is the biggest role in my creative process,” Aha tells us in our brand new Civil Scope interview. “Whether it comes down to writing or production, I’m always thinking, feeling and observing.”

The 3rd installment of his prominent mixtape series Trilliamis set to drop before 2017 is up. Back in June he dropped the 2nd installment, which Aha says is tough to compare to anything else, sonically speaking. He says, “When people listen to my music they’re going to hear a guy who’s unapologetically being himself. My goal is to make the listener feel the same way.”

For the rest of our Civil Scope interview, we spoke with Aha about how he got started in the game, where he sees his career going, Trilliam 3 and much more. Check it out below. – Jay Holz

Where are you from and how has that impacted you and your career?

Aha: “I was born and Raised in New Orleans. Katrina hit and moved me to North Louisiana and that had a major influence. The state of Louisiana is like a big melting pot. So many different cultures and energies in one state, it definitely had a big impact.”

When did you start taking music seriously?

Aha: “I took music seriously from day one. Once I fell in love with it I never looked back. The question I often ask myself is when did people start to take me seriously.”

Where did your stage name come from?

Aha: “Well my middle name is really Gazelle so technically from my parents *laughs*. The Aha came from the fans. Let’s just say there’s a lot of Aha moments when you listen to my music.”

Who would you consider as some of your biggest influences?

Aha: “I have multiple influences but I’d have to say the biggest influence is the entire state of Louisiana. The state has a plethora of artist from Wayne, Master P, Webbie, and Boosie all the way to PJ Morton, Frank Ocean, Jay Electronica and the list goes on. Though from the same state, each artist has their own sound and unique wave. It taught me that authenticity has to come first. People know what’s real.”

What is your creative process when writing music?

Aha: “Living life is the biggest role in my creative process whether it comes down to writing or production. I’m always thinking, feeling and observing. It’s hard for me just to get in the studio and create if I don’t have a personal connection.”

You recently dropped a new album, Trilliam 2. Talk to us about the album, and what listeners can expect if they’re unfamiliar with the sound?

Aha: “I think sonically it’s really hard to compare. Sure you’ll hear influences but when you try to pin it down to one thing you may get frustrated. When people listen to my music they’re going to hear a guy who’s unapologetically being himself. My goal is to make the listener feel the same way.”

What are your goals for the rest of 2017?

Aha: “My goal is to stay busy and productive. I have shows coming up so I’ll get to go and touch the people. Also Trilliam 3 is coming out this year.”