Hailing from H-Town, artist-producer Richard “ROACH” Kler has already worked with such notable acts as RBX The Narrator, Krayzie Bone, KXNG Crooked and Dope House Records’ Rasheed. With his latest offering, Hiding, ROACH continues to infiltrate homes across the country with his distinctive sound and unique style.
Let’s hop into this single / video, “Midnight Drive [Re-Verse],” featuring RBX, MC Eiht and Sccit — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
RBX hit my DM a few years back. Never spoke to him before that, but was a huge fan of his style. Sent him a few beats and he was like, “damn, ROACH, I’m working on an album called Hibernation Shivers,” and wanted me to be involved. I ended up linking with Sccit and Siavash, and they had me do a few remixes for the album; “Night Stalker (Re-Stalk)” and “Midnight Drive.” The “Nightstalker” became a bonus track on the album. “Midnight Drive” release was added to the Hiding release.
Of course “Midnight Drive [Re-Verse]” follows on the heels of “Hiding” — Talk to me a lil bit about this selection…
I was working on a few EP ideas that would tell a story. I hit up RBX, and sent him the idea. We spoke about the idea, and I asked Sccit to hop on it and he became like the devil’s advocate in the song. It was a big record with a lot of musical changes, etcetera.
Both songs come courtesy of your project of the same name — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
The song “Hiding” and EP are like a documentary of a mad-man. And, what could lead up to someone being so evil. All the songs are themed around a serial killer mentality. Even got one called “So Much” that goes into my mental struggles and pain, personally. To make the whole theme come together.
Hiding is a Labcabin Records project — What particular string of events actually led to this signing?
Labcabin has been a huge supporter of mine since RBX linked us up. They are about real hip hop and rap. No gimmicks. We did this album as a joint venture. I guess you can call us Teammates!
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for ROACH?
From an early age, I loved music and frequency. In the 6th grade, I would take apart Yamaha keyboards and mess with the electronics to get different sounds from them. In 1992 while a freshman in high school, I met Jerry Muhammad a.k.a. Muhammad 2G. He took me in and showed me the ropes on the Ensoniq EPS and MPC2000; that’s when my production started really improving. I developed my own sound, and started making beats. I just had no one to rap on them. So I started writing as well to make complete songs. My friends would hear the songs, and say why don’t you just release that with you. So that’s when I started writing, as well as producing.
Now you’re from Houston, Texas, correct? So growing up in “Space City,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Houston has always had a strong rap culture. I came up during the golden era of hip hop. Geto Boys, etcetera. D.O.C. was a huge influence on how I wrote songs; I just loved how flawless his delivery was and how effortlessly he did it! Big Swift was another Houston producer that I’ve always loved his work!
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
I just produce and write. The music is a canvas, and I’m an artist. I’ll paint on any canvas that I feel inspiration from. I do many styles of production, so it’s easy for me to swap to many genres.
Where does your moniker originally derive from?
7th grade football team prank. I ended up on my back with legs jacked up, and they called me ROACH. When it came time to pick a name, I chose ROACH!
From a lyrical standpoint, where do you draw inspiration from?
Life experiences. Most of my works I do solo are realistic events and trauma I have been through, and trying to let other people know they aren’t alone and mental illness is a real battle!
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to feel what I’m doing, not hear it. If that makes any sense? Music creates healing, and if the gift GOD gave me can help someone I’ve never met then that’s a blessing!
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Curtis Mayfield!!!! His creative way of expressing real emotions in music, and the bass lines he did were beautiful. Billy Preston, with the way he played the keys and organ was amazing.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Red Rocks Colorado for sure. It’s a natural earth made sound stage. The sonics are amazing, and the views are amazing, so definitely Red Rocks!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Yes and no. I love how accessible it is to do music now, however, I am not a fan of cheating; using nothing but loops and no knowledge of basic music theory. I’m excited to see a lot of the older generation making a comeback with some REAL RAP AND BARS!
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
My love for music. And, my constant attitude towards improving and learning new techniques every day. I’m a vet in the game, and I still try to keep my mind open to new ideas.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Buying some land with a private studio, and enjoying my family.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Being able to work with real artists that you admired for years is huge. RBX is a legend, Krayzie Bone LEGEND, MC EIHT LEGEND. Crooked I…all are real MCs, and was an absolute pleasure and amazing experience to have my music with those artists. I feel honored and humbled!
What’s an average day like for you?
Day always gonna start with that wake and bake. Then I hit the studio around 8am till 7pm. Take a break, and go back in around 10pm for a few more hours. During the day-time, I’m working on mixing, promoting etcetera. After 10pm is my personal time to simply play around and experiment with different music styles.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I love fan interaction; engaged fans are the best and actually keep me motivated. I try to actually respond personally to all messages and replies to posts, etcetera.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Music has always been my stress relief where I can get away and lost in the music and forget the outside world for a while.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t stop creating! I call it keeping notes about your life. Stay active, and be willing to put in long hours and a lot of sleepless nights. If you truly want something fight for it, don’t beg for it. Stay humble and stay visible.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
My goal is to one day have an office full of musicians that can create, and have a shot at making revenue from their work. And also, a spot for teaching the craft to the next generation so that hip hop can remain strong.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, ROACH?
I have a vault of music from the last 20 years. This year I will be releasing several projects including (On My Own) (The Truth Hz) single called “Skreamz” and the album (Like This). Working on finishing up the albums planned for 2026 as well.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Huge shout out to RBX for being like a real brother to me. Also, The Labcabin team, Sccit and Siavash the Grouch, have been amazing to team up with. Also, can’t forget Leezo and Chill, two artists I’m working with for future projects.
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Thank you to every single person who reads this, and hears my music. If y’all like it, share it and comment on it. It truly takes a full team, and the fans are a huge part of that team! I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to new fans! I’m very grateful, bruh.
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