Unfiltered is back with a brand new episode featuring UK-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Karum Cooper, the creative force behind Webmoms! 🎹✨ From starting out in alt-rock and progressive metal to carving a unique space in Lo-Fi Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo Soul, Karum shares how he’s transformed his bedroom beatmaking project into a fully vocal and lyrically driven venture with his 2024 EP For Us By Us. Tune in to hear Karum open up about evolving his sound, blending poetry and music, performing with his live ensemble, and navigating the path from hobbyist producer to an internationally recognized artist. Check out the full interview below…
Unfiltered: Full Interview with Webmoms
Q: Welcome to another episode of Unfiltered! Today, we’re chatting with Webmoms. So, what got you into making music?
Karum Cooper (Webmoms):
“Hey! My name is Karum. I release music under the alias Webmoms. I’m a producer, instrumentalist, and songwriter, and I’ve been making music for about six years. Prior to Webmoms, I was in a bunch of rock bands. I played drums in a prog metal band and guitar in a rock band for years. My parents are both musicians, so the house was always full of music, like Jazz, Latin, and Caribbean music. It all kind of snowballed from there.”
Q: How did your parents influence your approach to music and life?
KC:
“My dad is more open with his creativity. My mum is classically trained. In terms of mashing up everything and being original, I get that from my dad’s side, growing up on a lot of Caribbean music.”
Q: How important has your work ethic been in getting your music career off the ground?
KC:
“One of the things at the forefront for me is staying vigilant about managing and organizing my career, monetizing things, and being a creative person who treats it like a business.”
“I’m the firstborn of three siblings, so I learned to be good at school and pay attention in class. That work ethic, especially as a family from an immigrant background, is always at the back of my mind. Treating music as a serious commitment rather than a random hobby is really important. My parents have been super supportive, and I thank them every day.”
Q: Do you have any tips for turning music from a hobby into a full-on career?
KC:
“It depends. I’m primarily an instrumentalist and producer. When this was a hobby, I was just logging on to Logic and making beats with no end goal. Picturing the long-term goal, making a timeline, making a budget, and putting those wheels into motion is what takes it from a hobby to a serious endeavor. Plus, I’ve personally started managing my own expectations and not being so invested all the time to avoid burnout.”
Q: How would you say your musical style has changed over the years?
KC:
“I started with instrumental music, making beats, mostly in Lo-Fi hip hop and chill hop. I’m drawn toward organic sounds, usually playing guitar, piano, and recording live percussion, rather than using pre-made loops.
Over the last two years, I’ve started using more of my own vocals. I went from rapping occasionally to hooks, and now my last EP, For Us By Us, is all my voice with singing and harmonies. Moving forward, it’s going to be more R&B, Afrobeats, and hip hop. Now, I’m leaving purely instrumental stuff behind.”
Q: What really drives you when you’re being creative?
KC:
“The creative process is really relaxing, almost meditative, especially when I’m not stressing about a deadline. When I’m in the creative flow, it feels natural, and it’s my favorite part of making music.”
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to artists just starting out?
KC:
“Gather as many skills as possible and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Producing, playing instruments, video editing, making fliers… these skills have been really valuable. They save money for my project, create opportunities to earn, and help me keep making music even when I’m not producing directly. Jack of all trades, if you can.”
Q: Do you work with a team, or are you a one-person operation?
KC:
“It’s just me. I had a manager for a little while, but we stopped last year. It was expensive, and even though I made some money, it was a big commitment to sacrifice. I’m used to being a one-man ship, knowing what to do. I might consider a manager again in the future, though.”
Q: Tell us about your last album… what was that process like?
KC:
“My first all-vocal EP is called For Us By Us. It’s personal but relatable, touching on experiences of being a person of color in a rural part of the UK. It features Kaliko Gray, The Boffin from Nigeria, and Lottie Versus the World from the UK. I’m really proud of it and want to continue telling this story through my music.”
Q: And what’s coming up next for you?
KC:
“A couple of years ago, I recorded some songs with my full live band. The next singles are going to be full-band releases rather than just me producing the bits. We’re going on tour with Nubian Twist here in the UK, plus a couple of headline shows. Then we’re hitting Europe for the first time. Germany, the Netherlands, and France. It’s going to be a full month, but a lot of fun!”
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