Jamal Moss, better known as Hieroglyphic Being, is a trailblazer in the world of experimental electronic music. Hailing from Chicago, Moss blends acid house, industrial, free jazz, and avant-garde elements into a raw, unfiltered sound that has earned them praise from outlets like The Guardian, Resident Advisor, Mixmag, and The Wire. As the founder of Mathematics Recordings, he’s helped shape the underground scene, creating his own unique genre, often described as Outsider House or Cosmic Be-Bop. With a prolific output that spans multiple decades, their bold, psychedelic sound continues to captivate listeners and critics alike, pushing boundaries while staying true to his Afrofuturist vision. Hieroglyphic Being is more than just an artist; they are a movement, constantly evolving and redefining the electronic music landscape.
Read our interview with this captivating artist below.
What sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
Divine Purpose & Leaving A Positive Mark in the world and doing it through some art form was the best path forward. When I was about 13 at a Sock Hop & saw the way House Music Moved My People to be better and wanted better in life even when the odds weren’t stacked against us. The joy, the celebration, the community, the ingenuity, the self-sufficiency, and the entrepreneurship were a sight to behold.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
All the Above.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Dr 5 / DX7 / 3 – 303 emulators / Zoom drums / Korg DW 8000 / Casio drums / Allen & Heath board & Names that will not be named, some stuff is personal & sacred to me.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Living life & all that you can endure that comes with it. I tap into those life experiences and hit record.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
My Mind.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
It’s still evolving, but as I paint sonically, the term would be synth expressionism / Rhythmic Cubism.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
The creative process/perspective shifted with Time & Technology & The Rotating Assembly of Participants in The Culture. It’s considered Evolution & Adaptation.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
Working with professional, really seasoned trained musicians (Jazz, Rock, Electronic backgrounds) in 2013/2014 in a million-dollar studio and orchestrating & composing concepts, just being raw with it in the mixdown with a ‘no f*cks given’ approach.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Yes, and I got NDAs to show for it.
Any side projects you’re working on?
I have a feature indie film I acted in & did some film scoring for coming soon worldwide. I just finished up in June 2024 re-scoring the film Hellraiser (1987) in Australia & performing it live in a theater for 3 days with the film playing 2 days in Melbourne & 1 day in Sydney at the international film festival. I have some collaboration projects coming out soon and solo projects on Small Town SuperSound (Dance Music 4 Bad People) & Soul Jazz Records (T.B.D.).
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Tamarie T. & Thee Elektra Kumpany.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
Flaskavsae – ‘Twilight Reminiscent Of Slumber’.
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Stephen Barton – ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ (feat. Kelsy Karter) – 12 Monkeys Series Soundtrack.
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Documentaries and Animation & Research and Development in AI, monetary analysis, reverse aging & getting back into spiritual wellness & strength training and minding my business.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
(Album Title) Somuchnoise2Beheard – (Hidden track) ‘A Dream Within A Dream’.
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
Another fashion label & more acting roles.
Famous last words?
Famous Immortal Words: Be The Builder of Worlds, Not the Destroyer of Dreams.
Follow Hieroglyphic Being:
Spotify – Youtube – Instagram – Facebook
