What is your creative process when it comes to writing and composing music, and how do you collaborate with other artists or songwriters in your genre?
My creative process is very situational so in cases that cause me to be vulnerable I might draw on scenery or things in my past to get my mind thinking in depth. When it comes to more lyrical content I like to watch and listen to battles to get my creative juices flowing. Collaborating with artists, I tend ti allow them to invite me into their world and see how my skill set can blend with the direction of the song. I like being out of my comfort zone on collaborations.
Who are three (3) musicians or bands that have influenced your sound and style, and how have they impacted your artistic journey?
I would have to say from a hiphop and R&B stand point it would have to be Nas, JayZ, D’Angelo and honourable mention to Biggie. I think those artists really influenced my sound and different points in life and I find myself going back to their albums and pickup up gems.
I think it’s allowed me to be well rounded in perspective but also able to really hone in on subtle things like tone, breath control, word choice and having some depth behind songs I put together
Can you share with us any upcoming music projects or collaborations that you are currently working on, or planning to release in the near future?
Yes most definitely! We just wrapped up shooting the title track for my upcoming project named “Still In Rotation”. I’ve been working on this project for a bit and its finally all coming together
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision and style, while also evolving and experimenting with new sounds and genres?
I think if you’re not growing and trying new things as an artist, your not getting the best of your artistry and who knows what ways you can be influenced. So I always go back to the questions “is it good music?” and “will I be proud of this in x amount of years” if any of those are “no”, I know I’m not bein true to my artistic vision and where I want to be as an artist
How has your personal life and experiences influenced your songwriting and musical output, and what themes or messages do you often explore in your music?
I think my personal life always influenced my music in one way or another. Sometimes it shows up blatantly if I touch on a particular situation, but the common theme is that music has always been a therapeutic outlet for me. So whether it’s a shared experience that I want to offer perspective on or a life experience that I’m trying to grow through by writing about it, it’s always personal in that aspect.
What role do you believe music plays in society and culture, and how do you see your own music contributing to this?
I think music can either encourage group think or offer uncharted perspective depending on how you present it and how it’s interpreted. I think music plays a tremendous role on influence and individuality. I hood my music offers perspective and if not at very least an escape to something that sounds good and makes you feel good.
What challenges have you faced as an artist in terms of navigating the music industry, and how have you overcome these challenges?
I love making music but the music industry isnt about making music. I think that’s the biggest challenge I’ve faced in recent times, is navigating people and entities. I think with anything you get better at it with time but it’s challenging.
How do you engage with your fans and audience, and what do you hope they take away from your music?
I think I engage in a an unorthodox way; it’s just me and how I’m feeling. I’m not a machine tryna always sell something sometimes I just wanna say “what’s up” and I’ll go live or something. I just try to do my own thing with the people I like doing it with and I’ve seen that start to multiply over the years.
What are some of the most memorable performances or moments in your music career so far, and why were they significant to you?
I think the first time doing a show out of my home country was a milestone performance for me. I went to perform for the first time at New Skool Rules in Netherlands and it was a great experience. I plan on going back in the near future.
Looking ahead, what are some of your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Long term goals as an artist is to put out another studio album, perform in more places away from North America and just live a life full of experiences to share them in a unique way with the world
How do you approach live performances and connecting with your audience on stage, and how does this differ from your creative process in the studio?
Live performances are rehearsed for sure but a lot of the interaction or spur of the moment and solely of the energy of the crowd. We may performs a song back to back if an encore is in high demand I like having a good time on stage and interact where I can. This differs from the studio because I approach if a lot more surgically. I’m about execution and best product in the studio. If it takes 15 minutes or if it takes 15 sessions, if I believe in the song idea or the sonic integrity of it, I’ll rework until it’s right.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to break into the industry and establish themselves as artists?
Come into this game being the best best version of yourself. Develop your craft, and just be obsessed with the journey! Not everybody makes “it” but every journey is unique. Sometimes “making it” is the journey itself.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist, and what strategies do you use to overcome creative blocks or challenges?
I think living life is the best way to stay motivated. I also like listening for fresh new artists too, they keep me hungry to keep going as well.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
It’s hard to say, I like a lot of music coming out of different places but I find myself appreciating and gravitating to the more lyrical group of artists. I think there’s something for everybody
Creative Director: Rachel @cdbysendi
Photographer: Geghani @geghanifoto
Model: Freddy Printz @freddyprintz