What’s the story behind your latest song/album?
The political situation in the U.S. is distressing. The lack of leadership, the rampant hate, the mistruths, the cult-like blind following the blind. I was choosing from 3-4 songs I had already written, but the universe was speaking to me and guided me to write Sun is Going Down. The song totally began in a dark place, which is reflected in the dreamlike hip-hop/trap verses and spoken word. Eventually, it morphs into a song of defiance and fight as it weaves into an EDM/House celebration of hope and rebellion. We can never give in to this bullshit.
How has your creative process evolved over the years?
I’ve learned to trust myself more, trust my creative instincts. And follow no one. Early in my writing career, I would mimic artists I admired to some degree. Now, I incorporate my musical experiences and make them my own.
Is there a specific moment in your career that felt like a turning point?
I think my song Black Swan was a turning point for me. It was where I felt I could be experimental, be free, and not worry so much about what people thought of my mixing genres. I understand I pay a price with this with fans. For example, after my alt. folk song I Need a Yoko, I gained a lot of followers on different platforms. Lost quite a few of them with Sun is Going Down and it’s Hip-Hop/EDM/Trap foundation. I almost feel like I should apologize to them. But if they appreciate art, they will stay for the journey!
What’s one misconception people have about being a musician?
That we are broke bums, derelicts and druggies! At least, that’s what my grandmother told me I would be!
Who or what has been inspiring your music lately?
The journey into different levels of the creative process inspires me. Finding my soul in each song I write is a challenge once on the mic. When I create, singing the song always sounds great off mic, but once I put the headphones on, the challenge is to find the soul of the song, find the right vocal approach that sounds authentic. Usually, I’m just fooling around on the mic and while recording, it comes to me.
Can you share a memorable or unexpected moment from a live performance?
Last time I played live singing with my acoustic guitar, I having a great show. Everything felt good.Then, on the last song, I literally lost the chords! My friend who was backing me on guitar looked at me like I had no clothes on! I found my way back, but def memorable. My friend is a really talented musician so it was a little embarrassing too!
How do you handle creative blocks or self-doubt?
I used to experience blocks because I was always pressing. Now, I trust the songs and chords are there when I need them. Thank you God!
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Miles Davis hands down. I originally was a trumpeter. I always wanted to play with the dexterity of Freddie Hubbard, but creatively, I was most influenced by Miles. I used to play jazz with my horns electrified with a wah-wah pedal. I’d also place tin foil over the bell of my horn for a funky tonal effect. Total Miles. Only thing I didn’t do was wear clogs like he did! I love Miles because he believed art is change. He always explored and because of him, I feel free to do the same. The world constantly evolves, so our art should too.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Believe in yourself, listen to your heart, don’t sweat trying to be perfect, don’t compare, and just be.
What’s next for you—any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?
My immediate goal is to get my song I Need a Yoko placed in a museum exhibit featuring her art. The next goal is to get my music placed in films and tv. The final goal is to keep creating. I am confident that my best is yet to come.