English Rock Duo, The Virginmarys, have encountered a whirlwind of ups and down over ten years of both Billboard charting tracks and the choice to forge forward and never look back. I caught up with Vocalist, Ally Dickaty, to discuss the recent release of ‘Northern Sun Sessions’, personal growth through sobriety, choosing to be a good human being, the importance of having the right people around you and more.
Congrats on the recent release of ‘Northern Sun Sessions’. Tell us about your experience recording and what lessons that you took away along the way.
This was the first album we’ve self produced. It was one of the greatest, toughest and most empowering experiences i think we’ve had as a band. We were pushed out of our comfort zone accomplishing everything 100% independent. We learned so much new stuff doing this, one of the toughest lessons I learned was to always have your recording backed up onto bullet proof hard drives. Lets just say I learned the hard way on this.
How has the bond between you and Danny strengthened over the years? What have you endured to reach the place that you are in both artistically and personally?
I almost feel like we’ve gone full circle with it, we’ve been through so much together, loads of highs and lows and countless times where we could have have walked away from it all and given up. When you start out you have all these ideals and fixed ideas in your head of how it will be, how it should be and where it’ll take you. From my experience it’s never what you expect. You just keep pushing or you give up. I feel like its gone past a point now where Dan and me expect anything from it, we just do our thing and watch what happens. In many ways we’ve arrived back to the start and just want to play the best music we can. It’s so easy to be swept away with all the bull shit, but when it comes down to it, it’s all about the music and expressing yourself, and that’s all it is. Dan and I are brothers, we have a super strong bond.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
The greatest obstacle I’ve managed to overcome is being sober for 6 years. Life can be a series of challenging thoughts, it’s whether we face them, or run away from them. I think many of us are brought up with an expectation of what life should be, rather than accepting what it is. There’s this idea that we should all be happy and life should be ‘just’ and fair when this blatantly isn’t always the case. From a child brought up with these ideals to actually seeing how the world of money, relationships and power work, it can be traumatising. My life has felt like a bit of mission, constantly dealing with internal conflict but with some overriding feeling of purpose to which I am extremely grateful for.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Good points, bad points. I think we’re still adjusting to such a huge change and one that keeps developing. I completely understand people’s resistance to it and how it’s destroyed and destroying many industries, but at the same time, we aint going back so it’s about working with it best you can and making use of the good aspects. There’s so much great stuff available, its free education if you’re willing to put in the time. I think I want to focus on the best points and work with it rather than resist it.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I just want to be a good human being, stay real. If, by the end of my life, I can sincerely believe that I’ve done my best and helped others on the way then I’d be happy with that.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
That’s a really good question. I don’t think it’s something I’be fully mastered yet. It obviously helps massively that I don’t drink but it’s difficult to eat well and look after yourself when you’re always on the go, you just grab what you can and with being vegetarian subjected to band riders, I often find that it’s been a steady diet of cheese and bread for weeks on end. It’s important to have the right crew around you, I see the crew as family I can rely on and speak to. It’s really important to me. The road can be tough place to be with little sleep and no creature comforts. It’s vital to have good times with the people you’re with. We always try to make sure we have a couple of meals together and get at least some hot food every couple of days.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
There has been great wisdom in hindsight, but I’ve never taken it, you always learn from your own mistakes. I’ve tended to push things as far as they can go before I learn first hand. Drink lots of water whenever you can. At least cover that base.
What does the world have to look forward to from The Virginmarys in 2019?
We’ll be touring our new album, releasing singles, videos, staying in touch with the fans and always writing new music. Would be great to do another form of release later in the year.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thanks for sticking with us, you are the best fans in the world! Know that we’re always pushing to do you proud.
YouTuber and Musician, Multiplier, has been spreading knowledge and creating a variety of educational tools that aid in the growth of fellow musicians and producers worldwide through capitalizing on the the wonders of YouTube. I caught up with Adam to discuss how YouTube has served as a platform that has enhanced his life experience, the paradoxes of creating his dream job, a day in the life of filming a YouTube tutorial and much more.
Tell us about the most recent YouTube tutorial that you put up and a day in the life of filming it.
I generally film in the morning, first thing. Then I go for a walk or get lunch whilst my computer processes the audio and video. Then I spend the afternoon/evening editing it. For simpler videos I might batch film and edit a few, but for more complex edits and sponsored videos, it tends to be one video per day (at a leisurely pace). Time-wise, from idea to upload, a video takes between 2 and 20 hours of work – on average about 4 or so. Maybe 3. It’s hard to measure time spent subconsciously thinking and synthesising thoughts about videos and/or the process of making them. The biggest shift recently though has been to using my Panasonic GH4 and Final Cut Pro X as my main filming setup. Last year it was a GoPro and ScreenFlow. I could probably do a two hour course explaining all the nuances and reasons why, but the simplest and maybe most honest reason is that- it’s an exciting and new creative process.
Tell us about your experience with YouTube and how the platform has served to enhance your life.
YouTube facilitated my career, and lifestyle. It started off as a gimmicky marketing hack to get more followers for my music (posting ‘How to Sound Like Skrillex’ videos before there were thousands of them). But over time, it became my primary creative and productive output. For years now I’ve been able to live comfortably off music, working when I want, on what I want, having fun, and that’s all been off the back of YouTube. It’s an interesting story to tell at parties too.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I still struggle with how I’ve created a dream job for myself that requires me to spend most of the day sat indoors. I want to spend more time standing up, and being outside. I don’t have a solution yet, although I do want to move to somewhere in the world that means I can sit or stand outside with my computer and work. England’s weather doesn’t really allow for that.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Like alcohol, it can enhance the human experience, but needs to be used in a considered and intentional way. The brain chemistry for social media addiction is the same chemical reward system as for things like alcohol addiction. But either way, best keep the analogy as an analogy. Most things can enhance someone’s life, but taken too far, can worsen it. Best thing is to take control of the whole situation, and not just let it settle where it settles. E.g. if you’re making a conscious choice to check a feed, great. If you find yourself scrolling without consciously choosing to, stop, and take control of that behaviour.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being an artist that you take pride in.
By default, I assume that everyone is trying their best. Everyone’s the product of their life experiences, and the choices they made. Even if someone made a bad choice, I don’t think they wanted to make a bad choice, it’s just how their brain ended up making the decision. Maybe that day the emotional monkey brain overruled the rational brain – it happens. One of my favourite books is called Incognito, and it explains how the brain works. Once you know how the brain works, the world starts to make sense, and you stop judging people. The brain is just trying to make good decisions, with imperfect information, and a different data set to you.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus working in the music industry, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health?
Daily walks and exercise. Reading (actually, listening on Audible) to books on Stoicism. Having interests and other passions outside of music and YouTube. And carefully curating what inputs (newsfeeds, social media, people, environment, etc..) I expose myself to.
If you had any words of wisdom that you can share with individuals who are attempting to maximize the potential of YouTube and share their talent with the world, what would you say?
Strip the emotion out of the process, and try to view the situation objectively. If you’re looking to grow for example, be very specific, how exactly is your view count/follower count/etc. actually going to grow? Think through every step. You upload a video. Then what? What steps happen between that and ‘growth’? Remember that every platform/person does something for a reason, and so make sure each step has a realistic reason for happening. If you’re unsure about a step, do more research. Most of it you should know though. E.g. how do you know what makes someone click a video? Well, what makes YOU click a video? Start there.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old that you were?
34. I’m actually 28, but years of skateboarding, BMX, skiing, rock climbing and such have taken its toll on my joints.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Question everything, test assumptions, challenge popular beliefs, keep asking why, enjoy everything.
Minnesota Rockers, City of the Weak, have been giving their blood, sweat, tears and energy to music ever since the release of the ‘White Fire Alarm’ EP in 2013. Having recently delivered throughout ‘Pulling Teeth’, City of the Weak continues to forge forward with renewed vigor and creative inspiration. I caught up with Bassist, Cody Hoffman, to discuss ‘Pulling Teeth’, the synergy amongst the band, coming out stronger from a rock bottom experience, finding peace in late night drives and much more.
Congrats on the recent release of ‘Pulling Teeth’. Tell us about the creative and recording process for this release and what you learned along the way.
Thank you! To be honest it was quite a grueling process all around, and that’s where the title came from because it felt like we were pulling teeth to make the record we wanted to make. After we released the Disclosure EP in 2014 we started touring really hard for the following few years. We would be out for up to 7 weeks at a time trying to just get out there and get in front of people. Eventually the band had started to draw some attention from people in the industry and everyone had their own opinion on what they thought we needed to do to “blow up” and be successful. At first we were really open to suggestions, but after a year a so it was like someone had slipped a blindfold on us and spun us around a hundred times. We got so twisted up in trying to please people that we kind of forgot what we were even trying to do artistically, and it was definitely showing in the music. The songs weren’t good, the morale wasn’t there, and we felt like we were blowing it. Eventually it hit a breaking point and we said “Fuck It” and decided to make the music we wanted to make and do what we want to do.
When It came down to recording the album we connected with Craig Owens to produce the album. We were actually supposed to go with someone else to do the album, but when a mutual friend brought his name up as a suggestion we knew we had to try for it. The album was actually recorded in two separate sessions. We recorded Censor This, Ungrateful, and Glad You Could Make It the first round to make sure it was going to be a good fit. Stef and I went to Detroit and we spent a few days with him tearing down each song. Some songs were almost completely scrapped aside from a couple parts and were re-written right on the spot. In the studio we had a lot of great discussions about what it means to make art that matters to you and to not sacrifice that for anything or anyone. Craig has such a trained ear for not only how a song sounds, but how it feels.After that first session we came home and the rest of the record just poured out of us. All those songs that we came back with the second time even now still resonate as strongly as they did when we first wrote them.
How has touring and being in the band with the balance of Male/Female, Stef and Brent, served to enhance your artistry?
I will say it is definitely a completely different dynamic touring and performing with women as opposed to a group of all males. I can’t really put my finger on what it is but there’s something about it that I’d take over an all male group any day of the week. I think by nature men and women have different instincts and pickup on different social cues and aspects of a situation in a completely different way. The balance of both really rounds out our group and I think in a lot of ways keeps us all with an open and objective mind. I guess a lot of that comes down to the individual personalities but I’m extremely lucky to work, relax, and play with both of my best friends. Stef, Brent, and I all live within a few blocks from each other in St. Paul, MN so we spend most of our time together one way or another on pretty much a daily basis. I think we bring a lot of the best aspects out of each other and in the end I think that trickles down into the things we create together.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
This is a difficult one to admit, but I’ll share because I’m now starting to feel that I’m starting to push through and get on the other side of it after struggling with it for a couple of years. There have been a handful of really dark moments that this lifestyle has brought me, this year especially, where I’ve questioned what the hell am I doing with my life. I started to live with this nagging thought that I had chosen the wrong path with in life and that the universe was sending me every possible sign that I needed to walk away. I felt this way for so long and built up resentment towards the things and the people that bring light to my life. Eventually after hitting rock bottom with the help of people close to me I was able to flip my perspective to realize that I have spent my lifetime doing this. That I have over 20 years of experience and lessons and that I need to hold myself up to that standard. I want my work to speak to that. The greatests artists of our time spent their entire lives devoted to their crafts and pushing themselves farther.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
That’s a really interesting question. I see that a lot of people have negative views on technology, but I think in a lot of ways these apps and social platforms are tools and we have the choice as to what kind of rabbit holes we are want to go down. It’s like you can spend your time subscribing to news sites and social media to convince yourself that the world sucks, or that it is coming to an end, or that everything we’ve been taught is a lie. On the flip side you can spend your time on sites like creativelive and skillshare, or listening to podcasts to teach yourself new things and open yourself up to new ideas. I’ve definitely found myself on both sides of it but in the last few years I just block or unfollow things that rub me wrong even in the slightest possible way. We are so delicate to influence so I try to subscribe to things that lift me up and empower the type of person I want to be.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
So on top of all the things that keep me busy with City of the Weak, I also run my own business called C. Evan Media where I create art and promo materials for other bands and businesses. It gives me a chance to empower other artists across the country by helping them bring their visions to a new level. I’m very grateful to be able to collaborate with so many artists over so many different mediums!
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
It can be challenging sometimes. Everyday is like it’s own adventure and you kind of find yourself in this state of just constantly reacting to your surroundings. I spend a lot of time reading on the road. I try to find moments everyday where I can take a walk and get my own personal space every once in a while. Other than that I also find a lot of peace in late night drives listening to music and podcasts.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. I remember seeing you at the first year of Chicago Open Air in 2016. Tell us some words of wisdom that you have collected along the way.
First off, that’s so cool you saw us there! That entire weekend was such a magical time and I think will forever be a lifelong highlight for me. I have no idea how we tricked them into that. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is having the right attitude and being present with the people you are with. This lifestyle can be tough for everyone involved, whether it’s the bands on tour, the crew, the promoters or venue staff. I can’t think of a single part of this industry where it’s not some sort of challenge to do what it is we do, plus we can’t survive without each other so why not try to enjoy it? It’s a team effort whether you like it or not. Clear communication is key!
What’s coming in 2019 for City of the Weak?
Even though we just put out ‘Pulling Teeth’ we are already writing towards our next album. Aside from that we are getting ready to announce the next round of tour dates which we are super excited about as well as a couple of surprises throughout the year!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you all so much for your support over the best and worst of times!! I honestly think our fans are some of the coolest people in the world and I feel fortunate that we are on a daily basis are surrounded with like minded people all across the country. There’s no way it is a coincidence and I am grateful to know you guys. Always keep doing you, follow your vision and don’t compromise for anyone!
Fort Wayne Rockers, Riding With Killers, are a bundle of heart that are set to bring their Rock ‘N’ Roll dreams to life. I caught up with Vocalist/Guitarist, Taylor Roberts, to discuss the release of “Fixing You”, taking pride in his love for animals, what the world can expect from Riding With Killers and more.
Congrats on the release of “Fixing You”. Tell us about your intention for the track and what you learned about yourself throughout the creative process.
First off thank you so much for having RWK on board for an interview. It’s exciting to be a part of Life Beyond the Music! We released the song as a thank you for helping us hit Number One on RockFile Radio with our song “Is Anybody Listening”, which is pretty cool considering we are still in our infancy stage. The song for me represents those toxic people in your life that you try your best to help. You want to fix them because you know they can be better, but sometimes at the end of the day you have to realize you can’t fix them and you have to walk away. While the song isn’t directed at one person in particular, there were multiple events throughout my life that inspired the song and I think it’s a song that people can relate to at the end of the day. I think the biggest thing I learned from the creative process of this is that I am capable of actually doing this. While I’ve always been active in the behind the scenes stuff, in my previous band I was the guitarist and backup vocalist. I always wanted to sing but I was never able to do what I wanted, which was write songs and get what was in my head and heart out. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hack it, but once I put myself in that position and forced myself in an unfamiliar territory I realized I’m capable.
Through Riding With Killers, do you feel as though you are able to present yourself artistically in the most honest manner possible?
Absolutely, I’m getting to be me and get what is in my head and heart out finally. I’ve had so much that I’ve wanted to say for so long and I was never able to fully realize that in the previous group. With this new venture, I’m getting to put pen to paper finally and I have plenty to write about. I’m getting to tackle things that have bothered me for years. I get to turn something ugly into something beautiful. I get to use those moments to create art. My mission has always been to do for others what music did for me as a kid, say what I never had the courage to say. To let others know they aren’t alone in the world and that someone else understands. It’s incredibly freeing and I haven’t been this happy or excited in a long time.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I would say touching back on me being capable of taking on this role as a lead singer/guitarist. I had so many doubts in my head. Can I start over from scratch? Can I play guitar and sing at the same time? Am I truly any good at this? Is it worth pursuing? Am I wasting my time? I had these thoughts surrounding me as I was recording the first 3 tracks for the band. But as I had these doubts in my head, I began to realize, Hey I’m actually doing this, why the fuck have I been doubting myself? Snap the fuck out of it Taylor. I had to beat that into myself over and over until I finally began to believe it. I think a lot of musicians struggle with that because we live in such a critical world. Everyone has an opinion of something even if they have not one single ounce of authority on a subject. It can be grueling, but at the end of the day you have to trust that you are where you’re supposed to be and just go for it.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s a double edged sword really. On one hand it’s this incredibly useful tool that allows people the ability to connect with others across the world that they might not have made contact with. You’re able to share your art for free essentially and get the word out like you’ve never been able to before. On the OTHER hand, it’s one of the worst things that has happened to this world. While we can be connected like never before I think it’s bred a level of disconnect that’s put a damper on human interaction. People have found a way to be able to say things without consequence. People sincerely say the worst shit to each other online, mostly without consequence, and it’s truly discomforting. A lot of special moments are lost because everyone has a camera on their phone, they video everything, take photos of everything. It’s almost cheapened the experience that you used to be able to get when people weren’t glued to their phones.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I take pride in my love for animals. My dog Meg is my absolute favorite. I found her on the side of the road in North Mississippi over 3 years ago. She was probably 20 pounds and near death. Something told me that she had to come with me and I worked with her and helped get her to a healthy weight. I got her fur to grow back through many medicated baths, got her embedded collar taken care of, got rid of all the skin issues and trust issues she had. She’s essentially my child and I love her dearly. How someone could treat a creature like Meg so poorly is just beyond me, I’m so glad our paths crossed. I think she saved me just as much as I saved her. Her name is pretty ironic too, because of her situation, I based her name off Meg from Family Guy. In the show no one wants Meg or pays attention to her, but with showing people my Meg’s story, she’s grown her own little fan base and people are really in to her. She’s a doll.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
It helps to go to the gym and exercise. Your physical absolutely affects your mental. You have to take care of yourself in order to be able to function to the best of your ability. I try to eat as best as I possibly can, which can be incredibly hard. But it goes hand in hand with your physical. It all interconnects at the end of the day. The better you treat your body, the better state of mind you’ll be in which leads to a better overall state of happiness.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I’ve for sure been incredibly fortunate to get to do some incredible things, and one of the most common themes/pieces of advice was, be cool to EVERYONE. I think that is probably the most important one. The industry isn’t quite as big as a lot of people would have you believe. Everyone knows everyone, someway, somehow. If you’re a dick, people tend to know. Don’t be a dick. Another one of my favorite things I was told was “Just be badass”. It seems like a no brainer, but really it’s a good piece of advice. Be badass, and watch things start to happen. Hone your craft and be badass. Don’t give up. That’s probably the worst thing you can do. You’re gonna face rejection, criticism, and people will tell you no, constantly. Everyone no is one step closer to a yes. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t give up. The only way you get better at something is to keep at it. Eventually you’ll strike gold and you’ll get to where you want to be.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you all so much for the encouragement and support through all of this. It was an insane leap of faith to get where I’m at now and I truly appreciate everyone who has stuck beside me and given me a reason to keep going. I wouldn’t be here without any of you nor would it really mean anything. So truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you. The best is yet to come!
Wake Up Music Group Founder, Pepper Gomez aka MyMy Lady G, has transcended her known to in turn reach back into her roots to gather the right tools and people to sprout a tree abounding with musical branches of hope, love and peace. I caught up with Pepper Gomez aka MyMy Lady G to discuss the creation of Wake Up Music Group, being an advocate for Human Rights, the music video for “Get On Up!” making it onto MTV and BET, taking care of your people, James Moore of Independent Music Promotions, feeding her loved ones and much more.
I think that 2019 will be the year for Wake Up Music Group. I really feel it in my heart and in particularly due to the recent trajectory of events and successes.
I am so pleasantly enthused and surprised by all of the developments. There has been a lot of them in 2018. The music industry is a very interesting business to be a part of. It is a fickle business in a way, yet I sorta feel that I have to prepare myself for the inevitable “No” that comes along because I have been getting a lot of “Yes”. At my core, I’m sensitive, and when it is not a “Yes”, it doesn’t feel good. Therefore, I have to remind myself that the real goal is to keep putting out great and new music. It’s about working positively with my artists and team and allowing them to create, and that is the real joy that I find in my work. But I do have to say, Matt Warren being #1 on DRT for two weeks is astounding.
It’s insane. Amy (ACRONYM) and I were texting when the music video that she filmed for “Get On Up!” made it on MTV and BET and we were blown away.
It’s insane! I am definitely riding that cloud because I am aware that those clouds don’t come all of the time. But I do have to remind myself that those successes are like the frosting on the base of the cake and the cake is the music. I think that the music is everything. Music is feeling. Music is encouraging. We knew that ‘Music Is My Life’ by Matt Warren was a good disc, but this has definitely surpassed my very modest expectations. It goes back to what you were talking about in a post that you had put on Facebook. I thought to myself, “Man, I gotta start dreaming bigger.”
You do. I perceive that we as individuals do have to burst our own bubbles at times and remind ourselves that we are capable of a lot more than we initially perceive. I think that perceive and/or perception is the most important word in that last sentence. If you aren’t attempting to perceive more than you already know, you will get stuck in your own stagnant rut. What inspired you to dip your toes back into the music industry? What led you to inspirit that creative fire once again?
I have always inwardly thought that I was a musician ever since I was a child, but my brother was the real musician. He is unbelievable. I mean, that guy can shred guitar. It was his thing. I wasn’t really allowed to encroach on that space because that was what my brother did. I would go around the house singing my little songs day by day and for anyone who has ever lived with me, you know you’ve heard me do that! I was told that I was giving the family a headache when I was doing so as a child, so then I would only sing in the shower. I would help my brother, Bruce Gomez, with lyrics at times when he was in bands, and I would always bug him and ask him to let me sing. His friends told me that I should try singing Folk, and that confused me. I did like some Folk songs, but not my idea of what I wanted to sing. You know that old saying about being left with the biggest gift under the tree? Well, I haven’t been left with the biggest gift under our tree, but I have always tried to make the best of it.
Yes, you have to cultivate the gifts under the tree. I perceive that we as human beings have gifts that we subconsciously don’t even open up or explore throughout our lifetimes. I think that one of life’s biggest puzzles is teaching oneself how to actively live without regret.
Absolutely. You have to take some risks. At some point, I would love to create a very Experimental album. Back to my brother, there was one point in which I got very lucky because he needed some Spanish vocals for one of his bands. I went to Jerry Soto’s studio and I sang the Spanish vocals. I don’t even have a copy of that project and don’t even know what happened to that musician who actually had some really good tunes. So, that experience made me think that I enjoyed singing. After that, I was married to Tom O’Callaghan who can play any instrument that he picks up. It is some kind of insane gift of his. I laid down the vocals with him for the Master Plan project that we submitted to Columbia College and before you knew it, it was an Underground College and Radio hit.
From my perspective, you experienced the College Radio world with your own music and the cyclic nature of what Wake Up Music Group is experiencing with Matt Warren is pretty bizarre.
Right! I really like College and Community Radio because they will dare to play stuff that they like and could take a long time to get onto mainstream music.
You can look at it through the metaphoric lens of college kids preparing for the real world and musicians preparing for the world of mainstream on college radio. Wake Up Music Group is in that in-between space right now, and once Wake Up Music Group hits the mainstream, it will be heartwarming to reflect upon the “college” days.
Yeah. I never forget the people who are with me in the beginning of things.
You have to choose not to. At times with working in the music industry, it is hard to remember your roots because you are immersed in tons of stimulus, around new faces and creating new ideas. But you really do have to choose to take care of those who took care of you. Those people carry such a piece of soul within the journey.
Yes. Carry is the word there. Those people have carried others and me when not a lot of other people would have paid attention. I do have to say that my “Welcome Back” into the music industry has been astounding. The people that remember my Pepper Gomez stuff really get me. I kinda feel like the prodigal daughter because I did do my straight gig for so long, yet everyone is happy to see me back at it and I didn’t even know that people remembered or thought about that stuff that I did literally decades ago. It’s a beautiful thing to touch people like that. I saw people talking about Master Plan in South America online and that would really cheer me up. Back in the day, we didn’t have opportunity readily available for distributions. The record labels were smaller. It is a whole new ball game now.
Right. There are so many resources and tools readily available to all of us each and every day and it is our choice to maximize the tools at hand for our benefit or not. We are literally carrying around a mini computer around the clock. I don’t know about you but my phone is always with me, and almost always in my hand. We are able to create whatever we desire at any time of day at any place around the world. How could that not fire you up? You didn’t have that in the past.
It is incredible. It’s almost like there is a whole generation who doesn’t know what was going on back at that time. People are now able to experience a new way to consume music. Back in the Master Plan days, it was just a street thing and lifestyle that you were just consumed with whether you listened to the music or not. You couldn’t go into 7-11 and not hear the various mixes by the DJ’s because that is how prominent the House sound was back in the day. We would go out dancing every Friday and Saturday night. It was around the time around the heels of the New Wave time so that music blended into my work because you are always a reflection of what you are experiencing. I thought that creating a Record Label would be great because there are so many cool genres including Flamenco which is one of my loves. I will very cautiously say that I sang Flamenco because I like to be respectful of exactly where I’m at, yet at the same time, I did bring some live singing to our Flamencos troupe. Every piece of the puzzle is important, but I do give great respect to the people who I consider to be the true Flamencos.
Yes. There are those who spearhead genres and movements who have earned the respect. You have to choose to expand your own craft through observing their skill. You have to be respectful of the wolves in the pack. If you think that you’re the only wolf, you’ll never make it in the music industry. It’s all about the relationships that you have developed.
Absolutely. Not only the ones who came before you, yet also those who are absolutely the best at their craft. Some of music is a personal thing, but when you have heard something that is the best, you will never forget it.
Yes. Do you feel that you have stumbled upon newfound clarity in your purpose through being a part of the music industry again?
Yes. I really wanted to give some support to some of the artists that are practicing. I love giving all of the support possible to my artists. I am looking for the next act because Matt is zipping along and actually starting to work on his next disc. I have spoken to so many different artists who have asked me what they would be able to say and what wouldn’t fly which is crazy to me. I want my artists to be able to express themselves exactly as themselves. I am here to support you. I am not here to censor. I am not here to make sure that an artist gives me something that is commercial. I believe that when you put out something that is really pure and from the heart, it is going to touch people whether it hits the mainstream or not. I believe that we have to keep evolving for the better and that each musician is going to bring something different to the table. In regards to me creating my own music again as Pepper Gomez, I am going to put together my own station for sure and that is just going to be all of my old stuff. You would be surprised how many people have asked me when I was going to do my own thing, but my own thing will be so massive. I tend to not do anything small.
I don’t either, ever. It’s a mentality. I have a massive mentality. I couldn’t just put my eggs into one basket, it’s impossible. There are too many baskets in this world to dabble in.
It’s the Virgo thing. When I do something, I want to do it and I want to do it all in. It’s just the way we are. It feels good to do it that way to me. So when I do my own project, it’ll be a tribute album with remakes, my new House stuff, it’ll be my Experimental work and I would love to do something with my two sons, Sharkeyes and Baby Tac – the ET Boys. They are just putting out some beautiful and great stuff that I just love. I love their Hip-Hop. I love Artist Development although it is a really hard thing. As I am searching for the next group or artist, I know that I would love to take someone or a group of people and just move them right along. I believe that I can run a Record Label now, I didn’t believe it in the beginning.
You learn along the way. Consistency, asking questions, developing relationships and being humble have been the keys to any “success” that I have experienced. Being vulnerable and realizing that you don’t know it all in the music industry is so important.
Yes. It has been amazing how generous everyone has been ever since I have been back in the music industry.
The music industry is not a cruel place. I think that many do make it out to be a cruel place, yet those who do make it out to be cruel just aren’t pushing hard enough and/or aren’t taking the time to develop the right relationships. Those people are dealing with their own self-imposed distraction by carrying that belief. The music industry is a very open, welcoming and creative place if you want it to be.
Yes. I am blown away by the welcome. I am blown away by the support. My Promo Team like James Moore of Independent Music Promotions, Stevie B and Andrew Kitchen; they have taken me under their wing and educated the life out of me. I just love that. Having people that you can turn to to ask questions is an absolute blessing.
For sure. I will say that I have personally learned through experience that there are indeed those hardened souls in the music industry who intentionally won’t support you or aid in finding answers because they are insecure in their work and feel as though giving another an “advantage” would put them a step behind. It’s not like that. Let’s get two steps ahead, together.
Totally. That is what has been ultra encouraging to me. I am thrilled when people tell me that I am going to be a part of the music industry for a long time. I absolutely love music. If I could play music all day and carry along with the work that I have to do, I am happy. It is exciting to see what people can produce and what people can create in the studio. The experience in the studio is its own world where things can blossom within the music that you didn’t expect.
But where do they blossom from? The people. Not to toot your horn, one key component that I have recognized through working with you is that you invest in people. I think that it is so important to invest in others. You aren’t going to make it without a team in the music industry.
I personally believe that your path will be made known to you but you really have to pay attention and be alert. I feel that I have been blessed and lucky with people who have crossed my path and have taken the time to respond to me.
Dots have connected for you through simply choose to walk your path in the music industry once again. For instance, I perceive that you connecting with James Moore of Independent Music Promotions has opened so many doors for you without you even trying to open those doors. James does that. I have worked with James for years and he is one of the most consistent, driven, knowledgeable, kind and reliable people to work with. The opportunities that he creates for others through simply connecting people never ceases to amaze me.
Yes. As you know, I absolutely adore James. He took a chance on the very first disc that I pressed which was very novel with mixing House with Flamenco. James heard something within the release that just got Wake Up Music Group on the map. Otherwise, you may have never heard of that.
True. Tell us about some pieces of yourself that you are proud of beyond the music.
Music is my life, but at the core of my being is serving others. It is one of the things that fulfills me most. I enjoy feeding others. Whether I am cooking or bringing people someplace awesome to eat, I really enjoy feeding people. I believe that we are what we eat and we are kinda in dire straights actually because we have poisoned up the earth so bad.
We have. The poison is leading toward awareness though. I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but the rampant poison throughout the food industry is becoming so extreme that it is affecting individuals livelihood and wellbeing. The choice to consciously choose what we are putting on our fork and our plate creates the experience that is our lives.
Yes. I am going to pray that we take the negatives and turn them into positives. I like science a lot too and I hope that science finds some cures for the damages that we have done, but we have lived in a very selfish manner that I think ends up stifling everything. It’s not working for the long or short-term plan. I do love feeding people, but I am also heavy into physical fitness. I don’t believe that you can be happy if you aren’t feeling strong and healthy. I like going to the gym. I like my pole classes. I like anything that makes me feel strong. I do like to challenge myself. I mean, how many people at the age of 60-years-old do you know would have started pole?
That is amazing though, and you are subconsciously setting an example for others by having started pole dancing classes at your age. Life could just be beginning at 60-years-old. You never know what any other individual has experienced throughout their lifetime at any age, young or older, unless you ask. It could be a time of rebirth and renewal.
Yes! I am a solid intermediate now!
I love it. From my perception, dance and movement releases the mind and leads an individual into a state of flow.
Absolutely. I have been a dancer throughout my entire life and to me, pole has been like another branch of dance. I have been fighting to reduce violence throughout my whole life back in my professional years and it is a big issue to me. I believe that children have rights too. I am a huge human rights advocate and activist and in particularly for kids. If we raise kids with seeds of violence in our own homes under the disguise of discipline, what do we expect in the real world? The microcosm is always going to reflect the macrocosm, and yet in the final analysis we are all launched with baggage so we must use music, art, dance, science and/or anything that you can to heal yourself and reach a place where we can love. It sounds really cliche, but love is the saving force in the world.
Yes. Love is the most important force. It is so simple but we don’t get it. We are so bombarded with our own self-imposed pressures that we subconsciously neglect love. Love can fuel your creative fire and artistry.
Yes. I think that in the arts it is extra hard because you are interfacing with so many different individuals. It takes a lot of time and energy to find people who truly understand that the artist doesn’t relate to the world the same way that someone who has chosen not to embody that may have. Being an artist is so brave. It is so difficult to the point in which many artists need a day job while also creating art and on some days I think that is totally criminal because we should have the supports available so that the people that are artists can simply be the artists that they want to be and are.
A day job blocks creativity. I perceive that you do have to earn that place in which you are able to create art daily for a living and be art. You have to maintain it too. Where do you see Wake Up Music Group five years from now? What direction do you intend to take the Record Label in?
Okay. I only want to do and create music that I like. I started Wake Up Music Group with the intention that I was only going to work with endangered music, but I have come to the realization that endangered music is any music that I might like. I don’t want to close the doors on any particular genre. In a dream scenario, I would have a lovely library of productions from a lot of genres. Being an artist is a complex thing, and I want to work with people that are really artists. People that are actually composing, writing and making music is how I view the artists. It’s hard to do artist development with someone who thinks they know it all, you know? There is a certain way of thinking. It comes out of an artist naturally. Connecting people through the music is so important to me. I like to make music that makes people feel, dance and move. I think that movement is life and we need it so desperately. That’s not to say that we won’t put out songs that are deep, slow and sad because that is part of life too, but what I think Wake Up Music Group naturally gravitates toward is the music that helps me get through my day and that is Dance Music to me.
The more stagnant the body is, the more stagnant the mind becomes. Movement is life.
I can speak from this perspective. Many people think that getting old means that it is time to slow down and retire, but I think that the model is the exact opposite. You need to get busy, stay busy and stay active. It gives you the charge and energy to handle anything that life throws at you and as you may know, life can throw anything at you at any time.
LA Rockers, Beyond Unbroken, are a group of rebellious minds that are twisting and turning through their life experiences to lay all of their pain on the line throughout their artistry. I caught up with Vocalist/Bassist, Daimen Horrell, to discuss ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’, the importance of patience, staying creative while on the road and more.
Congrats on the success of ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’. Tell us about the creative and recording process. Did you expect the album to turn out how it did?
Thank you very much. The creative process for that record was very different and adventurous. At the time we were essentially a combination of two different families that didn’t know each other ,and seeing if we could write music together. All of us experienced in our own ways ,but we had no idea who we were as a band. Let alone what we would sound like. I knew personally though that it was gonna be great because we all just had a natural chemistry. It was really strange walking up to these two strangers, and after an hour of hanging out feeling like we knew each other for years. That said it came out great only a few things I’d change ,but that’s just me being a perfectionist.
If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?
I think for me it would just be to work on your patience.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I love social media I think if used right it’s the perfect tool for an artist. Part of me does miss the mystery of not knowing anything about artist other than their art. That being said though I’m a huge attention whore so it’s awesome.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
My biggest pride and joy is my son. I have a 9-year-old, and he’s just my whole world.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
For me it’s all about just keeping busy and staying creative. Of course there’s parties and fun times, but I always find staying creative is really the best thing. I love to draw, write songs on my iPhone, write screenplays for movies, anything to just keep my mind going.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
We love and appreciate all of you. Every single one of you makes it all worth it.
NYC Shock Rapper/Artist, Justin Symbol, is an enigma that is difficult to find out which is exactly the way that he likes being presented to the world. I caught up with Justin to discuss ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’, the importance of practicing self care, upcoming mini tour, “Star Daddy” and more.
Congrats on the release of ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.
With ‘Symbol Season’ I embraced my hip hop alter ego “Star Daddy”. It was about letting go of preconceptions and just having fun! I learned to trust my producer and do things I was afraid to do. One of these moments resulted in the most well known song, “Goldi”.
If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?
Practice self care and connect with others. Life doesn’t have to be a lonely race to the top of the trash heap of our society. Success means nothing if you’re not present and open to being able to enjoy it.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Every day is that struggle. The voice in my head saying “You’re nothing. Die.” I’ve wanted to give in to that, but then I keep fighting. I had some people close to me die lately and it became an affirmation of life. Like, these people believed in me. They gave into that voice, but I can be the example to others that they don’t have to! There is an amazing world out there if you’re open to seeing it.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think it obviously has the potential to be quite toxic but it’s also got great possibilities. Some real confidence and empowerment has blossomed. Also you have a lot of divisive “movements” which I question if they are even real or a scheme to tear people apart. All this stuff pitting us against each other, it’s not even worth focusing on. I can only do so much before I tune out. I always try to remember that perception is reality. Nothing can replace a real one on one human connection.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I have 5 years sober and have been privileged to maybe lead others toward that life style or at least show them that you can be sober and not super boring! I am also proud of my sexuality, and it seems to empower other people. I don’t put labels on myself but I exist outside the mainstream and I know that it can become a beacon to others who feel the same way. Life is too short to live in shame. I often forget how many people still do!
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I need to do way better in this area. For me, tour becomes this high that then saps my endorphins and I can become quite negative afterwards. I need to be better about making meetings, praying and meditating on the road. Exercise helps too! Toxic people are the worst because they can really drag you down and isolate you. Getting rid of those from my band was a big step in the right direction!
Reflect back to day one in the studio for ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’, would you have thought that the mixtape would have turned out the way it did?
I didn’t really know what to think. We started with the song “Artistic Shit” and from the beginning I knew we were not going to create a record like anything I was previously known for. The goal was to be totally free and allow ourselves to be upbeat, fun and positive with the music. Sometimes things got very silly. I’ve never laughed so much while making an album! I never thought we’d get so productive that we’d end up having 21 songs!
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour/show plans that you can fill us in about?
There will be a Justin Symbol West Coast mini tour in late Feb. I am bringing back the old school Justin Symbol vibe in a big way with a new live band of talented people. I’m very excited to reconnect with that part of myself, which I know the fans have been eager for.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Independent Rockers, Tetrarch, are leading from the heart and giving every ounce of their blood, sweat and tears to the music and bigger picture over the years. Having released their monster debut album, ‘FREAK’, it is evident that the band has started their engines and are ready for exciting years to come. I caught up with one of the most human and genuine shredders of our days, Diamond Rowe, to discuss the wild ride that Tetrarch has been on, perseverance as an independent artist, being happy on tour and much more.
Congrats on the success of your debut record, ‘Freak’. Tell us about the whirlwind of experiences that you have encountered through the release and what the record means to you.
Thank you! Honestly, this record has been so amazing for this band. Even more so than we initially anticipated. Everytime we thought the record had reached a satisfactory point for us something bigger and better would happen. From all of the radio play to all of the press and magazines the support was amazing and the fans we’ve made on this album cycle have been the best! Not to mention, the album is so descriptive of the type of band we are. In a way, we are outcasts. Always have been – but were respected and we are gaining some crazy opportunities from always being ourselves and knowing where we want to go. That’s what being a FREAK is all about.
You do a lot of “the work” of being a musician independently. I witness the extra effort that you put in with your fans and promo and it’s incredible. Tell us about your persistence with Tetrarch.
Tetrarch is our life. Our goal is to be one of the biggest Hard Rock/Metal bands in the entire world and that doesn’t come easy. That’s going to take a lot of hard work for a very long time and I am fully committed and ready for that. Tetrarch is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last when I fall asleep at night and I love every up and down of this journey. I also have so much faith in what we are doing. The plans we have for the near future are pretty insane and things that I only dreamed of so it’s easy to stay motivated when you see results like that.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
That’s a tough one because any discouraging thought I have is pretty quickly fleeting. I know where we want to go and I’m pretty confident that we are going to get there so if I do have a moment of discouragement, I snap out of it pretty quickly. Sometimes things may not happen at the exact moment that I want them to, but over time I’ve seen that even in those cases they usually end up happening at some point and it all ends up being worth it if I just continue on and don’t let it get to me. Having said all of that, I definitely am not perfect.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think it has its goods and bads for sure. It’s amazing how easy we can all connect with each other and get our content out there for everyone to see. Especially when you’re in a band or an artist of some sort. You can reach an incredible amount of people – I have met so many people in my industry through social media who I am now extremely close with. It’s great in that sense. It can also be negative because there are a lot of fakes out there that can create a perception of who they are or the talent that they have and sometimes it turns out to not be real which is disappointing!
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Honestly, I’m super proud of my tenacity with things that I really want. I have been that way my entire life – If theres something that I really want, I always go and get it. Now, there’s a negative effect to that as well – If it’s something I don’t care about, I DON’T CARE and nothing can make me do it. It’s a pretty interesting dynamic but I am proud of my record of being able to become the best at anything I set my mind to.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I LOVE being on the road! Traveling to new cities and meeting new people that love Tetrarch brings me immense joy. I think me and the guys in the band are genuinely lucky in that sense. We all really enjoy being on the road. Van, bus, plane, it doesn’t matter. We’re best friends and we always have a blast. We were lucky enough to have started touring when we were younger so we learned all of the do’s and don’ts early so everything is pretty smooth sailing for us now. For me personally, I usually just need a second alone sometimes to just have some quiet time. Even if that’s for 10 minutes once a week – It’s usually more beneficial than I even thought it would be. Staying connected with loved ones is pretty crucial too. Helps you stay grounded and know that you do have a support circle out there that really believes in what your doing and is proud of you. At Least – that helps me a lot and has kept me strong.
You have toured with some of your favorite musicians over the past few years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I wouldn’t say that we have necessarily gained any words of wisdom per say but I will say that a lot of the bands that we have toured with these last few years have reaffirmed what we already believed in doing. We’ve always tried to be professional on the road – show up to venues on time (early), be respectful of the bands and crew, and play our hearts out every single night and a lot of the bands that we have toured with have taken notice of that and made mention of it which feels really good. As an up and coming band it feels great to know when you’re doing things right and up to par.
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour plans that you can fill us in about?
We are definitely going to be doing a lot of touring in 2019. That’s actually what a lot of our focus is on now with planning for the year and it’s so exciting. I can’t wait to be able to announce it all!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
I just want to say thank you for the support over the last year. Everything has truly been amazing for this band and we see the benefits of it everyday. Also – keep your eyes peeled on our socials and website etc for all of the announcements that we are about to drop. We’re about to take things to the next level for sure!
New York Rockers, Kore Rozzik, are aware of the reality of the music industry and are navigating it from a place of ensuring that their truth is at the forefront. Having recently released their new album, ‘Vengeance Overdrive’, I caught up with the gang to discuss responsibility as an artist, being your own worst critic as an artist, social media being a tool they haven’t fully learned how to crack and more.
Congrats on the release of ‘Vengeance Overdrive’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.
I really wanted to create a fun interesting story. Make Kore an iconic figure with a story and a goal in mind. A big motivation for the record was the fact that I had experienced so much prejudice and judgement from the local scene. I truly had a lot of hardships and the art truly imitates life. Vengeance is a record based in NYC and Kore’s desire to not just become a successful musician but to silence the haters and in some cases literally. It’s a fantasy horror story in many ways. The songs slowly started to organically create the vision that I had. I learned that sometimes the songs will show you the way and can further inspire more songs. Especially once you know that you are doing a concept album. The recording process was pretty smooth with our team. They knew how to showcase our talents and bring life to what we wanted to display.
If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?
Save your money because you’re gonna need it. Half of the stuff you are worried about right now won’t matter in a few years.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I think as artists we are our own worst critics. Doubt is constantly coming into our minds. We can be our own worst enemy. But you have to see this is a blessing. Even though at times it is a curse. We have the ability to create and inspire. Experience things in a way most other people won’t or could ever understand. Being in a rock band big or small is a unique thing.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think that in a way it’s a great tool but it is still a code I haven’t fully learn to crack. I think sadly a lot of quality music is lost in the shuffle due to over saturation online. Many things are cherry picked to the top of the line.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I take pride in the fact that I’m a very gray person. Open-minded. We are all influenced at times but I see things in my own way. I can see through the media and political agendas. At Least I think I do. I just don’t let certain things affect me the way I see others. EIther people swayed so extremely or just feeling so strongly about something in an anger driven way.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I do my best to get sleep. Many bands don’t do hotels at our level for cost purposes. I however need the rest. It’s the only way to maintain my voice and my sanity. I also bring on the road what I call my “medicine bag”. It contains many vitamins and supplements for immunity and anxiety. I do my best to socialize with fans that are positive and loving. Have a few shots of crown to take the edge off but within reason.
Life in New York must be so creatively inspiring. Tell us about your experience in NYC and how it has enhanced your artistry.
NYC has been a mixed bag for me honestly. Hence the moniker” The bastard child of NYC”. I think it motivated me to be the person I am today. Fueled by frustration and competition. I never felt truly supported by my peers. But I think that drove me to be harder and stronger. That’s why the first record is so aggressive. I had to prove a point and surpass many others that doubted me. What NYC has taught me the most is this: Be aggressive, hustle but be humble. If you do that then people outside your circle will like you and want to help you. I think that’s something that a lot of NYC lacks.
Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour plans that you can fill us in about?
Right now we are working on booking some of our headlining tours and also looking out for some solid supporting slots as well. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Keep spreading the word for us. It means more than dollars. YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram; everywhere and anywhere. Thank you to everyone that has done the right thing in 2018. Kore Locos are the best. See you next year! Don’t be a bozo.
California Songstress, Alexa Melo, lets down her guard in a empowering manner that showcases the personal growth and assurance that she continues to cultivate within as a human being. In celebration of the release of her latest EP, ‘MUTE’, I caught up with Alexa to discuss what she learned throughout the recording process, choosing not to damage your identity through the criticism of others, living in California and more.
Congrats on the recent release of the ‘Mute’ EP. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.
Thank you! Well, the first song I recorded on ‘MUTE’ is called “Loyalty”. This was 6 months after a vocal cord surgery I underwent, and being mostly mute for months. So, I sang these songs in a much more timid and raw tone than anything else I’d ever done – my voice was still healing and I was not feeling myself. “Loyalty”, along with the rest of the songs featured on this EP, I recorded and produced alone in my bedroom. I was able to take my time and be patient with my voice, but also become more honest with my lyrics without feeling the judgement of others. I learned that being patient with myself and my writing is super important no matter how long it takes.
Share some words of wisdom that you have received along your journey as a musician that can serve to inspire others.
Never allow others to change your creative direction through scrutiny or criticism. It’s great to take constructive critiques and apply where it resonates with you, but never allow others to bully you into becoming something you’re not. This happens a lot in the industry and it’s never worth the damage it can ultimately do to your identity.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
The way that people make you feel about yourself is ultimately how you feel about yourself with or without them. I’ve had to learn to validate myself and not turn to others to provide that for me.
You’re currently based in California. Tell us about how living on the West Coast has served to influence your artistry.
Having lived in LA for 12 years and recently moving to the Bay Area, I’ve noticed that even between LA and the Bay, the artistic scenes and influence vary. Living in California means that motivated and talented artists are seemingly always around you – because they all seem to flock here to be in the industry. So, inspiration is on tap here and I love it.
Thinking back to day one in the studio for the ‘Mute’ EP, did you think that the release would have turned out anything like it did?
No. I had no idea it would be so dark, and that the visual aesthetic would be so dark as well. On day one, I didn’t know what would occur in the year to come. So many more unexpected hardships came my way, but at the end of the day I’m so pleased with the result of this EP.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
No drugs and lots of sleep. I’m pretty boring!
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I could go on and on about this, but I’ll spare you. There are so many pros and cons to discuss, especially when referring to the music industry and all the ways this digital era has affected it. My perspective is constantly shifting about this. Some days i feel like an old man cursing the “new way”! On other days i feel blessed being apart of this surreal, futuristic reality. What I am sure of though, is that I think there’s a balance we desperately need to all achieve to be a healthier, happier species. We have fallen way too deep into a technological world and I’m fairly certain it’s taking an unforgiving toll in how our minds work and how our brains are developing. Just in my lifetime, I’ve seen the way people interact with each other and the world change drastically in ways that are not positive. I think the internet is creating a false sense of connection while it’s actually creating distance between us. Not only that, I think it could also be turning us against each other in a sense. Not to mention the fact that vanity and narcissistic behavior is accepted and even encouraged now, especially in the younger generations. I’m concerned about how this will all affect us mentally as we age.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Despite what you may believe upon looking at and listening to my art, I love to laugh and make people laugh. I’m a goofball; any darkness I may feel gets immediately filtered with art. I’m actually quite light-hearted.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
