Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
I grew up in a time when Black radio was incredible. Listening to K104 in Dallas, TX. was truly inspiring. Plus, my parents were music enthusiasts. They had incredible records in the house, like Parliament, Betty Davis, David Bowie, just cool artists. That was the start of my passion and attachment to music. Today, I am just the product of music fandom and independent Hip Hop expression.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I am a fan first. I do what I like first and foremost. Every time I hear someone I am fond of or a new artist snapping, it keeps me energized and ready to do my thing.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
The real challenge is knowing what to spend. You must spend money and time consistently. You gotta may wise decisions. How you budget those two resources determines everything.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
I think like a filmmaker. I start with images and color schemes and visual tones. Then I add a theme of some sort. Some people call it “world building,” Then, just like in making movies, I make the soundtrack after I figure out the mood I want to create, how I am going to look, and the rhymes, which are the lines.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I keep my needs far from my wants. I have an incredibly supportive wife who is a successful business leader in her own right. I run a sports bar by day and become Doc STRANGE at night. I literally create a budget for myself as a family man and me as an artist. I am a true Gemini in that regard.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
Not being from New York, L.A. or Atlanta is the challenge. I am in a scene that is warm and creatively vibrant. But it’s not an industry city. There is a lack of bonified music businesspeople. I really gotta travel and be on my social media networking game.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
I feel like streaming is about discovery. The money is so miniscule. I create experiences and exclusive merch offers at the end of the streaming “rainbow”. I am going to increase the velocity of content to create that trail to the good stuff. It sounds simple, but within that is the challenge of staying in front of literally thousands of others trying to do that exact same thing. I just stay solid and wait for God to smile upon me.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
I have worked with so many talented brothers and sisters. I need to do it more. It sparks me up, makes me want to really show out. The listener benefits from that type of energy. Career-wise, it creates options to put together different creative products. You can start a live band, do animation, producer/emcee projects, whatever. The sky is truly the limit.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
I am the return of cold blooded Black cool. In a world on random goofiness, I stand for the anti-hero and the romanticized villain. The sound is spicy.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Man, we are outside. Ain’t nobody cooped up with a mask watching Versuz. All that live stream stuff is dead, unless you are just huge and established. I am into pop ups, producer showcases, fashion expos, anything that gets people out the crib.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
I have a song called “2AM” I am currently pushing. It is inspired by coming up, late 90’s, in the hood clubs of the south. Places where you can smoke weed up in. A place to experience loose erotic dancing and violence. It is a distinct vibe you just must know about to appreciate.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
I am doing more production, for sure, I want to produce an artist’s project top to bottom, I want to make my name in that lane. I am going to direct more visuals, and not just for myself. My entire catalog is up for vinyl release as well, that’s on the calendar. Look out for merch drops that really can be appreciated. Not just cheaply made BS, but some solid stuff for true believers.
