Everything came organically really, it was back in high school where it really began. I wrote poems on my phone to pass time and didn't think much of it at the time you know, I didn't really fit in anywhere but I like to see it as I fit in everywhere. But it really began after graduating, I met up with an old Rasta friend who would freestyle on the street , we decided to meet up one day and it was my turn in the rotation, I wasn't sure how to freestyle though so I pulled out the poems on my phone and just sang my heart out. I remember everyone after was like "whoa! , I'ma have to step up my skills" but honestly I was surprised the most, I was more in love with the feeling. It felt right , like a passion burning inside of me. Like a flame radiating from my heart, I felt soulful in that moment. We then started a rap group, we went by the name "mixed prophetz" it was all boombap that og shit with a god complex. And we disbanded right before covid hit, and I decided to go solo and here we are.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
Biggest challenges, I think the difficult part is the learning process on mixing and mastering and the business aspect of music , I think everyone has their own style when you engineer music, but i think its what makes you stand out , it's what sounds good to your ear and makes you feel the music, you know that sweet spot to the soul. I remember sitting down when covid hit and I would microdose on mushrooms, I would study on Youtube University, just focused on mixing and mastering, writing , structure in songs, tones, pitches, flow all that good stuff.
"My dad always said, where there's a way, there's a will" I remember being broke and having no money for studio time, so I got hired at Amazon and I was delivering parcels, before delivering rhymes and I built my home studio with the hustle. I got tired of my excuses. And I'm saying this because finance was a big challenge. Snoop dog worked at McDonald's before he became a rapper so shoutout to snoop for the influence.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I'm heavily influenced by XXXTentacion, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doors, Nirvana, Three Days Grace,Saint Jhn and Rauw Alejandro. I grew up listening to rock, metal and alternative music. But I'm universal now.
How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics and melodies?
It's shifted heavily these few years I write a song In a day now, I find a good preset and I'll practice on the mic and rewrite heavily, until I find a good melody and rhyme to it while still keeping a poetic stance to it. Lyrics are inspired from my self development, spiritual/religious studies, supernatural occurrences, relationships, and daily life situations with all the full spectrum of emotions.
What can listeners expect from your upcoming album or project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
I think progress in style, presence and embracing my unique sound, with a lyrical melodical message. I've been working every day to evolve my craft, I hope they hear and feel my personal development in my music . The new album Heavens devil & Hells wanted angel MMXXIII
is about duality in life and experience within both sides of that spectrum.
How has your background or life experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Growing up in Baldwin Park 626 was rough I grew up in the rockabilly/psychobilly/punk/metal scene and it was savage from fights, stabbings,drinking,12, moshpits, sex drugs n rock n roll let's say that. It made me see light in the darkness and helped me mature into looking for "Inner Shiloh" which is peace. But I can tap into that animal when I need him.
Can you talk about a particularly memorable or inspiring performance you've had, and what made it special?
My first performance in my neighbor's yard it was the most memorable, the band goes by tidal the wave, shoutout to my bros. I remember being nervous before the show and I was practicing in my room and I remember embracing the nervousness and meditating on it. Soon after we went on stage and everyone was vibing to my part and I was hyped as fuck. That night was a vibing with the crowd type of night.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what message do you want to convey through your art?
I hope to help them feel and heal and provide a new perspective through my life experiences. I've been recently looking for my mission and message in my music through my spiritual journey. So I visit a shaman regularly who helped me find my purpose. The more I heal the more I can heal the listener. And hopefully give hope in someone's life and let them know everything is ok, we are here together.
How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes as an artist?
It's grown drastically, from TikTok to internet to nfts and ticket prices , but of course we have to adapt and overcome but nothing beats word of mouth it's more powerful. I studied Russ and how he grew his fanbase as an independent artist and grew connections, so he influenced me in the business aspect of the music industry. And still learning.
What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are just starting out in the industry?
Be yourself, find yourself, do some soul searching and study laws of the universe. Embrace your uniqueness, because there's only one of you and that's powerful.