I am really proud of my single "Kindness" that was officially selected for the New Media Film Festival. I find it so important to share more kindness with the world.
LUV - Kindness: Lyric Video
I am also really excited about my Halloween release "Book of Spells" I had a great time collaborating with my team in Canada Lyric Vids in creating a visual that mirrored the fun message of Halloween.
My main role on my projects is taking an idea, vibe, essence, and message in music to completion with synchronization to picture in mind. It could be a hook, melody, phrase,or prompt that gets me started. Some creations take a little longer. Similar to podcasting, some episodes have a natural flow and some have a little more editing. I love sharing the creative process and tapping into the zone of creative flow. There is never one way of doing things and other creatives constantly inspire my creativity.
One day I was free-styling in my car in Los Angeles and the next moment my friend Phoenix asked me to freestyle a birthday rap at her party in Hollywood. This is where I met producer/artist Bslade where we recorded my first single #HONEY in 2013. Ever since my first recording experience I was hooked. Growing up I would listen to all sorts of music: Earth, Wind, & Fire, Missy Elliot, Biggie, Tupac, Madonna, Brittney Spears, and Avril Levine. I have evolved into listening to not only pop and hip hop, but also EDM and world music. I love dance music. I really enjoy how the groove and tempo gets us to move.
Hands down MIssy Elliot is the first artist that influenced me in music. I also am inspired by Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, David Bowie, Madonna, and the list goes on. I love music especially when it is unique and has a signature sonic.
I also love songwriting in making a song meaningful. Some of my favorite songwriters are Diane Warren, Sarah Hudson, and Max Martin to name a few.
I have been very fortunate on my musical journey to have met some of my music heroes. I have kept growing and have been so lucky to meet so many artists, musicians, mentors, and friends along the way including Dave Isaacs, Victoria Theodore, Dale Edward Chung, Dave Tweedie, Morris Hayes, Tra’zae Clinton, Maat Hotep, Reuben Cohen, Jonathan “AnonXmous” Solone Myvett, Larry Dunn, Diane Warren, Cindy Weiner, Nitanee Paris, DuWayne Phinisey, and Sam Knaak.
One frustration was that I ended up working with a music producer for over five years that wasn't aligned with my artistic expression. But, for myself I found it a huge opportunity to grow because it ignited my passion to dig further into my songwriting and production, music creation, and my why. It was actually a massive win, because there is a huge blessing in the lesson if you find it. I now approach collaborations with a mindful approach on how I can add my creativity and skills to elevate the aligned target whether that is a sync minded collaboration or artist project.
One of my favorite tools since I work primarily in the box is Plug-in Alliance plugins. I could go on forever about all the amazing plugins they have. My top four I use in almost every record is Black Box HG-2, Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Brainworkx bx cirspytuner, and Maor Appelbaum Mastering The Oven.
I will say it in two words: Keep going!
Everyone starts as a beginner so enjoy experimenting and failing forward so you find your voice and the tools to help you get to your creative genius. Fall in love with the process of growth in your journey.
I have been using headphones in my art for over 10 years. And even before that as a consumer of music. I only work in the box so my headphones are an essential part of my mixing and mastering processing. Headphones are like my heart beat in creating music. It is the core tool I use in shaping the sonics around the concept, message, and idea. The moment I put on my headphones I am transported into pure creative expression. My headphones are the one thing I bring everywhere I travel.
Audeze has heavily elevated my workflow for the best. I shifted my attention to focus on quality and not just quantity... I hear and see where sounds may clash much more than I did in my previous headphones and being that I work completely in the box this has been a game changer.
I have also been able to elevate the way I collaborate with producers, artists, songwriters, and engineers because I now can really hear the frequency band legibly. I used to love overlapping sounds that would muddy the mix and now I embrace and love simplicity and weaving sounds that help the vocal shine in the mix.
I am now working on several projects with various collaborators domestically and internationally on projects for music libraries, sync agents, film, tv, and streaming projects. I am also working with a publisher and a fantastic team where we help elevate each other's work through feedback. I would say without Audeze, I would not have been as aware of how each instrument and frequency is carefully crafted in a way for the listeners enjoyment. There is an art to sound and Audeze is the best headphone equipment to help illustrate that picture.
I have been working on several projects for film, television, streaming, and videogames. I just finished a song with a collaborator Joe Cameron for a Fortnite brief called 'Level up' and have been working on several fun unreleased projects geared toward storytelling and evoking emotions. In my 2024 releases, I am planning to share songs that I have worked with several producers and collaborators. I have one project I am very excited about that is an EDM single with a producer in Peru and co-writer in Florida called 'Reach the Sky' which just released.
Also, I am launching Season Three of the Limitless podcast that I host (here's an episode with Audeze co-founder Sankar Thiagasamudram!). I originally started it to honor Norm MacDonald and so proud I have been able to continue the legacy in sharing insights from creatives for creatives. I use my Audeze to record and edit each episode and they have been really helpful in identifying frequencies and EQing things to make sure my guests sound the best possible given that the tape is from all over the world.