rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
It’s never the same to be honest. Most of the time my writing starts with the music- there is a chord or a melody I have and it gives a feeling. I often ask the people I’m with how that music makes them feel. And I go from there. it can also be the other way around. I have this story I wanna tell and then my job is to find the music to give the life and emotion I feel that story has.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Honesty.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
Yes and no. The beautiful thing about music is it’s a form of story-telling. There are different ways to tell the same story and you don’t always have to share every detail of your life for something to have an impact on another. I feel I can give away just enough in some songs. There are other times I don’t hold back and most of those have gone unreleased but it feels good to write about. It is for sure a form of therapy.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
I don’t really think I can answer that. All my music has its own meaning to me. My song “West Coast” felt good to let go of, for sure.
What inspired “Sad Season”, your latest song?
It’s funny I was talking to one of my managers the other day and that song really just happened. I was in the studio writing with my friend August 08 for his project and all the sudden this song happened and it just felt right. Sometimes it happens like that and the lyrics just come out- I try not to over think it on days like that. Song was wrapped up in about an hour.
And “West Coast”?
“West Coast” is really my perception and experiences of growing up in a Midwest, Christian home and coming to LA. It was a big change and not every moment was or has been beautiful. There is a lot of shit here. Finding real people, hobbies, staying healthy. All of it. It’s a beautiful city with a lot of demons. “West Coast” is me getting that off my chest.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Better Off”?
Haha I do, it was actually about a year ago at a studio in Burbank. I remember driving home listening to the record with the biggest smile on my face. Being able to create is something special.
What are your plans for 2018?
Well the year has flown by! A lot has happened for me. Signed my first record deal. Put out music I’m really proud of and now the remainder of the year will be releasing a couple more songs and also going on a West Coast tour with XYLØ & Corey Harper. Really looking forward to every moment! Life is a blessing.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your new song “Sad Season”: Emotion.
- The best show you ever played: I’ve played some great shows alone in my apartment haha. I feel I give the same energy in every show I play. There hasn’t been one that I’ll put at the top just yet. However, I always enjoy the house shows in Venice! Especially at Winston House.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Good fruit.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Oh man. All I listened to was worship growing up. However, I loved the Disney soundtracks of Tarzan and Spirit as a kid. Still do.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: “Wise Man” – Frank Ocean.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Don’t try to save somebody because you can’t save yourself. Happiness comes from within. I feel like too many people search for it in others rather than look to share it. Learn to be alone so you can learn to be together. Love yourself. Be patient. Be kind. 🖤
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