Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, how did your environment shape your musical aspirations and style?
Growing up in Madison it has never really been known for music or a music city but I always found myself discussing music while at the Boys & Girls club then I got introduced to the rapper Rob Dz who started a class there called rappers workshop where I learned to rap and love music even more.
Can you share how your studies at Madison Media Institute influenced your approach to music production and business?
Studying at MMI opened so many doors I went with the purpose to learn how to engineer and become a more dynamic producer. I learned a lot from many different industry professionals learning skills that I still carry with me to this day. As far as business it landed me some decent gigs as an engineer too. I got to work at Trax52 where they won a grammy for producing Arrested Development and being able to start my own business as an artist and entrepreneur.
You’ve been compared to artists like Kid Cudi and J. Cole. How do you feel about these comparisons, and how do you define your unique sound?
I listen to Cudi & Cole a lot. Their music has definitely influenced my sound production wise along with some of the way I write because they are uniquely creative and I feel that I am as well. And honestly that is an honor because they have had great careers!
What inspired you to blend genres like indie, backpack rap, and R&B in your music?
Music is universal so being able to blend the styles wasn’t hard. I grew up listening to Motown, lots of oldies along with R&B and of course Rap and I just liked to make things that sound pleasant to my ears. So I listened to many different things growing up that I just made all work along with the education I received while wanting to become better.
Can you discuss the significance of your studio “Born To Dream” in your creative process?
Born to Dream is actually my business and Born To Dream Studios is where the magic happened. It is just a space that I love to keep the vibes of my soul at and create I use color lights for my mood to feel inspired and I create from there in the space sometimes it’s happy & motivational other times its pensive and sad but its a place where I want to create relatable vibes and music.
What was the inspiration behind “My Season,” and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
My Season’s inspiration comes from me starting to take the next journey as an Artist starting to walk into my greatness. I dropped The Perception got decent reviews but felt like I still had some growing to do so this single is the start of the next season of Me showing you what I’ve learned and honed in my craft. I want listeners to take that message and run with it the same way I have because we are all in different seasons growing but need to know it is truly your season to really win!
How did the collaboration with BOBdAHIPPIE come about, and what was the creative process like?
I have worked with BOBdAHIPPIE so much, that is my brother. I have recorded him and always enjoyed his vibe. I was in the studio just creating and started with piano then the drums and bass line that has allowed it to breathe I didn’t want it to do too much but not be to lazy too.
The track blends motivational lyrics with elements of hip-hop, indie, and blues. How did you achieve this fusion?
I always want to be relatable with everything I do in music. I don’t want the listener to feel disconnected so this is why I blend motivation with these other elements because music is universal no matter the genre someone can feel when you’re happy, sad, motivated and so on.
We all are living life and I just write from that way someone may not get this one but may get the next one.
Can you elaborate on the production techniques you used to create the song’s vibrant energy?
I just went in trying to create something that felt good to the soul. The piano was the first thing I connected with just giving you that uptempo motivated feeling. Then my drums I use as a heart beat so that you can feel the life in them. I space everything out so it feels like you’re in a room that is controlled but grooving. And besides the piano and drums I’m also a big fan of my voice. So when I write I want it to be heard and felt as well and the same thing with BOB so I wanted to make sure our voices stood out in it too.
What challenges did you encounter while producing “My Season,” and how did you overcome them?
It honestly took me a couple years to get everything I wanted done to it from the sound to the vibe because I was chasing perfection. I am still growing creatively so I have started to put more things out and stop chasing the perfection My Season is that step forward honestly and just listening to the song and putting it out was a stepping stone to overcoming challenges
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories from the recording sessions you’d like to share?
I was in the studio. I had just finished my verses for the song but I didn’t have a hook and I had sent BOB the song and he hit me like I need to get on that. So he pulled up and we worked. I let him get in his vibe. He started muttering then making words then set up in the studio so he could record. We did a few takes and that is what became and how it worked. It wasn’t too crazy, just two guys who love to create and vibe
