Tag Archives: YouNow

Kiearra Scruggs: Adorable, Talented Cuteness

Kiearra
This is Kiearra Scruggs. She writes, sings, and an avid music lover. Oh and I forgot to mention that she is pretty darn adorable. The 19 year old Farmington Hills (Detroit), Michigan native once broadcasted on the magical social media website called, “YouNow.” She also has a vlog on YouTube Channel where she talks about things she cares about. Kiearra to talked with me about her love of music, her love for the King of Pop Michael Jackson, her future, and other cool facts.  This kind-hearted young lady has an old soul which is quite refreshing.
Read and enjoy!
#1: When did music, singing, and writing become your three loves? Do you have a particular one that you love the most out of the three?
Probably when I was about five years old. I remember when I was in Kindergarten and we had to make a little project showing what we wanted to be when we grow up. For me it was a either doctor or singer. I found this picture of Brandy and slapped it on the paper. When I was little my biggest inspiration in singing was actually Aaliyah. Every time her videos came on I was always out in the living room singing and dancing along. 
 
As for dancing, I learned my first dance when I was actually younger. It was James Brown’s “I Feel Good.” When I learned this, I was no younger than four years old. Oddly, I shall not lie. 
 
I actually wrote my first song, when I was 10 years old. I would always travel with my Papa (grandfather) when I was little and when we stopped at rest-stops I would get these Activity Books. The ones where you make words out of the little picture codes and etc. One of the activities was to write a song for Barbie. Instead of this 10 year old writing a little song about her favorite cartoon or something, I wrote a love song. And like the little talent I was, I showed it to everyone, wishing I still had it though. I have always been on the creative side, I guess because when I was little I would always want to sing about love at the earlier ages. 
 
Singing along with Aaliyah had a toll on me as a little kid. My mom would always look at me like and say “Child?” Even though, through my childhood I wanted to sing, dance and do all types of stuff musically, I think I realized how much it meant to me when I was about 15 years old. A few months before I was starting to feel very uninspired, just by the kind of mainstream music I was raised on. One day I woke up and music just wasn’t touching me anymore. I would say out of the three I love music the most, because without music itself I wouldn’t have been able to have the blessing of the other two.

#2: You have so many nicknames. On the magical social website called “YouNow,” where you broadcasted quite a bit, one of your nicknames is “Little Oprah.” How did that nickname came about? 
The nickname, “Little Oprah” came along by, Eddie (my Ellen) actually. I was just kidding around because, I was ecstatic to have over 100,000 coins from going on before Tre Melvin once and I started giving away coins like crazy. Like I was a Younow Millionaire. I kept implying that I was the Oprah of Younow and Eddie heard it and he started saying it and somehow Timothy started addressing me by it.
#3: Michael Jackson is one of your biggest musical influences ever. When did your infatuation with this iconic artist began? What it is about MJ that makes you draw to his music and connect with it? 
Michael Jackson became, someone I adored and became so inspired by was probably two weeks after June 25, 2009 the day he passed. Not, because I felt sorry, about dodging good music for almost 15 years of my life, but because he helped me restored something in my heart that I was actually starting to not love anymore, which was music. I remember music just started getting meaningless and all the music I listened to was on BET. Yeah I got into James Brown but that was “I Feel Good,”” It’s a Man “World,” “Black and I’m Proud” and that’s all. When I was growing up I wanted to sing, but never really had inspiration anymore after Aaliyah passed, because she wasn’t something really playing on the radio anymore or her videos weren’t really on T.V. When I first saw and listened to Thriller, I realized there were things I needed to change in my life which a few months later it caused me to want to get into Stevie Wonder and other artists in music, that would inspire me so. He inspired me so much as an artist because he taught me to finally open my eyes and just realize some things. He helped me finally set standards for myself which I think every artist needs to do.
#4: You have a Vlog Channel on YouTube with about 200 plus followers. Can you share what your Vlog is all about? How is it different than the other channels that are out there? 
My Vlog on Youtube used to be about my music, I’m one inspired artist, but I’m one critical person to myself as well. I’ll would put one video up and then I’m like: “What the Hell was I thinking?” Which causes me to take videos down. As for now my Youtube channel its about just making videos to help someone smile. Which I want to do with my music one day once I get a better camera and reorganize myself music I will be back on there as well.
#5: Share five facts about you that your fans may be surprised to know.
 
One. I almost fell out of love with music before. 
Two. I can actually dance seems a little impossible since, I act too shy at times, but I even danced in my 5th grade talent show, because music just gave me that much joy and dancing was my escape from everything. 
Three. I love to bake; I love to make everything from homemade. 
Four. I love to sing, but I get nervous a lot when I plan to do it. Like I’ll get all excited to sing and then when it’s time to sing I’m not putting in my all at times, like on Younow, I sing Alto rather than Soprano which is in my range. 
Five. I’m actually very close to my parents than like doing normal teenage stuff. I rather be around them. There’s a reason, because I was sick a lot as a child, so that’s who I was around more of, just stating so no one will think I’m all crazy.
#6: Who are some of your other musical influences besides MJ? 
 
Mariah Carey is one of my influences and though I don’t listen to Aaliyah and James Brown as much anymore, without them I probably wouldn’t still be the same Kiearra.
#7: If you could pick 5 to 10 songs to represent the “Soundtrack of your life” which would they be? Explain why. 
Kirk Franklin- I Smile. This song explains it all.
Marvin Sapp- Never Would Have Made It 
Michael Jackson- Heal the World. Mostly, because, I’m that kind of person who just wants to help everyone as much as I can. 
Mariah Carey- There’s Got to be a Way. 
James Brown- I Feel Good. I say this song, because I’m just a person who’s probably always in that kind of mood.
#8: Random Question: What are some of your favorite TV shows that you are watching right now?
Awkward, Chicago Fire, A Different World, The Cosby Show, Rugrats, Spongebob and the list doesn’t quite end.
#9: Where do you see yourself in your music career 10 years from now? 
 
I see myself, on stage doing concerts and writing music for other artists. Though, sometimes I even say, Kiearra maybe you are aiming to high, but each day when I picture myself actually doing it, I know I’m doing something right.
#10: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you would like to share with the readers or your fans to share about? 
Sadly, no.
I would like to thank Kiearra for allowing me to interview her. I wish her nothing but love, happiness, and success in everything that she does. She is truly a talented individual that one day I hope that her gifts will be shown to the world.
Here are her links to check (and subscribe) to her YouTube Channel and to follow her on Twitter:
Twitter: @Kiearra_Delois – https://twitter.com/Kiearra_Delois
Aim high for your dreams and never look back. Keep your dreams alive. You know never know when one of them will take flight.
Stay Classy, Homies ^_^

Tap Tap, Ladies and Gentlemen

taptap2
Ryan Bradley aka Tap Tap (Born in New York, raised in Tacoma, Washington) is an incredible talent with a style and delivery that sets himself apart from any other hip-hop artist out there. He has a wide range of musical tastes from RUN DMC to Def Lepoard. Music was always and continues to be around him. It really shows through in his music. I interviewed the hip-hop lyricist about life, his career, and his future.
 
#1: For awhile you went by the stage name, “Nerdy Boy Jr.” Now you have changed your name from Nerdy Boy Jr. to “Tap Tap.” Can you explain the meanings of both of those names and share the reason for the name change?
I’ve always gone by Tap Tap. Nerdy Boy Jr. is just a side aka for me. While I was working on my album That is still in the making today “Reloaded,” I wanted to create something creative for my followers while they wait this out. So I created Nerdy Boy Jr. It was always my aka in past projects albums are done like the “Re-Introduction,” thats on iTunes right now. TAP TAP is who I am and will always be. Nerdy Boy Jr is a small aka I wanted to use to step outside the box wIth my lyrics. 
But make sure you check NERDY BOY JR. Clothing coming soon.

#2: When did music became your first love, especially Hip-Hop?

Music, in general became my first love, but Hip-Hop just stood out to me more. I was writing songs at the age of 11. I just love the vibe rappers in the past used to send of by rhyming words together is creative ways, and rapping also got me the girls. So I guess that works too. Just Kidding!

#3: Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?

Michael Jackson being the first. He just knew how to create something that wasn’t yet created in the music world. I’ve been inspired by his music, era, and just his drive to be the best that he could be. Always competing with the old you.

#4: While reading your brief bio, it stated that you “listened to everything from Run DMC to Def Leopard.” Based on your wide range of musical influences, how does that translate in terms of defining your own sound? 

Run DMC always went outside the box with their music. Def Leopard always made the hard hitting lyrics and music.  I want to be able to join the two together to create my own sound.

#5:  What was the very first rhyme you wrote as you were an up and coming lyricist?

Don’t Really remember the first rap I wrote, but I do remember people telling me after I did it, that I had something special. That it may take people years to catch on but thats just because you ahead of your time. LOL

#6: Share five facts about you that your fans may be surprised to know.

1. I spend sleepless nights writing songs for other Artists.
2. I love fried rice. 
3. I’m always trying to out do myself, after recording every song I’ve done before.
4.  All women are beautiful in my eyes.
5. Love having conversations with my youngest brother.

#7: What are some things that you appreciate about your loyal fan base?

I don’t like calling them fans, just because it seems like I’m making them feel under me. The Thing I appreciate about ” My People” is that They understand the music, lyrics, and the Vibe I’m trying to create whenever I come out with a project. They all come in different shapes, colors, and Sizes.

#8: What do you think is harder for a lyricist to master: Freestyling or Storytelling? Why?

I never will forget what my father told me years ago, “The best freestyles are written.”

#9: Where do you see yourself in your career 10 years from now?

Hopefully, still making music, and creating something new. Either if its me working with an artist, or just producing new records For myself or other artists.

#10:  Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?
Yeah my album “Reloaded,” is dropping in December. I’m very excited to share this 9 months process of recording with the world and we putting together some great music for the fans.
 
We also got the Seattle Seahawks Anthem released and on my website for free download. Upcoming shows I will be doing posted on my website, Twitter, and Facebook (Stay Tuned). We doing some great things with them and ready to take over this music scene in Seattle.
 
I’m ready to show the world project and I’m working on some great features on other artists records.
Also Myself TheRealTapTap.com
 Thank you to all the Followers SDO (Since Day One)
TAP TAP
Thanks to Tap Tap for allowing me to interview him. I really appreciate it. Much love, respect, and success to you. Be on the lookout for his album “Reloaded” which drops in December. That will be the most awesome month ever because I was born in December! December 29th to be exact ^_^.
Tap Tap wants to give shouts to: Candice Reeves (YouNow), Johnnie, Lynx Records, and his family who have backed him up him for years. He sends his love.
Speaking of YouNow, you can catch him broadcast in the Hip-Hop Channel:
You can also check out the following links to listen to Tap Tap’s music and stay up on any news from him:
Follow Tap Tap on Twitter: @therealtaptap 
Check out Tap Tap’s website that is up and running: http://www.therealtaptap.com/
 
Tap Tap’s YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/NerdyBoyjr
 
Like The Real Tap Tap’s Facebook Page: 

Lynx Records Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LYNX-Records/140301725988212

Lynx Records Official Website: http://www.lynxrecords.com/

 
Stay Classy, Homies ^_^.
 
Source: Tap Tap’s Bio – https://www.facebook.com/TheRealTapTap/info

La Femme Nienke (Nikita)

Nienke
Nienke (Nikita) Van de Haar, who resides in Amersfoot, Netherlands is a singer/songwriter with a unique sound of her own. About 10 years ago Nienke, put out her own album. All of the songs she wrote were Alternative Pop Ballads. As years passed, Nienke discovered a new style of music called “Symphonic Rock/Metal” where she performs with her band on stage at different entertainment venues. Not only Nienke loves to sing, but she also loves to dance. In February 2012, she became apart of the magical social networking site, “YouNow.” Since being apart of YouNow, she has broadcasted showing her singing and dancing talents live to the internet world. In fact she won a Karaoke contest and was also a runner-up in a dance contest. Both contests are held weekly on the site.
So this woman can write, sing, and do modern ballet. I interviewed Nienke about her love of music, dance, and Symphonic Rock/Metal.
Read and enjoy ^_^.

#1: When did you first fall in love with music and performing?

When I was 16 years old, I started taking singing lessons. Then I went to my first audition.

#2: Who are some of your most influential music artists you admire?

I started off listening to musicals like Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar. As the years passed, I listened to classical and pop. I love Hayley Westenra and Celtic Woman. I loved Symphonic Rock music artists like Within Temptation, Nightwish, and Epica. I admire Sharon den Adel the most. I hope to sing a duet  with her someday.

#3: Explain what Symphonic Rock Metal is and how does it differ from Alternative Pop Ballads. 

Symphonic Rock/Metal is a combination of rock music with a classical touch. So the sounds are more soft. Most off the time you can sing very high notes in the music. I love to do that! I written my own Alternative Pop Ballads. They are a combination from pop and classical sounds. But there is nothing rocking about it. That’s what I love from Symphonic Rock/Metal.

#4: What five words would describe your sound and why?

Emotional

Melodic

Heavy

Slow

Fast

These words grab my emotions for my sound in a melodic way. It gets pretty heavy in both slow and fast songs.

#5: Share five facts about yourself that your fans may be surprised to know.

1. I didn’t have a good time at school. No one understood me.
2. I love to do Reiki.
3. I have technical skills like setting up websites. My website that I have up (Studio Nikita Lumet) is for singing and therapy (reiki, quantum touch, regenesis touch).
4. I love Classical Ballet.
5. Every holiday, I go to the mountains to walk all day.

#6: If you could pick 10 songs to represent the “Soundtrack of your Life” what would they be and why?

I would say my whole album because the songs on there are all about my life. They describe my path of my life very well. Because I change styles, I would end with the rock version off of “The Phantom of the Opera” from Nightwish with that last very high note. It feels like I am up and running with my music.

#7:  What are some things that you truly admire from your dedicated fan base?

If people try to get me down, my fans make them leave. They support me so much. Even if they requested a song from a long time ago, if it isn’t the best they would love it. 

#8: You have participated in a few YouNow Contests. You are a finalist in the MTV Voices Street Caster Contest  (July 2013). You were not only the winner of the weekly Karaoke Contest but also a runner-up in the weekly Dance Contest. How was it like participating in each of these contests?

For the Karaoke Contest, I was nervous. I thought to myself, “What will people think of me? Will they like my style?” When I went on to broadcast, I was relaxed and enjoyed doing it. It was so much fun!  Of course my fans came in and supported me. 

In the dance contest, I thought I wouldn’t be in the final round. I was doing a mix of modern and classical ballet on pointes. I never expected to go on. I even took off my pointes and let it all go. So yes it was exciting to go in to the final round. Someone even said “She already won the dance contest” because the host wanted to call my name. I don’t think that mattered at all, but being a runner-up was perfect. Can’t them win all!

MTV Voices was amazing as well. Yet I think my first round was better, but I loved to talk so it was great. Out of all the contests I did, I loved the karaoke contest was the best because singing is truly where my heart belongs.

#9: Where do you see yourself 10 years in your career?

Performing on stage every week! I just made my own artist website (http://www.xsnienke.nl). I performed with my new entertainment management company and decided that I would go on under the stage name Nienke. They are handling in booking performances for me. So now I think my singing career has started! I even made an extra fan page on Facebook.

#10:  Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?

If you live in The Netherlands, there is an event called “Back to the Wedding” and many more to come. 
I would like to thank Nienke for allowing me to interview her. She is the first person that I have interview outside the states!!!! Pretty darn cool. Much love and success to her. Make sure to check out her Facebook page and her website to check out her music. Follow her on Twitter as well.
If you would like to check out some of Nienke’s past broadcasts on YouNow here is her profile:
Follow Nienke on Twitter: @xsnienke 
 
Check out Nienke’s website:  http://www.xsnienke.nl
Check out and subscribe to Nienke’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/singernikita she has an amazing voice!
Stay Classy, Homies ^_^
Source: Nienke’s Bio – http://www.nikitalumet.eu/

The Amazing World of AznInvazn

AznInvazn

This adorable guy is Maxwell Yi. He goes by the name of AznInvazn (Asian Invasion). Maxwell is a 17-year-old aspiring DJ and Music Producer. Maxwell who was born in Los Angeles and currently resides in Texas has been studying music for about 10 years. So he began studying music at 7 years old. In my personal opinion, he is a freakin musical prodigy. So from his musical training he has produced and done Electronic Dance Music (EDM) remixes for many independent artists. So what does the AznInvazn wants? He wants you to party rock to the music he gloriously creates for your listening pleasure.

Want to know how Maxwell got his DJ name of AznInvazn? He shares the epic story of how of his stage name came to be:

“I actually got my stage name from my friend, Jaron. I was asking him what my stage name should be and he, at the time, would keep saying stuff like, Asian Domination or Asian Persuasion or Asian Invasion. He kept saying, “DUDE, do Asian Invasion!!” I figured, why the hell not since I couldn’t think of anything else, plus it’s so ridiculous that hopefully it’ll stick in people’s heads.”

So I can only guess that when Maxwell becomes successful, his friend Jaron shall be known as the one who said “DUDE do AznInvazn!” Which could simply be translated as: “DUDE your stage name should totally be AznInvazn!”

I asked Maxwell aka AznInvazn some questions so that people who have never heard of him can get to know him and fans of him to get to know more about him. Here we go!

#1: When did you first fall in love with music that transitioned you into becoming a DJ?

It’s a funny story actually. I use to hate DJing, let alone the idea of DJing. I hated Electronic music (What I referred to as “Techno”). It wasn’t until high school that I became interested in EDM (Electric Dance Music). People kept talking about this guy named deadmau5, and I figured I’d listen to his stuff since people kept talking about him. I came across Strobe, and I fell in love with EDM and eventually started to get in the habit of DJing seriously (I started DJing as a whole when I came across a featured YouTube video entitled “How to DJ with Virtual DJ”).

#2: How is your mixing style differs from other DJ’s that you have heard or seen?

To be honest, I don’t think my “mixing style” differs that much. I mean, every DJ plays tracks and transitions in between with the exception of various effects and samples thrown in. If there’s one way I would categorize myself apart from other DJs, I would say it’s the kind of music I mix, but even that isn’t all that different from other DJs. It’s all EDM in the end. What REALLY differs is the music I produce, considering the fact that it’s music that I wrote (With the exception of remixes and edits)

#3: Who are some of your musical influences that are important in helping shape your career?

My influences from the EDM realm include deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Wolfgang Gartner, Porter Robinson, and Zedd. In terms of my influences all together, there are way too many to list.

#4: Just like any other genre of music, do you believe Djing is a musical art form that the majority of people tend to misunderstand?

Nope. What art is there in button pushing? I think the art and talent lies inside the production of a track. By that, I mean the writing of the melodies, harmonies, chord progression, designing sounds, placement of the sounds, mastering and EQing, etc. Anyone can push buttons and slide a crossfader, but the “talented” ones can write the music they mix.

#5: What is one question people ask you about Djing that irritates you the most? Why?

“What kind of equipment do you use?” See, I don’t have a problem answering that question if I get interviewed and what not, but when other ‘beginners’ ask me that repeatedly, then it’s just like stfu. Its not that I have anything against ‘beginners’ since I’ve been there before. It just gets annoying sometimes.

Continue reading →

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

hiya

Hey my name is AshleyNerdStar. And this is my brief story of how a girl from Saginaw, Michigan gave birth to something creatively special. Follow me if you will on this journey through the art of storytelling.

On November of 2011, I had a dream. I had a dream of creating one of the most interesting blogs in the history of my own mind. So the “AshNerdStar Hip-Hop Music Blog” was born. The blog initially focused on Hip-Hop music and culture. Readers of the blog liked it very much. In August of that same year, I stopped writing blog posts completely. Okay, I’ll be honest with you all. I was slacking. I procrastinated. I became a little bit overwhelmed. Why? Maybe I was afraid of just pushing myself into making this blog a big success as time progressed. Maybe I was just afraid of my own abilities. But I made a solemn vow to myself, that I would return, and keep writing no matter what.

So during the time of me taking a break, I had so many awesome ideas flowing through my big head of mine. I changed the blog name from “AshNerdStar Hip-Hop Music Blog” to “The AshNerdStar Report.” Why you may ask? I shall gladly tell you my fellow homies. The first reason I changed it was because I felt like the blog posts I was doing was in “reporting to the masses” format. I felt I was sharing content that I thought was cool in an interesting and constructive manner. The second reason why I changed the name was because I was really tired of saying “AshNerdStar Hip-Hop Music Blog.” It was too long. Third reason of why I changed the name because “The AshNerdStar Report” sounded pretty darn catchy.

About six months, ago I stumbled on this social networking site called “YouNow.” The website is a magical world where you can broadcast live and share your many talents to complete strangers. It allows you to interact and meet people in a cool way. Ah, the joys of the internet. One of my good friends Belle Bee (AKA Baby Mama) told me about this Cover Song Contest they were having. Yes ladies and gentlemen I can sing. I went on the website a few days before the open call of the contest to check it out. I have never heard of YouNow until Belle told me about it. Thought it was pretty cool. The open call for the contest took place a few days after that. I managed to make it to the semi-finals and then to the finals. Unfortunately I didn’t win the contest. I finished in the top eight out of over a thousand or more singers who participated.

After the Cover Song Contest had ended, I was invited to broadcast on the Featured Channel for about a week. During that time I really enjoyed broadcasting. There are people who actually became fans of me. Can you believe that?!?! Me! Apparently I don’t bore them when I broadcast just talking about random stuff or singing. So I made up my mind to keep coming on YouNow. Now I broadcast quite frequently on the website. I have also met and talked to so many cool talented people. Now my story transitions to the present. I hope that I have not lost you. If I have well I will write the Cliff Notes version of this story at a later date.

As I stated before, I have met so many interesting, cool, and talented people on YouNow. A few weeks ago, I started thinking how great it would be to interview and write blog posts about them. I wanted to promote what they love to do and why they share their talents so others can love it too. In addition to those interviews I also wanted to talk about all kinds of music that I am into. I am still going to talk about hip-hop, sneakers and other dope things I love. Don’t worry. I guess I just wanted to expand my writing horizons and discuss about many different things.

My dream job is still the same. I would like to be an entertainment magazine writer. It would be cool to interview musicians, actors, photographers, in addition to doing music, TV show, and movie reviews. Maybe dab into a little bit of opinion pieces here and there. I feel that this is my calling. So I wanted to re-ignite my passion for writing and keep that sum bitch fired up! I hope you all will join in this journey with me. Because it is always good for others to support your own dreams to take flight and at the same time help with theirs.

That ends my reintroduction of why I wanted to make a fresh start with this blog.

That I shall leave you with this quote for you to ponder upon:

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” — Jessie Owens

If you don’t know who Jessie Owens is, Google it.

Stay Classy, Homies ^_^.

Additional Note: I still have the blog on Tumblr, but I decided to make one on here to gain more followers.

The Curious Tale of Cameron King

Cameron King1

Ladies and Gentlemen allow me to share a tale with you about a young man from Lakeland, Florida with a dream. His name is Cameron King. Cameron’s dream is to make music for the masses to enjoy. Since the 19 year-old Floridian started his YouNow journey in August 2012, he currently has over 2100 fans on the massively popular social website. During the middle of his magical YouNow journey he had over 500 viewers watching his broadcasts a day. His viewership numbers have declined since then, but he wants to bring back up those numbers. This very talented musician would like share his love of music with others. Why?  Not only music soothes and frees his soul, but it also takes him to a happy place.  Cameron was so gracious to allow me to interview him so he can share his tale with you. Please enjoy.

#1:  When did make up your mind and say: Music is my love and I want to do this for the rest of my life as a career?

Actually really,really young. Three years old um I heard Elvis on the radio. And after I heard Elvis, I started to sing, well try. It was terrible at first. It was like the worst thing that you probably ever heard. But yeah I started out singing Elvis and then after that as I got older at around like 7, I started to be an Elvis impersonator. And I was like you know what? This is what I wanna do. Because I love entertaining people and putting a smile on their face.

#2:  Who are some of your most important musical influences (past or present)?

I have like a few. Right now my main musical influences are, I don’t know if it makes me sound like a douche bag because people are gonna say: “Awww man if you like John Mayer you’re a douche bag.” But it’s between John Mayer— like Stewie on steroids (Family Guy reference here): “I’m really into John Mayer right now” and Dallas Green of City and Colour. They are both really big inspirations for me right now. Because John Mayer got that you know bluesy pop feel and Dallas Green has this dark, acoustic, coffeehouse kind of sound. I don’t know I’m really into it.

#3:  Where do you get your biggest inspiration to write songs? It could be a specific person or place that gives you the fuel to write.

My musical inspirations comes it really from life itself in general because I’ve lived a tough one like everyone else has. Everyone has their story and that’s where my music comes from. It’s a story. Me and my mom we haven’t always been on the best of terms. I never really met my father. He abandoned me before I was even born. It’s been tough growing up like that. So basically that’s a lot where my music comes from. That pain and through the past year it has been a lot. There is this song I wrote called “Home” and that was basically about  even though me and my mom are not on the best terms, but I always tried with her because you know it’s my mom and I love her. And uh even though she decided to choose a man love over her son, you know it fuels me to write.

But there’s that and for also kind of inspired me into doing music was my father whom I never met. From what my family told me about him was that he was a musical genius. He you could give him any instrument, give him like 5 minutes with it, and he learned how to play it. He could sing anything you wanted him to sing. And I guess after they told me that when I was around like four or five I was like: Well if my dad could do it, then so can I. So basically that’s where music started for me.

#4: What three things do you believe would make a songwriter’s song so authentic to draw listeners to it?  I know you said that the majority of where you get your inspiration to write songs comes from life experiences.  So do you think life experiences are one of them? 

That’s something for okay — it’s not for every artist. For Ed Sheeran it definitely is for him. You can definitely tell that he had pain and love and this and that. And that is what makes artists music so authentic for them because everyone expresses their pain or their joy different. It’s um like every book has a different cover. In every book you are gonna find a different story. How we get it out? Pop artists they pop it. Blues artists you know they got soul. Whatever speaks to your heart, because music is more than just sound. Music speaks to you.

#5:  If you could describe yourself and your sound in five words, what would they be and why?

Awww man -laughs- uh

Crazy – That’s just me in general. I am a crazy person so that can easily come by my music.

Depressed – I actually suffer from depression and anxiety so that is something that I struggle with everyday. The way I found my way through it is music.

Happy – Music makes me happy. And that is what I usually do to get through the day and keep a smile on my face. I usually try to keep a smile on my face because I notice if you go around all day looking depressed everyone around you is gonna to be more depressed. It’s like a never ending cycle.

Hopeful – There usually is a lot of hope in my music. I am working on this one song right now. And basically it’s a song about saying sorry to everyone in my family that I have let down over the past few years. It’s called “Sorry If I Ever Hurt You.” It’s basically like an apology and looking towards the future thing. I am gonna be better. Like I have a lot of stuff planned for the future.

Soul – Awww man, ever since I was like okay I was about 13 when I first heard John Mayer, I started listening to all kinds of different—Bill Withers, B.B. King, uh Natalie Cole. I love soul music.

Continue reading →