Cmadd

Sep 27, 2024

What initially sparked your passion for art?

Music came to me as an outlet when I had none. When I was young, about 12-13, I found myself with a mind full of thoughts and no medium until I picked up a notebook and a pencil and did my thing. Obviously, it didn’t start out great but once I realized I had a way with words the rest was history.

Can you describe a pivotal moment that significantly shaped your artistic path?

A pivotal moment for me was realizing I was mortal. I had a lung collapse in 2021 and was unable to perform at a music festival in Arizona that I had been looking forward to for months. Not being able to do much of anything at all during the healing process I realized that life is way too short not to go all in and give it my 110%. That experience still drives me to stay consistent and treat every day like it’s my last.

How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of self-doubt?

" Creative blocks and self-doubt are really just another test. In my mind those moments aren’t negative because even if what I’m creating isn’t something that I’m going to put out it’s still practice and I’m still having fun. Most of the time the solution is just to step away for a while and allow my mind and soul to process life, so I have new experiences to write about or new emotions to compose. "

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What role does personal experience play in your work?

Personal experience is a pretty large part of my music. I tend to write about things that are hard to say out loud which are always coming from a place of authenticity because music is my way to voice those thoughts and emotions.

Who are your biggest influences, and how have they impacted your style?

My biggest influences would have to be Nas, G Eazy and Mac miller. I pride myself on not sounding the same as anyone else but when I started out, I definitely took bits and pieces of what I hear in their lyrics, delivery and production and apply it to what I do. At this point in my career though, I really don’t think about anyone else when I make music it’s really just me and my range of different styles and cadences that I can choose from depending on the track.

Can you share a story behind one of your favorite pieces?

6. One of my favorite pieces is called “Traction” and it’s actually composed by one of my favorite producers, Whoisdrumxbeats who lives in Ghana, Africa. The first time working with a new artist or producer is always a dope experience because the vibe of the track is so unique from what I’ve done so far. That track came together so fast we barely even felt the need to master it and it’s one of my highest streamed songs right now.

How do you balance artistic expression with commercial demands?

Music is marketing. That’s just the simple fact of wanting any type of legitimate success in the industry. I’ve always loved business and learning the psychology of what makes marketing and sales work, so the part of this career that most artists hate I’m actually fascinated by. I also have a career in the marketing field for a local brewery, so I get to learn and develop my skills outside of music as well.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you navigate them?

Everyone is going to have moments of adversity in whatever path they may choose in life. I have always been a firm believer in seeing them as tests and being conscious of how I approach and react to these tests. It’s all just chances to show the world what you’re made of at the end of the day.

Which phrase best describes your approach to overcoming obstacles?