Hello sV how are you?
Hi, thank you. I am doing well.
Congratulations on the release of “Summer Snow”, how does it feel?
The entire project felt good to release. Though I was afraid for the most part, which ultimately added to my anxiety.
What’s the story behind it?
‘Anxious Album’ came about in many different ways. First I had a period where I couldn’t create anything. That lasted for about two years, while I was battling my anxieties and depression. I then lost my cousin to his battle with mental health. I decided to put all of the emotions and sadness into my music. The songs “They Say” “Questions [can u}” and “Let’s Go Somewhere” are of me speaking to myself and my depressions. So most of the songs are self-conversations.
You are an artist from New York, how did it all begin for you?
I’m not originally from New York. I started in music at a young age in London and Ghana. I fully took it to heart whilst living in China, where I created my first album and worked with other musicians on theirs for the company I worked for at the time.
What did you listen to growing up?
Mostly I listened to what my father listened to until I was in high school. A lot of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Temptaions, Joshua Kadison, Michael Jackson, Prince, Usher etc…
You have an album out, “Anxious Album”, describe it in three words.
Emotional, poetic, vulnerable
What’s your favourite track from it?
‘They Say’ is my favorite. The melody and words are very special to me.
It’s a deeply personal album, what was the hardest track to work on for you?
‘Questions [can u]’ was definitely the hardest track to work on for me. It is mostly me speaking to myself and asking my late cousin to be here with me and to do the things we said we’d do.
Which was the easiest?
‘Lite water,’ it was rather fluidlike. It just wanted to come out.
You have so many different approaches to writing, where’s the strangest place you’ve had inspiration to create?
I tend to create on flights. Melodies and lyrics seem to come to me in the air. I like flying. Sometimes it make me emotional, especially when going to see people I haven’t seen for a while. I get very creative then, without even trying.
COVID has impacted the creative industry in a big way, what has kept you motivated?
I can simply say the passion. Most creatives are depressed optimists. Through music, one is able to put every emotion into their work and the notion of it one day being seen keeps you going.
2020 was a time to reflect what did you learn about yourself?
I lost my grandfather to COVID, so I was mostly dealing with that and being at my mother’s side.
What are you listening to at the moment?
John Mayer, Boy In Space, Alec Benjamin…
What are you looking forward to next?
Releasing the next three projects which hopefully will happen later this year and early next. They’re all ready to be released!
Special thanks to Rick Newman @ Quite Great
