Posted on: March 24, 2019 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Can you give us a little background information about yourself?

I’m an eighteen year old self-taught artist based in New York. I’m currently a student at Purchase College and majoring in studio composition. I’ve been creating music since the age of twelve and have been performing for four years.

How did you get into music?

As cheesy as it sounds, music came naturally to me. At such a young age, I found a love for music just by listening to the radio or whatever CD my parents would play in the car. I guess due to being filipino, karaoke was my gateway to music. My family LOVED to sing karaoke and would occasionally ask the kids to sing along as well. However,I didn’t create my original music until the age of twelve. Prior to writing music, I wrote sappy love poems. They weren’t good, but it definitely sparked my writing process. By the age of fourteen, I realized that I eagerly wanted to pursue music.

What sort of work have you put into the recording and creative processes for Gone?

In the creative process for “Gone”, I wrote the melody and the lyrics. During the recording process, I provided ideas on how I wanted the song to sound like. Overall, production wise, it was mostly left to my producer, Prince Chappel.

How is the process for Gone different from songs like Everything and Snowflake?

“Gone”, compared to “Everything” and “Snowflake” is very pop driven. With heavy drums and multiple synths upon the track, I believe it’s a step towards the true sound I aspire to obtain. I wrote the song “Gone” at seventeen. When I wrote “Everything” and “Snowflake” I was just starting out songwriting and figuring out what artistic style I wanted. At first, I aspired to have a very coffee house, singer-songwriter sound. But as I got older and my music taste changed, I discovered that I wanted to have more of a pop sound.

What does your recording set up look like (what do you use to record, what are your favorite tools)?

Tell us a bit more about the EP youre working on. Why should listeners pick it up?

The songs on the EP are very personal. Some songs were written years ago and others were written more recently. Compared to my first EP, I’d say this EP is a step towards my true style. I’ve grown stylistically and artistically since my first EP. Majority of the songs on the new EP are a bit sad, but I’d say that they’re bops. Sad bops! For anyone that has had their heartbroken, just know I feel for you and even with tears through your eyes, you can still bop your head to the drums!

Which artists are the greatest influences for you and your music?

When I first started out, Christina Perri, Sara Bareilles, and Kina Grannis heavily influenced my music. As I got older and figured out the style I wanted to create, bands such as COIN, Bad Suns, and AJR influenced me heavily.

How is it wearing two hats (performer, student)?

If I’m being honest, it’s a bit challenging. But despite some of the hardships such as catching up with schoolwork, sleep, or life, I’d say I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since I go to college for music, I’m constantly creating. However, it is COMPLETELY different to make songs as an assignment—rather than just because of the inspiration at 3AM. Overall, scheduling can sometimes be hard, but since I’ve been doing this for pretty much four years, I’ve gotten used to it. I’m honestly just really glad that I’m able to get my college degree while creating/performing music.

What does the rest of 2019 hold for you?

What should listeners expect from your music in the future?

Bops! Sad bops or BOP bops! In general, songs with synths, drums, and some cool guitar playin in the background

Finally, do you have any additional thoughts about life and the universe for our readers?

Just go with the flow, man. You never know where it’s gonna to take you.

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