Hello Expose Toxicc, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.

Tell us a little more about when you first got into music?

I first got into music at the age of 8. At the time my family was very poor, it seemed that every day was another worry or stress about our living situations. As a kid I used music to cope with my emotions and anxiety. I idolized artists like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Eminem and Kurt Cobain. Everyday I would try to sing notes as well as Chris Brown, along with learning every word to any of his songs I would listen to. As the years went by, I began to wonder what life had in store for me. I became inspired by Justin Bieber to start singing on Youtube, which I did. Throughout my high school years, kids would make jokes and laugh about my aspirations that I had towards music, which led me to become discouraged in myself musically. After highschool, I felt lost and confused about my future. Music has always just found its way back to me throughout my life, so there is no doubt inside my mind that this is where I’m supposed to be.

If you could describe your sound/style in one word, what would it be and why?

Vulnerable. My music has so many different styles and aspects. For the most part every song I put out or I write has meaning to me. I try to paint the picture for not only the fans but for myself as the artist. I use the songs I relive or reminisce on valuable moments I’ve lived through and I believe that’s why my music resonates with so many people.

What would you say to any aspiring recording artist who looks up to your work?

I would tell them to stay confident, practice patience and remain humble. Let your hard work do all the talking. So many times people believe that talent can outshine hard work, not understanding that hard work develops talent.

What quote or mantra do you live by?

It’s a quote by Albert Einstein that goes like “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” I’m a big believer in value, when people value your work and your energy you naturally become more successful.

What is your hobby outside of music?

If I’m being honest there’s not too many hobbies I have other than music. I play basketball and workout everyday, but I wouldn’t consider those things hobbies. I’m constantly in my head about what I can do better musically to be sure I get to where I strive to be in life as an artist.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself with the greats. I see myself living that childhood life I’ve been dreaming of for so long. I strive to have a platinum song or album by this time. I want to hit the billboards and meet my idols. Travel the world and meet my fans face to face. Most importantly I see myself making the best music I could possibly make around that time.

Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?

You can! This month of May, I’m dropping a small EP project that will be at least 5-7 songs. I’m looking to drop a new single every month this year as well. Along with my second Album dropping sometime in the Fall this year.

What is the inspiration behind your latest song?

So my single “Pretty Little Lies” was actually inspired by the lack of trust I’ve had with a few people I used to call my friends. The song goes into depth, speaking about them talking behind my back about me, spreading lies about me, stalking me on social media to see what they can continue to speak about. So I decided to take that energy and put it into a song that people could relate to. I put a twist of the song’s hook a bit, but make the song feel like it could be related to a couples relationship and I believe that’s why the song is so popular and fans can relate to what I’m saying.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.

– The first thing I wish someone told me when I started was to not lose myself in the journey. Sometimes as an artist you may feel like giving up, or that your music will never be heard. So you start to create things that you think people want to hear, instead of the things you want to create. I’ve done this a few times throughout my journey and everytime it has me questioning my abilities and my worth.

– Staying patient is another thing I wish I was told more. Nowadays it’s a common trend to want to create music and be an “Artist”. After all, why wouldn’t you want to live life like your idols everyday? In time you’ll realize who actually is in the industry for the love of music and who just wants the popularity.

– Don’t ever let yourself feel guilty for taking a step back from music. I know that this can be hard at times since we live in a world where the internet is constantly blowing people up and making them famous, and you’re thinking any day it could be you, and you’re right it can and will! With that though, you need to keep your mental health at the best it can be. Taking a step back every now and again and enjoying life as it passes by can be refreshing to not only our mental health but to your music as well.

– Don’t compare your success to any one else. This is a big one! So many times I’ve conquered goals of mine that I didn’t think were imaginable. I enjoy and celebrate for the moment and by the next day i see another artist do something on the internet and i think to myself, am i good enough to do this. This is only the fear of uncertainty that haunts my mind.

– Treat every person you come across or meet with respect. Those people are the ones that enjoy your energy and see something in you that you may not always see for yourself. Not only that but if you can respond or give your fans a bit of your time, why should they return the favor by listening to your music? Remember there’s over a billion artists already signed and another billion that’s trying to be signed, stay humble 

What tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

I would tell those creatives to practice walking away. Sometimes as an artist we may feel we need to be working every day, every minute, every second to get to where we wish to be. Although there is some truth behind that, we still need to experience and appreciate life in the moment. You would be surprised how much it makes your mind feel refreshed and ready to tackle new obstacles.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can follow me on Instagram or TikTok @exposing.toxicc along with streaming my music on any major streaming platform by searching Expose Toxicc