Artist Spotlight
RISING AS ONE OF THE FINEST TALENTS IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC IS RADIO STEVIE
The more we talk about the many industries and fields that are on a constant rise, the more we feel like talking about it. The fundamental reason behind their constant growth is some of the greatest talents it has given birth to. We had the opportunity to interview Singer Songwriter/ Producer, Radio Stevie.
Hello Radio Stevie, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.
Tell us a little more about when you first got into music?
I am from a pretty musical family and music has always been a way of connecting with each other. Whether it was dancing at a cookout or singing in church choirs, music has always been kind of central to my life and upbringing. When I was a kid, my uncle gave me a trombone so I could join the school band and I think that is one of my earliest memories of being a student of music. I would later learn to play drums too.
However, I think I really fell in love with music because of my brother. When we were kids, he had this idea of making drum kits out of shoeboxes and empty coffee tins and we would freestyle songs by pretend artists we drew on paper. We were definitely mimicking the music of our time, but we observed things like key changes, hooks, bridges, image, and I think that is how we both kind of fell in love with the idea of being creative. We’d later evolve from makeshift drum kits to making music of our own, but I think that freedom we had sitting on the floor really stayed with me. I continue to create from that place today.
If you could describe your sound/style in one word, what would it be and why?
I would say “freedom” is a word that comes to mind. I think my entire vibe is based on that liberating feeling I get when I am making music. There are a lot of things in this world that hold us down or challenge us, but when I am making a beat or writing lyrics I am really in a state of peace. I am free for that moment and it is so important to find moments of peace in a chaotic world. I hope people feel that when they’re dancing with me or listening to my music.
The word “freedom” also gives me the space to embrace many sounds that influence me. I grew up on 90s rap, soul, and R&B, but I love post-punk, electronic, pop, jazz and many other sounds from my time and before. So, the “freedom” in my music is also about letting go of this idea that I need to be confined to one genre or one sound. The message is what ties it all together so the sounds can take many shapes.
What would you say to any aspiring recording artists who look up to your work?
I’d say thank you for listening, first! Then, I’d probably encourage them to trust their own process. I think what makes an artist great is someone who has found something that is uniquely their vibe and isn’t trying to imitate anyone. Of course, you can hear some of my influences in my music, but I think I’ve found a way to make a vibe that is unique to me so I’d want to pass that kind of thinking on to someone that might be inspired by what I’m creating. I hope they’re out there.
What quote or mantra do you live by?
“Life is short. Eat dessert first!” HA! Just kidding, I don’t really do mantras or anything like that. I guess if I had to choose something it would be any quote that encourages breaking the rules here and there. It is necessary sometimes.
What is your hobby outside of music?
I love being outdoors and camping at National or State Parks. I am not a very spiritual person, but being in nature makes me feel a connection to something beyond me. I also love being in art spaces like museums. My day job is working at the Guggenheim Museum in digital media. Outside of making music I like to be around things that inspire me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know where I see myself, but hopefully I’m making music and I’ve continued to grow and evolve. I certainly don’t want to be the same person I am today, but I am open to waiting and meeting that person in 5 years and not trying to map out of a 5-year plan. Time will tell.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
I don’t know if I have 5 things, but I have 2. I wish someone told me that I didn’t have to take every gig. When I first started, I had a couple shows where I was like, “why did I agree to this?” I’d still give it my all, but just because someone knows someone at the club doesn’t mean it is the right gig. I try to be intentional about where I perform these days.
I also think every young artist falls for the exposure line. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills and someone that doesn’t pay you for your work and time is lame. Period.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I try not to make music to keep churning out singles in hopes for a viral hit. Music is very personal for me so my soul tells me when it’s time to make something new. So, to avoid burnout, my advice would be to always create from a real place and when it feels right. Can’t force it.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
I am working on a few new songs that will be coming in the fall and winter. Hopefully, a few collaborations this round too.
What is the inspiration behind your latest song?
My latest single, “Change” is in keeping with my music style that is centered on freedom. The lyrics really capture the art making process, which for me feels like a constant joyride where you’re free to do whatever you want, take detours, and change things as you. That was the vibe of the songwriting process and it turned into something really interesting. Musically, I love a buildup to something dramatic and I think that came through really well.
How can our readers follow you online?
I am available on Instagram @radiostevie. I also have a website radiostevie.com where people can discover new music and connect with me.
Artist Spotlight
MEET THE ARTIST MEL THE PROPHET
Hello Mel The Prophet, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.
Tell us a little more about when you first got into music?
Mel the Prophet- I first got into music in 2016. I used to freestyle with my friends and I was becoming really good and around that time I went to a NIpsey Hussle concert and an epiphany and was inspired to speak about my truth over music to inspire people how I was inspired by Nipsey
If you could describe your sound/style in one word, what would it be and why?
Mel the Prophet- If I could describe my music in one word it would be, [ UNIQUE ] because , my music comes from real experiences while being witty and aggressive with intention to motivate the listener to view themselves and the world in a different perspective.
What would you say to any aspiring recording artists who look up to your work?
Mel the Prophet- What I would say to aspiring artists who look up to my work is always be a learner and humble but always be honest with who you are before doing music, no matter what!
What quote or mantra do you live by?
Mel the Prophet- The mantra I live by is, if no one existed on the earth but you, how would you feel and what would you do and who would you be? ,,, now feel, do and be that with everyone existing on earth!
What is your hobby outside of music?
Mel the Prophet- My hobby outside of music is working out, reading and learning new ways to help others become more self aware.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Mel the Prophet- Where I see myself in 5 years is living on a ranch with multiple acres being a household name in music and the mental health industry providing value in creative ways to those who need help.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
Mel the Prophet- What I have upcoming is a musical project, “SELF HELP” the self awareness guide and I’m also working on a RnB album
What is the inspiration behind your latest song?
Mel the Prophet- The inspiration behind my latest song, “Help 1 Self” (Mental Health Anthem) was experiencing the pandemic when a lot of people became afraid and aware of the fact their mental health was at stake.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Mel the Prophet- The 5 things I wish someone told me when I first started:
Expect no support from the people you want or expect support from. I was always a good person and a person who was “friends” with many people, not just around me or in my community but all around and thought I was going to get support from them because I was doing something good.
INVEST IN YOURSELF: Even though I did invest in myself, I was expecting others to invest in me because of the ideas I had and how beneficial they would be for others.
FOCUS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE: As much as I thought I was focusing on the bigger picture, I actually wasn’t. I was rushing the process to become what I knew I am and I would attempt to force myself and my vision onto people without trusting the process of just doing the work day in and day out.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO!: Being a good person can be tiring when you’re attempting to help anyone and everyone. Some people do not align with your mission or purpose. I would give my hand out to anyone who asked for it and then be in a situation where the person or people would just attempt to take advantage of my kindness.
FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE and not your ego
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Mel the Prophet- Some tips for my colleagues not to burn out:
1: SOLITUDE (spend time with yourself and your own thoughts).
2: Spend time in nature without technology . Nature is the essence of our being, being able to breathe in the air and listen to the natural habit of nature is a key element to self awareness to redirect your energy.
3: SLEEP WELL + REST.
4: Spend time with family and people you love doing things that are fun and not just work all the time .. finding the balance.
How can our readers follow you online?
Mel the Prophet- Readers can find me on ALL social media platforms, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube,Tik Tok under @meltheprophet or Mel the Prophet my direct website is www.help1self.com
Artist Spotlight
Exclusive Interview: Rising Artist Rasta Man Jay
Hello Rasta Man Jay, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.
What 3 things does anyone starting in your industry need to know?
Always stay focused and consistent on your goals,never give up no matter how hard life gets,also never let people bring you down.
What would you do differently if you were starting in your industry now?
I Would be dropping music constantly and making my fans happy with new music every week so my audience is always listening.
Which people or books have had the most influence on your growth and why?
When I was younger I always listened to great music from Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa,Young Jeezy and many other artists from the early 2000s.
What would you say is the #1 key to success in your music career?
I would say dropping different tracks constantly spitting lyrics from my struggle and pain in my life that is why I came a long way in the music industry.
Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?
Getting criticized about my rap flow and will people accept it which eventually my fans started supporting me from out of town.
What has been your biggest success story and why do you think it was a success?
When I hit News Weekly, that was the best moment in my life. I started building my confidence again with my music.
What keeps you going when things get tough in the music industry?
Having 2 Daughters that count on me to win and I won’t let them down so they won’t have to struggle like I did.
What made you pursue being an artist full-time?
Wanting to prove people wrong that didn’t believe in me having a lot of non supporters and hate back in my hometown.
Would you sign to a label?
Yes but it has to be a label that lets me own my music and doesn’t control my music and all my royalties.
What projects are you working on for the rest of 2022?
I just dropped my album with Distro Kid called Don’t Try to Be No One You Not and also has multiple songs and projects dropping this year so stay tuned.
How can our readers follow you online?
Anyone can follow me from my instagram account @jholder051817 which already has an impressive following already from joining instagram within 1 year.
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