Taking the time to discover my ‘why’ was one of the most important things I have ever done. Determining your “WHY” and understanding how that plays out in your daily narrative. We also talked about the growth of the music industry and how each artist can play into this dialogue. Music can bring together people and cross boundaries. How a storyteller attempts to shed the light on racial profiling and how we educating our youth.
Listen to the Podcast episode.
https://anchor.fm/ava-live-radio/episodes/Behind-The-Music-with-Knoxx-on-Discovering-your-why-e1fc2e
Artist: Knoxx
I was once told to first find out why I want to create music. So many people can do this, can create music, create works of art, but not everyone’s reason is the same.
I live in Central PA and it’s in need of some life support. The music business is not flourishing here. A small market means less of a diverse platform so many talented local artists go unheard.
It can be frustrating to create music in a place that lacks community support and creative energy. I’m blessed with a great family around me who give me that uplifting hand when it’s needed.
I also have a very positive mindset. In fact, that’s what my song ‘Soul food” is all about.
“My music is the best way for me to give back to a world that’s taught me so much.”
Song name: Soul Food
Music Genre:: HipHop
Capturing the beautiful spirit of black people. We, as people, have spent so much time overcoming adversity that when it comes time to celebrate, especially over some good food, we go all in. This song is that energy we share with each other and the rest of the world. This song is that moment that we’re rewarded with after working very hard through our hunger.
Link to play:: https://soundcloud.com/hbgknoxx/soul-food
I have a 15 month old bi-racial son, who has two older brothers that will become white men in this world someday. This music I am making now is for them. It’s my way of contributing to the lessons this world will teach them. How they treat each other will be how they teach each other, those lessons will be what they can hopefully someday teach the world.
The Music…
always starts in a moment when I am not thinking about music. It can be a drum pattern, a word, a melody, or even a thought or a concept. There isn’t a process at this phase. It’s random, it’s chaotic, it’s noisy, and above all, it’s honest.
always starts in a moment when I am not thinking about music. It can be a drum pattern, a word, a melody, or even a thought or a concept. There isn’t a process at this phase. It’s random, it’s chaotic, it’s noisy, and above all, it’s honest.
Once I dig through it all and discover that there might be something worthwhile in that moment, that’s when the passion kicks in. I become very stubborn or persistent, depending on whom you speak to that’s ever been close enough to me during this process. Everything I do, think of, see, hear, feel, smell, and/or taste is wrapped around the desire of seeing this moment become a full fledged song.
The writing usually starts after I have spent a crazy amount of time putting most of the song together in my head. Majority of the time, when the pen hits the pad, there is no turning back. Whether it’ll feature another artist or not is usually
decided upon earlier. After the writing, a demo is done at home. This saves a lot of time and money in the studio. For the last 7 years, all of my music has been recorded, mixed, and mastered at Full Tilt Productions.
decided upon earlier. After the writing, a demo is done at home. This saves a lot of time and money in the studio. For the last 7 years, all of my music has been recorded, mixed, and mastered at Full Tilt Productions.With so much of my music being grounded in my every day life. My wife, my kids, my siblings, my parents, and all of my interactions, from the most derivative to the most memorable, they all play a part in keeping me focused.
They are all pieces to a much bigger picture. So having those pieces all contribute to the art, it does make the balancing act a bit easier. Not entirely, of course, but it blurs the line a bit for me and allows me to utilize any moment as a potential source of creative/inspiration.
I post daily on my instagram page. I would love for you to become a part of this story with me there: www.Instagram.com/HBGKNOXX
Website & social media links:
www.freetowndreaming.com
www.reverbnation.com/hbgknoxx
www.soundcloud.com/hbgknoxx
Instagram:HBGKNOXX
Twitter:@HBGKNOXX
YouTube:FDVision
www.freetowndreaming.com
www.reverbnation.com/hbgknoxx
www.soundcloud.com/hbgknoxx
Instagram:HBGKNOXX
Twitter:@HBGKNOXX
YouTube:FDVision