Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I always loved music, and had sang in many plays when I was younger. I started making music at 12 using GarageBand. From there, I just enjoyed the creative process of making music and continued doing it.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “R3tro Riq”?
A: I plan on growing my fan base by staying genuine, and connecting more with my supporters on a personal level. Actually going out to places and having events where I can meet and interact with my listeners. My message for new people discovering my music would be to open your mind and allow the lyrics to connect with you personally. I like to create music that people can be vulnerable with and can relate to their own life experiences.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: A few of the artist I feel inspire my sound would be Chris Brown, Tory Lanez, and The Weeknd. These artists, as well as myself are able to express very deep topics by painting a picture with their lyrics, while also captivating you with the melodies of their voice and sonics of the music. I find inspiration to create music through life experience. I use music as a therapy session for myself, creating a safe space to express my feelings and thoughts. Being able to do that for myself, and also create an art that others are able to enjoy and relate to makes the feeling even better.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Warzone.”?
A: I use the imagery of war to portray a relationship consumed by constant conflict, hurt, and emotional retaliation. The “bullets,” “grenades,” and “warzone” symbolize painful words and actions exchanged between two people who still love each other but have become trapped in a cycle of anger. Beneath the fighting is a desire for peace, healing, and reconciliation, as I ultimately plead for a truce before the relationship is destroyed beyond repair.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Melodic
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Warzone”?
A: Honestly, no. This was actually a song that I punched in, and didn’t write down at all. Every melody, lyric, and flow just came to me as I was behind the mic.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My message in my music is to never run from your emotions. Your feelings are real and significant, and my music is meant to be another vessel for listeners to cope and heal with. My goal as an artist is to be a figure of authenticity in the music industry. A voice for the voiceless and the ones who are too scared to engage with their feelings.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: There are many, but I’d say Chris Brown is at the top of my list.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Do music for more than the money or the fame. Music is a pure and personal art, and money and fame will never be big enough motivators for you to continue doing it. You have to love what you do. Also, be unique. It’s a highly saturated industry, so figure out what makes you different and how you can express that difference in your music.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Stay focused and don’t listen to the doubt. No one knows you better than you. Your only competition is yourself. The biggest priority is just to better yourself everyday and have something to show for it.
