Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
It’s very hard to describe something you haven’t lived through, only the intimacy of experience gives you insight, and a chance to share. “My own Embrace” came from an intimacy with depression, and the urge to relate with others who may deal with this state of mind. My father Nanny Assis, a wonderful composer and musician, always told me, “ write when you are happy, write when you are sad”. Taking a step back and translating my thoughts and emotions into words has been a cathartic and healing practice, and this song acts as a trophy in my journey to peace.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
When approaching songwriting, oftentimes a melodic idea will present itself first. After processing and choosing the direction and arc of the melody, I begin wordsmithing through the rhythm with my concept in mind. The trick is to not judge your ideas until you get them out! Judging them as they come out can be stifling and discouraging, definitely write the first thing that comes to mind and you can choose what you’d like to keep later!
I love writing about my struggles because it reminds me that I can remove myself from my thoughts and feelings. I can then choose what thoughts I’d like to emphasize or identify with, and in that way I’m curating my reality. Largely its difficult to control what thought enters your mind, but you can choose whether to give that thought space in your mind or not. Another important aspect of this is carefully choosing your consumption, don’t watch stuff that hurts your soul.
Some other themes that are prevalent in my music is, celebration, social commentary, aspirations and much more.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I’m not too worried about commercial appeal at the moment to be 100% honest, as Duke said, “there are only two kinds of music, good music and the other kind”. I do hope people will like the music and that it will resonate with them.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
The road to sustaining yourself financially as an independent artist is an unclear one, a road I haven’t found yet. It’s very challenging, the huge investments in time and money you must make to become an artist have no guaranteed pay offs.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
I am very selective with those I collaborate with. To me, you should like the person you’re collaborating with, their personality is in their playing. I love collaborating with people more advanced than I am in not only knowledge but those who have also been able to grab hold of the more abstract qualities of music. There are concepts such as time/feel, space… those who judge carefully whether or not to add what they have to say, and whether what they say will add to the goal of the music or not. There is also a huge spiritual side, where musicians can connect on a deeper level.` I could go on and on but it gets a bit esoteric from here.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Social Media has been able to connect me to so many of my friends, and people love to support and hear the music. I’m hoping I can use this tool more effectively in the future.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
I’m heavily influenced by Jazz and Brazilian music. I especially love the intersection of both and how their marriage has affected each genre. I Have a Brazilian background so I was raised on Jobim, Djavan, and so many more gorgeous Brazilian artists, and I have my formal training in Jazz where I fell head over heels for Bird, Duke, Ella and so so many more. In more contemporary influences Stevie Wonder will always be in my top 3 of favorite artists of all time. All my life I have been absorbing and emulating and now producing works akin to my mentors, like Isaac Newton once said “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I love to DM with my fans and hear about what they like! Also when I record covers, I often like to let them decide what song I’ll sing, that way they can introduce me to new music and I can produce my own version of their favorite songs for them!
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
Having a dad as a musician and playing with him is such an incredible thing. We have played in Japan, Turkey, and all over the US and it always gets better. We have so much fun together and lots of respect for each other’s abilities. I remember once I was doing an important show, and he was busy out of town that day. I was a bit disappointed because I so wanted him to be there for my big concert. When I came on stage, I saw him sitting in the audience waiting for me. Of course I had to invite him up and he played with me that day. Something special happens when a father and son can share something like this.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
I feel as though it’s never been easier to consume so much music, we have so many choices that it’s very hard to concentrate! One thing I dont love is the DJ revolution. While Djing certainly is a valuable and valid art form, it’s cost effectiveness has removed live musicians from the public eye and further restricts opportunities for musicians. And SINCE making a living off of streams is impossible and DJ’s are more prevalent than ever, the opportunities and feasibility for live music diminishes. Lets see what AI does, soon the DJ will be out of work.
HOWEVER,
Those who have experienced live music know, it’s a wonderful and potentially life changing experience. I do have hope that live music will make a roaring comeback, we need more live interactions and excuses to get together and have a hug!