Tell us about yourself and your music
I describe my music as an impactful explanation of my life experience. My music is relatable and it is the canvas to the picture I paint of reality. My music is more than poetry, it runs deeper than life. I give my audience a sound that will be remembered for decades.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release was an ep called “Deeper than Life,” It is a promo for my upcoming album. It consists of 4 tracks of hip-hop, soft rock, and acoustic rock. I wanted to uplift the black community in a raw and unapologetic manner. I speak on ways of how we can make our communities just as equal as the social classes that have oppressed us.
What inspired you to write this release?
The struggles of being an oppressed black man in America is what inspired me. The feeling of being compartmentalized and ostracized enraged me to speak out on our issues as a race, issues of an ignored and hurting race.
Describe the writing and recording process
I study the greats from Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Jay z, Tupac, John Lennon, etc. I don’t listen to the songs that put me in the mood, I study their lyrics. I take every literacy device I found and I start writing from all points of view.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
Due to COVID-19, my tour was sadly canceled.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I remain strategic. I study how major labels operate and I take initiative and execute every idea. I’m not the smartest person on the planet but I have this mentality that is untouchable. If other artists’ were me, they wouldn’t be able to endure my insane, “no pain, no gain” mentality.
Who have you been listening to lately?
I honestly listen to more funk music than anything. I love the Beegees, James Brown, Rick James, Jackson 5, Parliament-Funkadelic, Dr.Dre, Bruno Mars, and the list goes on. I just love to dance and feel the groove of funk music
Who are your biggest influences?
Steve Harvey. He isn’t a music artist but I love that he is using his platform to encourage and guide the new generation. He doesn’t do it in a secular way either, he lets people know that God [Yaheh] is real and he always has a plan for us.
Tell us about your passions
My passion is children. I just want to inspire, invest in their future businesses, support children’s hospitals, educate them, and be like a brother figure to them. I will give my all to see a child smile.
What else is happening next in your world?
I will be the greatest at everything I do and everything I am. I will let Yeshua (Jesus), guide me from here.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Optimistic Gangsta
Connect with Optimistic Gangsta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o.johnsonent/