1. At what age did you realize that this was your true passion?
“When I was 13, I spent the summer in Trinidad with an amazing Trinidadian family. Everyone in the family would play music together weekly in a tent under the highway. They invited me to jam with them and showed me around the music scene down there. There was this incredible underlying connection and love that everyone there expressed through music. Up until that point, I had always appreciated music, but that was the moment when I realized that I wanted to devote my life to exploring music more deeply”.
2. What artist did you listen to most growing up?
“I went through A LOT of phases… from John Mayer to Herbie Hancock to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. If I had to choose one artist that has been in rotation through all the phases it would be Bob Marley”.
3. What advice do you have for someone who is just starting out?
“Don’t worry about what other people say. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and keep pushing your craft. It takes a lot of time and work, but if you stick with it, I guarantee that one day you'll make something you're proud of. Like many things, it’s all about reps”.
4. What is your favorite song that you've made?
“That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child”.
5. If you could thank one or more persons right now who would it be and why?
“Definitely my parents for always being there and supporting my passions”.
6. Who do you see yourself collaborating with next?
“A few of my dream collaborators are Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, and Tame Impala“.
7. What has been your most memorable moment on this journey?
“I can't pick one moment, but overall the most impactful moments have been moments of realization. I remember my first real experience with the death of a family member at 9 years old and understanding that life is fleeting and that we need to make the most of it while we’re here. I remember being 16 and realizing for the first time that the journey is more important than the destination. And at 17 on my first shrooms trip, realizing the importance of relationships and human connection in my life. These few moments changed the trajectory of my life immensely”.
8. If you could go back in time and change one thing what would it be?
“I would probably go back as far as possible and create more national parks and protected ocean spaces around the world. True, untouched nature is one of my favorite things on this earth, and it’s becoming more and more rare”.
9. What do you do to decompress?
“If I get overwhelmed I like to meditate, journal, go outside, and get some exercise. For exercise I usually surf or play basketball. Open spaces like the beach help me think more clearly. After a long day I like to read, play video games, or watch a good movie”.
10. What advice do you have for someone who gets stuck on this journey?
“Don’t feel like you need to be making music at all times. Sometimes we're not inspired and we need to take breaks. That’s totally okay. Experiment with other creative exercises, paint a picture, build a table, whatever it is you want to do. There are so many facets to being a creative. Don’t get caught in a one dimensional headspace. Make sure to keep an open mind”.
