Interview - CustodyMusic

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

“I got into music by pretty much being around it all the time. My father was in a band, my family always played music and started me early with piano lessons. People always thought I’d grow up to be lawyer or engineer.” 

 What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

 “When I’m not playing music I’ll kick up - hang out with friends / play video games. Taking breaks can help bring new ideas to the table.”  

How long have you been around as an artist? 

 “I’ve been making music all my life, I’ve released music in the past but I would say what I’m coming out with now is just beginning for me.” 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 “I was raised in a university town about an hour outside Toronto, so a lot of that city’s culture really bled into ours. As you know many great artists are from the Toronto area and the city has its own distinctive sound, a sound that definitely had an influence one me and have interpreted into my own music.” 

How did you come up with the name of your brand and what does it mean to you.

 “Basically I was deciding on two names, but eventually went with CustodyMusic because it represents having control over your music, but most importantly having control over your life.” 

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

 “Best show I played was in this run-down venue. There were hundreds of people there, I played a couple songs from my upcoming EP and they were loving it. Felt like it was just the right crowd and they were resonating with the music. Worst show I did unfortunately got shut down before I even had the opportunity to perform, so that was definitely bummer.” 

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

“My favourite venue is DSTRCT in the city of Guelph ON. The energy in that venue is just unreal, people really get involved and its close and personal. I could see myself performing at MOD Club in Toronto - it’s just a legendary venue and a lot of artists got their start there.”

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

“Kanye West, Drake, and Lil Wayne - my three favourite artists.” 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?

“Just have fun with it, don’t let your anxieties ruin the experience for you.” 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

“I would tell myself not to worry so much! A good friend once told me if you worry about something, and that something happens - you experienced that pain twice.” 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

“There’s a visual that will come out titled ‘Too Much Auto-Tune Pt. 3’. Currently, I can’t get into more detail - but it’s definitely my magnum opus.” 

 Which songs are your favourite to perform and which get requested the most?

“More of my conscious songs I like to perform, those are the songs that kinda get into peoples heads. I’d definitely say my hype songs are the ones that get requested the most though.” 

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

 “I always start with a melody then build on from there; next would usually come the flow and then the lyrics. My music is generally inspired through experiences I face in life, good or bad - it allows me to get a lot of things off my chest.” 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

 “To keep believing in yourself, accept who you are - respect others, and understanding the control that you have over your life.” 

Do you ever have disagreements in collaborations, and how do you get past them?

 “I wouldn’t necessarily say disagreements, but sometimes there is conflict. I go into these situations with an open mind and usually the other person agrees to meet me half way” 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

 “I definitely want to put out some producers tapes and go on tour. I’ve been working on this EP titled ‘2020’ that will be released shortly, I’m very excited and looking forward to see how people react.”