Interview with IKONIK

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

My pops was my inspiration to follow in his path and become a musician. He taught me piano at a young age and then fell in love with melody and chord progressions. Writing songs have always been my outlet and huge part of dealing with Life’s Ups and Downs.

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

I love Fitness! I’ve spent the last decade working on mastering movement through YOGA and MMA training. It is a huge part of maintaining my Mental Health. My Creative juices flow when I’m working Out!

How long has your band been together?

We’ve been creating music and content together for 20 yrs on and off.

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

NYC. We are everything NYC. The melting pot that it is, we have embodied without even trying. Our Attitude Our Sound Our Look is Old NY all the way. We take pride in repping the city that birthed our STYLE

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Definitely Rocking the IKONIK CBGBS was a huge highlight in our careers. We were the house band for SNITCH which was owned by our Hero’s VELVET Revolver. It’s safe to say every week We Shut It DOWN and gained a huge following from playing that venue.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Crash Mansion in Chinatown had an awesome stage, and the back line was the best in the city at that time hands down. I always wanted to Rock the Rooftop of DCs Warner Theater. That was where the Letterman Show was taped. Let’s not forget about MSG!

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

Definitely Governors Ball with Rage Against the Machine, The Jimmy Castor Bunch, Deftones, POD, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill to name a few

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Rehearse your Ass off and play Live as much as possible! Don’t Doit for The Money… Do It for the LOVE!

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

Don’t get caught up in waiting for the Big Deal. Keep having fun playing the music you Love. The universe will open up with that mindset.

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

Writing On My Own got me out of a very Dark Place and I owe that song my Life literally. Now BELIEVE took its place because it was written as a result of the Pandemic. It really speaks to me as far perseverance goes.

Which songs are your favorite to play, and which get requested the most?

Of our early stuff GO and Superstar were hits with our Fan Base and most requested. Of the new songs Ready for War and I want it All are our most popular with our new fans, they def Rocks Out Live.

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

The process is the same for every song we’ve ever written. Myself and Rusty put together the music and Melodies and then I write the lyrics. After that we bring it to the band to arrange collectively. Everyone brings their style and flavor to create the whole.

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

We write for HOPE, CHANGE and to INSPIRE people to BELIEVE in themselves and their Dreams. Keep Rising and don’t be afraid to speak your mind.

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

Yes, like every band we have disagreements. The Business of Music always causes friction. We try to be transparent with each other and Stay Humble in every situation.

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

Our plans are to get back on the road and play Live! We miss that Piece! God Willing the Songs catch on and get placed on Huge playlists and or get licensed out to media platforms. The Spotlight would be our New Releases, Videos, and driving traffic to all of our Media Outlets. We’re Ready to go!!