Interview with NXCRE
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Interview with NXCRE
What got you into music, and what would you be doing today if you had not gotten into music?
I was born into music. My mom is a fantastic singer and her dad was a singer as well before her. This is something that has been passed down generations and I intend to continue it and bring it to lights never before seen. Music has been the one consistent joy in my life since a youth, as I’d watch how my mother inspired and commanded a crowd, bringing people together, bringing people into tears. Her voice was magic in my eyes, and that’s the type of magic I wanna continue to improve on.
I’ve always had a fascination with flying, which as a musician helps quite a lot, but planes in general were always a big interest of mine. I would probably be a pilot if music wasn’t an option.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
Any other aspect of my life has been pretty much consumed by music. If I’m not creating music, I’m handling the business side of things, if I’m not doing that, I’m training for the stage or getting inspired by watching interviews and documentaries of those who came before me. Music is pretty much my entire life. The only other thing I could add would be my absolute enjoyment of movie theaters. I’m like a dog at a park when I’m at a movie theater, the sound system, the big screen, the red seats. It’s a big hall of inspiration. Also anime, old TV shows, going to shows. Shooting music videos has become a big hobby of mine. I never thought I would be the type of person behind the camera but low and behold. Kinda suits me, ey? haha
How long have you been making music?
I released my first song in June of 2018. I had desires to create music and release it long before that but procrastination and doubt came in the way it seems. Once I broke that barrier it has been hard to get me to do anything other than make music or talk about it.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I’m based in New York. My early sound had a lot of emotional tension to it due to the circumstances I was living in at the time, it was pretty rough, and it’s easily felt through songs such as Room 28 where it becomes glaringly obvious this person behind the mic isn’t simply telling a story, he’s not okay. I’m thankful to say I have removed myself from that environment with the help of god and I no longer hold those same feelings in my heart. Now all that remains is the music from that time, for those who are still in that situation, so they may find the light at the end of the tunnel, as I did.
Tell me about your most memorable show, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
My most memorable show? Hmmm. I recently performed with my band at this spot called Heaven Can Wait in East Village. This was my band’s second performance together and it’s such an exhilarating feeling, on stage I truly feel as if I am doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do. But there was something very very special about my band’s first performance at this venue called ‘’ Elsewhere ‘’ in brooklyn. We performed our song Indigo for the first time in front of people before the song was even out yet, and the way the lights in that building blinded me, be it the flashing strobe lights or the lights flashing from the crowd’s phones. All I could see was beautiful bright lights. I couldn’t tell if I was performing in front of 100 people or 10,000. It was surreal. That moment will always hold a very special place in my heart.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I’ve performed at a few spots in New York and the states and some overseas. I’d say any place I can have all of my friends at and my band is a great venue to play at. Don’t need much, just the people I love in the building. Pretty cliche, obviously, but I cannot wait to perform at The Garden (MSG).
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would love to have a show alongside Wavves. They are one of my favorite bands growing up and you’d have a hard time finding me anywhere other than the crowd moshing with the rest of the fans.
Recently I had a show with local bands from our scene, Black Stevens and Denmark. I definitely wouldn’t mind performing with them again. They rocked out. It was a great experience and they are beyond talented. Lots and lots of talent coming out of the New York Scene. It’s a great time for musicians overall.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
To my younger self, don’t burn bridges, make sure you study the business side of things early, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you feel like things aren’t going your way. Take a deep breath and realize, everything will always work out.
To those who are just getting into music. Again I reiterate, study the business side of things, watch a ton of interviews of those who inspired you, or simply those who have had success, there is so much to learn from them that will help you in your journey. The people you surround yourself with can either make or break you. So I hope you choose wisely on those who you bring into your personal space. But on a brighter light, I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without the support and help of those around me. They are truly angels sent from heaven to guide me on my journey. Grateful is an understatement. Push yourself, and always try your best to make the best song you possibly can. I always try to outdo myself in a sense, I think that’s a healthy way to make sure you improve and don’t stay stagnant. Follow your heart and have a moral code, you will encounter real people on your journey and these people have feelings and emotions just like yourself. Don’t forget that they are real people. Don’t use people, be a help to people, and help will be given in return to you. Don’t let money be the reason you lose the people who’ve supported you from the start. Be kind, always, but also don’t forget. To be the lamb you want to be, sometimes you have to be a lion.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
INDIGO. My first release alongside my band ‘’The Villains’’ created with my friends and bandmates, Jay Sambuco and Lloyalty. They are the reason I get to live the life I could only dream about as a kid. I am creating the same type of music that 14 year old me used to get himself out of a dark time. And that same music I hope can do the same for those who encounter it.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested to most?
Favorite to play has to be I Don’t Feel Like Myself and Usurper. (The latter being unreleased for the time being) with my band. The energy, the grit, the intensity and the sound is just so good to me, and I really get to flex my vocals hahaha. Those two just have me on another level.
People love Desire, I love Desire as well, always nice to get the crowd sturdy, I be jumping in there too. Hitting my lil’ moves.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
Melody always comes first to me. I used to be the type of person who wouldn’t even really be able to hear the lyrics of a song? If that makes sense. I would be fully intune with the melody. That’s why I’d say I’m pretty picky with my music choice. The melody has to be right or I’m not there. When it comes to the creation of my music. As of recently, the process I’ve had with my guitar player Jay has been a really nice one. He’ll play and I would sing and we instantly lock in and create magic. Sometimes the lyrics come out on the first try, it’s scary how effortless it is you kinda start to doubt yourself like.. Should I go in there and fix it, and sure there can be a few touches that you now see how you can play along with the song, but sometimes.. Sometimes the original idea is so pure, you just need to get out of the way of the music.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
Never give up. No matter how hard things get, how down you feel, how low the world has sunk. Keep moving forward, because if you don’t, no one else will. Be the light that shines the path for others, be the one who reaches out from above and helps the others across. That’s the way of life.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
INDIGO has just been released and I am beyond excited! It’s a song that means the world to me and my band so we’ll be doing a lot for it.
In terms of plans, I have a list of goals I wish to achieve for this year. I don’t wanna reveal too much, but touring is a major major step in my future direction.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
FOR MY FANS IN NEW YORK! I host many events, whether it be listening parties or shows, the best way to keep up with me is in person. There is nothing better than being a part of the journey live and in person, I try to include my Feans in my music videos, the stage, whatever it may be, so that we can all experience this moment together. Come to the shows, come to the events, become a part of the community. That is the best way to keep up with me. Other than that, the obvious is instagram and Youtube and all other platforms haha. The real world is better, don’t let people know I said that! ;)