In an industry often driven by trends, formulas, and commercial expectations, some artists choose a different path—one guided entirely by instinct, creative freedom, and personal expression. In this exclusive Musikepool interview, we sit down with an artist who has consciously stepped away from conventional industry standards in favor of authenticity and artistic independence.
From relocating to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music to embracing a creative process free from rules, expectations, and external pressures, this conversation offers a candid look into the mindset behind the music. We discuss artistic evolution, the realities of navigating the independent music landscape, the challenges of maintaining creative integrity, and what lies ahead as new music and visual projects take shape. Honest, reflective, and refreshingly unfiltered, this interview provides insight into an artist who values freedom of expression above all else and continues to create on their own terms.
1. Every artist has a defining moment when music transitions from a pastime to a calling. What was that specific turning point or realization for you?
When I had to make the move to the USA to attend Berklee College of Music.
2. For a listener discovering your sound for the first time on Musikepool, how would you describe the sonic atmosphere and the core message of your music?
To describe the sonic atmosphere of my sound would be to contain it in a bottle, which I don’t think is fair because I try to explore different sounds all the time. And there’s no core message of my music. However I wanna express myself in the moment, I do.
3. Walk us through your typical writing and production workflow. Do you usually begin with a lyrical concept, a melodic fragment, or a specific instrumental foundation?
It doesn’t matter. I could begin with some words, or a tune or some chords. I let my instinct dictate how and where I begin a song with.
4. How has your sonic identity evolved from your earliest releases to your current work? What has been the most significant influence on that growth?
I was trying to adhere to the standards defined by mainstream music earlier in my career. Every song I made was in servitude of those standards. But I don’t play by those rules anymore. I do whatever I feel like, how I feel like, when I feel like. The influence for that switch was the realization that I don’t want to live my life following a recipe book, I want to be free from all structures and rules.
5. Looking at your latest release, what was the central creative spark behind it, and what specific emotional response do you aim to evoke in your audience?
No central spark, very much a spur of the moment creation. What I’ve tried to capture with this song is the facet of being a contrarian and how that is perceived by society. I don’t try to evoke anything in my audience.
6. Were there any deliberate creative risks, unfamiliar sonic experiments, or new production techniques introduced in this project?
Not really. At the heart of it, it’s a typical ABAB song structure rife in all commercial records today. But essentially this is an older song of mine which has been re-produced, re-engineered and re-released.
7. Navigating the modern landscape as an independent creator requires balancing artistry with strategy. What has been your most significant professional hurdle, and how did you navigate it?
The biggest hurdle was making money through my songs. I chose not to sell myself to the industry and compromise my art, my being, to make a buck. So, I removed the “making money” part from the aspect of releasing music as an artist. I’ve explored and cultivated other avenues to keep the financial clock ticking, and I’ve left the art untarnished and pristine.
8. How do you personally define success at this stage of your journey? Is it tied to a specific milestone, a performance standard, or a creative benchmark?
With respect to art, the only thing I’m attempting to do is to make music from a place of complete purity, no ulterior motives at all. With regards to sound quality, I’m always scoping newer equipment and accomplished engineers to work with, but it all costs money. That’s where the catch 22 lies.
9. What fundamental insight or piece of advice would you share with other independent artists currently trying to refine their voice and build an audience?
I don’t think I’m in any position to give advice to anyone. I’m still learning the craft myself.
10. What lies immediately ahead on your horizon? What can the Musikepool community anticipate from you in the coming months?
More songs. Working on an album as well. Also, delving into creating short films. Lots going on.
Follow DonnyJ here:
English