Q. Good day, wickedriley! We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. The first thing we want to know is What made you want to become a producer?
A. My sister's electric piano, which hadn't been played in years, inspired me to start creating music in the eighth grade. I sat down and began looking for piano lessons for songs like "Robbery" and "Lean with me," both of which had been composed by Juice Wrld, a musician I admired and adored at the time. I believe that every single song on my playlists was a song by Juice Wrld, both public and unreleased. Not until I came on a Nick Mira live broadcast on YouTube and saw how, seemingly by magic, he put my favorite tunes together in a matter of minutes. I was in awe. I investigated the software he was utilizing, asked my mother for some cash, and informed her of the cost. I was eager to get started making songs. And then, suddenly, after innumerable all-nighters and endless hours spent creating beats and studying online money courses. I believe I've finally found my sound, and after collaborating with so many brilliant people, I'm ready for my music to be heard.
Q. Who are your musical influences and why?
A. Although I have many musical influences, the folks I most like are pretty much any internet money maker. Around a year and a half ago, when I first began to produce, I would binge watch Rio Leyva, Paryo, and Nick Mira live streams. (All internet money members). Whenever I first started out, I learnt so much from them, and I still frequently revisit their videos and livestreams. Bnyx is right now the artist that has the largest influence on my style of music. I find it really incredible how he is able to play a tune on his piano and transform it into a popular song.
Q. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
A. The bonding I've formed with all the goats I've met so far on this journey has to be my biggest professional accomplishment to date. I am extremely fortunate to have met Tijaan (glorystr), Josh (Angel), Von (pradavon), and my best friend Jacob (jddesign). We have the opportunity to collaborate and create music every day. I normally send beats to a group chat, where three people will listen to them. When I receive tracks back, it's always the best part of my day. The majority of their songs' covers are created by my friend Jacob, who I met in my native North Carolina. He also creates beats, and we have a few songs together.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. In five years, I envision myself still honing my craft and perhaps gaining enough notoriety to have the opportunity to collaborate with far more accomplished musicians or producers. I would want to get the opportunity to collaborate with some of the major players in the industry right now, and if I keep doing what I'm doing, it won't be long before I start seeing artists with growing audiences release songs using my beats.
Q. What is one piece of advice you have for your followers and fans?
A. Realizing that there is only one of you and that you get to choose where you get to go is one message I have for my fans and supporters. Everything is conceivable. If you really want something and put all of your effort into it, you will inevitably succeed. When I was terminally ill in the hospital a month ago, I believed that those were my final few hours on earth. However, I was required to be there for my family, my supporters, and everyone who tells me they enjoy my music and use practically every beat I send them. I persevered, and now, after a protracted struggle against mental illness and other dreadful things, I'm happy than ever.
