Q. Good day, Pazzo! We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. The first thing we want to know is How did you get into making music?
A . I’ve kind of always been in tune with music. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been singing. It started off-key, of course; however, around the 6th grade, when I lived in South Korea, I started taking singing lessons—and that’s when it really sparked in me. Making music was that light I was always chasing. Still chasing it daily.
Q. Who are your musical influences and why?
A. My influences come from artists I grew up listening to, like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and a ton of Motown artists/songs. Then, when I was able to develop my own musical ear, it leaned heavily into hip-hop with Lil Wayne, DMX, LL Cool J, and a few other artists that paved the way. I’ve also been blessed to have a good circle, so I was introduced to music by Rory Fresco, and I tend to gravitate toward music by The Weeknd, Mac Miller, Juice WRLD, and Lil Peep—artists that will always live forever. And last, my go-to is Felly. They’ve all played a part in how authentic I’d like for my music to sound, and each artist has shaped my growth as an individual as well.
Q. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
A. So far, my biggest career highlight would be Zaytoven co-signing how he felt about my music and what he thought as he listened to a song called Pink+Soul. I’d also like to mention that, while attending Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska, I got the chance to sing my first few solos at nationals—winning us the championship—as well as singing alongside my classmates in Carnegie Hall in New York. Trust me when I say this: that’s not an easy task for just anyone. Music has always been a major part of my life, so everything tends to feel like my biggest achievement—until the next goal comes along.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. In 5 years, I see myself having access to festival stages, helping the cities I grew up in, and collaborating with friends I met while traveling. I see awards that are cherished, building relationships with investors and companies, and branding out—fully becoming a music business, with the help of my manager Xeyoa, of course. The most vivid thing I can see is that, in 5 years, I’ll be miles ahead of what I’m saying right now. I don’t see the future, but I do see myself being the artist and man I was born to be.
Q. What Is One Message You Have for Your Fans and Supporters?
A. The one message I have for my fans and supporters is: always keep your mind on the prize and let your light shine. There’s always going to be someone willing to support your goals, dreams, and aspirations—and that first person will always be yourself. So look in the mirror and tell yourself you’ll be great. Do something kind out of the goodness of your heart, because the universe is always watching—and you never know who else is watching you. So do your best, don’t be scared to fail, because if you never failed, you never tried. And if you never tried, you’ll never know just how amazing you can be. A long one-message, but I hope it finds a home with the right readers and listeners.
