Music's Week: What made you realize that music was your path?
Minus A.I.: Music has always been a part of my journey, but I wouldn't say I've fully realized it as my destined path. I'm currently exploring various avenues and seeking funding to expand my horizons. This includes launching promotional campaigns, building a dedicated team, and enhancing my public image. I'm also considering venturing into the beauty industry, inspired by successful entrepreneurs like Selena Gomez, Halsey, and Rihanna. However, my focus would be on a niche I'm familiar with - Nail Spa Products. I'm in the process of discovering where I can make the most impact. One exciting prospect is creating an animated version of the audiobook for 'Killer Donuts Musical'. I believe in staying versatile and open to opportunities as they come.
Music's Week: How will you describe your music to people?
Minus A.I.: My music is a universal language that transcends boundaries. I strive to create a diverse range of tunes that resonate with all kinds of listeners. It’s not confined to a specific genre or style, but rather, it’s a melodic blend that caters to the varied tastes of individuals worldwide.
Music's Week: What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?
Minus A.I.: In my view, the evolution of an artist is increasingly leaning towards independence. I’m a testament to this trend, as I’m currently working on a unique side project called ‘The Pretty Little Lightning Paws’. This project doesn’t involve mainstream singing or commercial music. Instead, it’s an experimental venture aimed at demonstrating the potential of low-budget music production. My friend and I, both struggling musicians dealing with mental health issues and financial constraints, are attempting to create an entire album using just our iPhones and two inexpensive USB mics purchased at Walmart. Our goal is to see if our music can find acceptance amongst listeners. This project also reflects my vision for the future of music production - cost-effective and accessible to all. While the quality of such productions will undoubtedly improve over time, the essence lies in the democratization of music creation.
Music's Week: Describe your experience recording the song "The Sphere"?
Minus A.I.: Recording ‘The Sphere’ was an intense and memorable experience. The studio was sweltering, hitting a hundred degrees, and the recording booth was no different. Coupled with the late nights and the typical Florida summer, it was a test of endurance. The process involved meticulous editing post-recording, which added to the challenge.
Music's Week: What are your music goals for this year, and how are you working towards achieving them?
Minus A.I.: My music goals for this year are fluid, as I believe in taking one day at a time. One of my aspirations is to embark on a worldwide, international tour. I also understand the value of first editions, much like a baseball card collector or a signed item from a rookie rugby player. These items often appreciate over time, becoming valuable assets. Drawing inspiration from this, I aim to enhance the value of my merchandise, similar to how a classic STAR WARS lunch pail, especially one in original condition and signed by the cast, would appreciate over the years. My goal for 2024 is to see the merchandise from my first volume grow in value in a similar manner.
Music's Week: What was the creative approach for this new video?
Minus A.I.: My creative approach for the new video was to break away from the traditional music videos that I grew up watching. Instead, I wanted to align with what I enjoy viewing today - ‘Lyric Videos’ & ‘Visualizers’, similar to those found on platforms like Lyrical Lemonade & visualizers from Trap Nation and Bass Nation. While these are essentially lyric videos & visualizers, I aimed to infuse them with a unique blend of dry humor & sophistication. This approach reflects my personal taste & the evolved trends in music video production.
Music's Week: How important do you think video is to your music?
Minus A.I.: Video is integral to my music. It not only enhances the auditory experience but also provides a visual narrative that can connect with the audience on a deeper level. As for the animated musical aspect of my project, its realization is contingent on securing adequate funding. I’m hopeful that in due course, it will receive the green light for production to eventually premiere at ‘The Sphere’.
Music's Week: Are you already working on a new music? If so, can you tell us something about it?
Minus A.I.: Yes, I am indeed working on new music. In addition to ‘The Pretty Little Lightning Paws’, a unique side project, I’m also developing a few fresh musicals. One of them is titled ‘A Nightmare On Kensington Ave.’ The soundtrack for this musical is inspired by the distinctive styles of artists like $UICIDEBOY$, GHOSTMANE & ZILLAKAMI. Additionally, I’m working on a few tracks that align with the style of ‘Killer Donuts Musical’. Each project is a new journey, and I’m excited about the diverse musical experiences they offer.
Music's Week: Has your music career journey had a deliberately direction or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
Minus A.I.: There was a pivotal moment when I traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, considering a career as a nail tech. This was a time when the internet was on the brink of becoming mainstream. During my exploration of the city, I discovered a unique five- story mall dedicated solely to music. Each floor represented a different genre, from Samba to underground dance EDM. It was like stepping back in time, witnessing the final days of physical music sales before the advent of streaming. The atmosphere was heightened due to Brazil's recent World Cup victory. I was accompanied by a translator, a former US citizen I knew from Florida. We navigated through the downtown area, notorious for gang activity and counterfeit goods, and ventured into the upscale part of the city with a personal driver. The driver, an Italian-Brazilian, shared his struggles with me. Despite working every day, he couldn't afford to support his family, which led him to contemplate suicide. When we approached a military barricade, he was certain we wouldn't be allowed through. However, I assured him that my American passport would grant us access. After a thorough search for weapons and explosives, the military policeman let us through, holding back a crowd of gang members who had followed us from downtown. As we exited the highway, we were greeted by the sight of the champion soccer players in their white tuxedos. The driver, moved by the experience, refused to charge us for the ride. He expressed that this day had given him a renewed sense of hope. Upon entering the mall, which was kept open just for me, I was informed by one of the elites & the owner of the mall that my translator was not allowed in due to her brother's criminal activities in the States. However, I was welcomed and even offered a job. Inside the mall, I found a salon where I could potentially work. The staff comprised of English-speaking women with no criminal affiliations, many of whom were relatives of the soccer players and the elites. In conclusion, if my musical career doesn't align with my vision, I stand with the personal driver from Brazil, whom I was able to bring a moment of happiness. I'm still considering the job offer at the mall in Sao Paulo and am ready to embark on my former career if needed. As for the translator, I advised her to seek employment at the downtown banks, where I knew the managers. She returned to her small town north of Rio, far from Sao Paulo, and sadly passed away from cancer two years later. Out of respect, I haven't returned to Brazil since.
Music's Week: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Minus A.I.: Potential fans can look forward to more accessible ways to connect with me in the future. Once funds are secured, which I hope will be sooner rather than later, I plan to establish an EIF (Environmental Investment Fund) INC. LLC. & Non-profit organizations & charities that will help people in need. I also intend to create a dedicated website for fans.
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