“Say It Like You Mean It” carries a strong message of self-worth and valuing your time. Can you talk about what inspired those lyrics and how personal this track is to you?
A: Say It like you mean It is my debut Single, and it conveys the importance of valuing one’s time and energy. The song highlights self-worth and encourages people to learn to read between the lines, recognizing that not all communication is direct. In fact, about 90% of communication is nonverbal and/or indirect. As a man, I’ve experienced situations where I pursued someone despite subtle signs they weren’t interested, and it left me hurt. I’m confident my song will resonate with many, especially those who’ve experienced similar situations. My message to listeners is that while a smart person learns from their own mistakes, a wise person learns from the mistakes of others.
Tell me a about your cousin Deyaz (UK artist).
A: Deyaz is my cousin and an independent artist from the UK. Although we no longer communicate—largely due to him distancing himself from most of the family, except his mother, I like to call this phenomenon I’ve made it syndrome. He has achieved success early on, especially he initially got signed without any Music buzz. He got very lucky as Deyaz does look very marketable!! He told me he’s not a Singer & he does use Auto-tune on his Mic when he sings live. Music never really has been about talent, it’s more about who’s very Marketable/Brand. Nevertheless, it’s unfortunate how things unfolded, as some people in the family have supported him have been cut off. This behaviour isn’t reflective on how he was raised & he does struggle with addiction: Alcohol and Drugs. He has a baby & a girlfriend who’s keeping things together!! It’s a sad reality, but I guess it’s ‘natural selection.’
Although Deyaz and I were supposed to collaborate at one point, that never materialized, he chose to work with his friend Jessie Reyez and they’re very cosy together!! Musically, the people who have helped me out the most are not related to me. Family for most part, doesn’t mean anything. I remember a time when Deyaz asked me to take him to the Hospital, he came to my mum’s House in distress late at night, I was worried something had happened to him. I was prepared to have a fight with anyone who hurt him. Deyaz told me that he’s so called Bandmates were stealing his Clothes. I told him “they’re not your Bandmates and you should go solo”. He even faced conflict within his own immediate Family, with his brother punching him in his Face over his ingratitude. It seems that a lot of what has happened stems from Deyaz’s deeper personal issues.
For me, any setbacks in my life only fuels my determination to stay positive, grow, and persevere. I’m committed to never losing sight of my identity or my Brand, even as I gain recognition in the Music industry. I’ve seen how other artists have been affected by success in unhealthy ways, and I won’t let that happen to me. On a lighter note, I’ve recently had discussions with Nines’ Music manager, and I’m hopeful that something may come from it. Only time will tell…
Your sound blends so many genres—Soft Rock, Funk, Jazz, R&B, and even Trance. How did you approach the production of this song to make all those influences work together?
A: I go by instinct—plain and simple. I’m a Genre-blending artist, so I let the Music guide me. If a melody feels like Soft rock, Funk, Indie, or R&B etc, I follow that direction without overthinking it. For me, it’s all about the feeling. Overanalysing can lead to over questioning oneself, and that’s not productive for creativity.
For an example, my song Say it like you mean it—at its core, it’s a mixture of Alternative pop & Indie R&B. That blend happened naturally through intuition, not over planning. I approach Music like an MMA fighter approaches a fight: why stick to one style when you can draw from many elements to create something dynamic and expressive? Music is an art and art has no limits.
You mentioned a Prince-like vocal vibe in the track. Was that a conscious homage or something that naturally emerged?
A: Prince is a legend and an incredible musician who pursued his artistic vision without compromise. He resisted Labels because of their restrictive nature, and I share that perspective. Artistically, I admire his fearless approach to self-expression and his willingness to push boundaries. Vocally, some aspects of my style are influenced by him, as his singing resonates with me deeply. What I aim to incorporate from his artistry is his commitment to artistic freedom—art is limitless, and there are countless ways to express oneself. Not everyone may understand or connect with a particular expression, but it will always find its audience. I’m not afraid to put myself out there, even in the face of judgment. Some people love to criticize someone but, they wouldn’t have the courage to take creative risks like Prince did. Artists like him serve as a reminder that true artistry isn’t about imitation—it’s about originality, exploration, and pushing creative boundaries rather than following trends.
You call yourself “The Visionist” and “King of Fantasy”—what do those titles represent for you, and how do they influence your music-making process?
A: These slogans are more than just part of my Brand—they reflect my non-conformist mindset. People often tell me my Music sounds “different,” and that’s exactly what I aim for. To me, making generic Music lacks creativity and plays it too safe.
This is some of the reasons why I’ve usually rejected how Major record labels approach Music. They prioritize trends over originality, pushing artists to follow formulas instead of encouraging authentic expression. Their Marketing strategies tell people what to like, rather than letting the Music speak for itself. Being independent allows me to grow into the artist I truly want to be!!
Growing up with special needs and overcoming major life events like your early hospitalisation and near-drowning experience—how do those experiences shape the emotional core of your music?
A: Growing up with Special needs has been incredibly challenging, and it’s something I continue to struggle with every day. However, I’ve learned to embrace it, recognizing that there will be both good days and bad days. No one is perfect—I’m a Human being, not a machine. My experiences have profoundly shaped my outlook on life, and I’ve chosen to channel that energy into my Music. While Music helps me release my logic, emotions & feelings, it also allows me to connect with others, reminding them that they are not alone!!
For me, Music is therapy. The euphoric feeling I get from writing, singing, producing, and sound engineering is indescribable—it makes me feel so alive. Every aspect of my journey, as shared in this interview, is part of my Brand and my mission to manifest something meaningful.
The near-drowning incident was a deeply personal experience that made me value life in ways I hadn’t before. Also, I was a pre-teen when that incident occurred. When I have bad days or moments of self-doubt, I remind myself that life is fleeting. When it’s all said and done, I want to have given my all and see where it leads.
You’re big on individuality and rejecting the “sheep mentality.” How do you translate that belief into your art and creative decisions?
A: I stay true to myself by rejecting societal pressures and thinking independently. I assess situations based on for me, what is logical & feels right, not based on trends or expectations. If everyone follows the same formula, creativity loses its edge—it becomes predictable, even unsafe in a way, because it stifles individuality.
There’s a lot of conditioning in this World, and once people start breaking free from it, they will realize most of it is by design—some of it is helpful, some of it is harmful. Also, instinct plays a huge role in my creative process. Trusting my inner voice allows me to create my art that’s authentic and unique.
You’ve cited legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and contemporary artists like Billie Eilish as inspirations. How do you find the balance between those old-school influences and today’s modern sound?
A: I appreciate the question. For me, the most influential Music and artists largely came from the 1960s & the 1980s. Even though those eras were before my time, their impact continues to inspire me today. The artists from that period took creative risks and trusted their instincts—an approach I strongly relate to. I’m not aiming to match their legacy, but if I can even reach 25% of their level, I’d be more than happy. My individuality helps keep my Music and Brand unique in today’s landscape.
Listeners often compare my vocals to icons like Prince, the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, and George Michael. I also appreciate being mentioned alongside a contemporary artist like Billie Eilish, I respect her artistry. These comparisons are valuable because when audiences or industry professionals discover a new artist, they often explore that artist’s influences. If they connect with mine, it builds common ground and increases the likelihood for deeper engagement. While many of the artists who inspire me are no longer with us, when I create my Music it often feels like a tribute to their enduring legacy—both musically and personally.
What does your songwriting process look like—from the first idea to final production? Do you usually start with a beat, a melody, or a concept?
A: My songwriting process usually starts with either the lyrics or the beat—whichever comes to me first. Sometimes the words lead the way, other times it’s the instrumental. From there, I trust my instincts to guide the direction of the song. Ultimately, I believe the creative process should be driven by the artist’s vision. Once the Music is made, it’s about finding the right audience—those who connect with my sound. That’s where Marketing, Advertising and Promotion come in, helping my Music reach the right listeners it was meant for!!
You’re preparing for live performances and already working on a second album. What can fans expect from your future releases? Will they be thematically similar to “Say It Like You Mean It”?
A: The ultimate impact I want to have on the Music industry is to leave behind a legacy rooted in my message and Brand. Music is an art, art is an expression. Whether or not I have children, my Music will be my lasting imprint—a part of me that never fades. Just as legends like Prince, George Michael, and Michael Jackson etc continue to inspire long after their time, I aspire to create something that resonates beyond my own lifetime. If I can even reach a fraction of that level of influence, I would be ecstatic. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I want to break the notion that I’m a ‘one-trick pony.’ While my core message as of now remains the same, I’m always exploring new musical avenues and pushing creative boundaries. My goal is to prove that I have the versatility to expand my artistry while maintaining the essence of what makes my Music impactful. I’m confident that my fanbase, drawn to the authenticity of my Brand, will grow with me as I embark on new artistic ventures—because what I offer is not just Music, but a compelling and evolving story.
You’ve collaborated with names like Nick Michaels and Phil Curran—are there any dream collaborations you’d love to pursue next?
A: I’m always open to collaborating with other artists, producers & industry professionals who creatively align with me. For any collaboration to work, there needs to be a genuine artistic chemistry—because that will lead to greater Music.
Right now, I’m really happy with the team I have, but I’m always open to expanding it with the right fit. Being based in the UK, someone like Mark Ronson stands out—he’s well-respected and has a strong background in production. In the U.S., someone like Rostam Batmanglij comes to mind. His work in the Indie pop space is both innovative and inspiring. Thank you for this amazing interview, Broken colors!! Oh, and one more thing—my 2nd Single, It’s all within time (travelling through the stars), drops on April the 11th—just two days after my birthday! So stay tuned! 🚀✨
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
