Today we’d like to introduce you to Mood.
Hi Mood, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually didn’t see music as an option. I strictly just wanted to be an actor, and that was it. However, like everyone else in 2020, I went through a hard situation which led me to write music. Honestly, If I didn’t write those lyrics down on paper, I don’t think I’d be here today. Writing music was basically my prayer to the Lord. I had no language to actually speak in prayer, so I spoke in metaphors and rhymes to actually say it with my chest. I wasn’t looking for music but it was looking for me. I knew I could do it but I wasn’t interested in it. My singing/ rapping was a hidden gem until my good friend Jada told me to go forth and do it. I usually play in the background with building sets, PA, and creative directing but now I guess it’s my time to stand in the front line. It’s pretty interesting if you ask me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nope this road is still being smoothly paved out. I think one of the biggest struggles for me was knowing that I was worthy of doing this. Knowing that I’m worthy to put myself out there in an industry that doesn’t play fair is mad scary. I pretty much was and still am at times by my biggest critic. I think that’s why I push myself with my art so that I can prove to myself that I can do this. My only competition is me. How can I write better? How can I tell this story better? How can I switch this flow up to be compatible with this beat? Is the instruments telling a story alone? That’s my biggest obstacle, but also giving myself grace is a day by day process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multi-hyphenate. I write music, sing/rap, creative direct, write scripts, act, write treatments, and set design. I honestly just want to tell a thorough story. That is always the end goal. Does this story make sense? Is this story repetitive? Does this represent people who look like me? Those are the questions I ask myself while I’m creating. Honestly, I think what sets me apart is my listening skills. I listen A LOT. Whether it’s a seminar, on set, or if it’s a class. I listen. You’ll go really far if you listen to the ones who paved a way for you! I’m honestly proud of my support system. They keep me going. They’ve heard and seen the struggles that I’ve been through. They’ve heard the dreams that I have for this industry. They’ve laughed, listened, and even cried with me. I’m just proud that I can be a willing vessel to them as a friend, brother, and artist.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It’s ok to start from bottom. Like it’s really ok. Don’t just say it but do it, and do it well. If someone takes you under their wings and they are experienced in what you are trying to do, just know you are blessed and DON’T ruin that relationship that God put into your life. There are going to be seasons that seem grey and weary, but stay focused and push through. Don’t let someone else’s “red carpet” moment discourage you. They worked for it and so are you! NETWORK ACROSS FROM YOU. I know we all want Issa Rae, Beyonce’, Jay-z, or Rihanna to scout us out but they don’t know who we are yet. Network with that DP who’s in school. Network with the guy/girl who loves building sets that you met on that indie film set. Network with that guy/or girl who’s starting out with their photography business. Build these connections. Sustain these connections because these are the people that you are going to grow with. LEARN THE BUSINESS. Youtube is a good resource. Books are a good resource as well. Taking a class is resourceful as well. Listen on set, in the studio, during rehearsals, and just absorb it all. And last but not least, let your work speak for itself. When you do that the world has no choice but to stop and come to you.
Contact Info:
- Email: moodcre8tes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoismood_/?utm_medium=copy_link
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSlktFoUSyk&feature=youtu.be
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/twenty-six-single/1607275957
Image Credits:
The (1st) main photo that was taken of me with my locs was taken by Madison. Her IG is: madnoisenic
