SF1

Photo by @tavitatata

Multi-Talented Artist

When did you first get into music? What was your inspiration?

Before I was born, my mother placed headphones on her expecting midsection playing various genres of music. This is where my journey began. When I was little, the coffee table was my keyboard, the broom was my guitar and I would drum on my mother’s pots, pans and furniture. Eventually, she placed me in West African drum lessons at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. I began writing my own songs at the age of nine and that is when I was crowned SF1 by an older cousin of mine who was also a songwriter.

How has your music evolved since you first began creating music?

I’ve always been in love with music and taking any opportunity to play and vibe with other musicians has certainly helped in my evolution as a musician. I played with the local Denver Marching Knights marching band, Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and the African American Leadership Institutes: Jazz Garden. I attended Denver School of the Arts for high school and continued to foster that love for music and the arts. After high school, I pursued my higher education at Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado, Denver. All of these experiences are an integral part of my love story with music and my evolution.

Photo by myPHOCO

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I am an artist that refuses to be put in a box. My genuine love for music instrumentation is evident in my ability to effortlessly infuse Hip Hop, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern, Pop and Rock within my energetic sound and compelling live performances.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

I think in any industry, you are going to encounter obstacles. But you persevere! There have been hills and valleys. But the highs outweigh the lows. Along my path, I’ve been able to look at challenges as learning experiences and I’m grateful for those experiences because they have helped shape the artist, humanitarian and businessman I am and want to be. The legendary Quincy Jones says, “You make your mistakes, so you learn how to get to the good stuff,” and I believe that. It’s all in how you look at things!

Photo by ro3ent

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

When you live and breathe your craft, how can one suffer? Art heals, art brings love. Art brings emotional connectivity. I believe that there are certain levels of suffrage that can create art, but I do not believe that you must suffer for it.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music industry?

The internet and digital age as a whole single handedly impacted and changed the music industry. While Illegal downloading songs in the early 2000’s made way for streaming platforms, causing a major shift in how we consume music, the internet also brought about social media platforms which makes it easier to communicate, connect and promote to fans.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

I would blur the lines of genres. Music is a universal language. There is no reason to place labels. Let music be music and embrace all the beautiful elements it brings.

What is the best advice you have received?

“If you don’t know the business, you will get burned.” I can look at the business and the music as two separate entities. My passion for music always outweighs the industry but one must know how to play the game. You hear countless stories of artists in the industry who failed to understand the business, and with that lack of knowledge, the industry can bite you.

Tell us about your current project.

Right now I am promoting my latest song entitled “Games” featuring Cleveland Jones! It was released on Big Top Entertainment’s Already On Compilation through The Orchard, a Sony Music company. It is available worldwide on all streaming platforms.

Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

Yes! I am currently working on a handful of singles that will be released within the next couple of months and into 2022. Keep an eye out for them!

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

Check me out online at sf1music.com. It is a one stop shop for all things SF1! Music, merch, videos, etc! Like, follow, DM me on all social media platforms. Type in SF1music and you’ll find me!