Ontario Phoenix

Building His Castle

When did you first get into music?

I first started writing music the end of 6th grade. It started as poetry and then formed into rap when I was in 8th grade.

Who or What influenced you to pursue a career in music?

My struggles, pain, the feeling of making music. Made me feel better, and gave me an outlet for that pain and struggle. I could take anything and create it into a song. I’m an empath and can also give an outlet for someone else by writing things relatable to other people.

Describe your style of music.

A new sound, different from the rest, bringing in bits from old school, r&b, drill, and hip hop/rap. In my own lane, an unnamed, new, upcoming genre.

How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry?

I’ve grown and I learned to speak on different things, I took myself out of a box, being one specific sound and message, and now I talk about meaningful, relatable things as well as things going on in my life with love and friends and me evolving into the man I am.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Passion, music has always been my passion because it has always been there for me even when those around me weren’t there for me. Even if I didn’t do music, I’m still passionate and get goosebumps listening to other peoples music that I can relate to and feel in my soul.

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

Me, myself, and I. I’m just different and bring a certain uniqueness to my performances. My stage performance is a whole different energy from my day-to-day life. I pay attention to my fans and have a certain drive from all those who have doubted me.

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

The industry itself, there are so many scams out there of individuals trying to overcharge, lie, and feed on someone’s dreams. I’ve finally learned to know the difference and be happy with my personal growth and educating myself on the music scene.

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?

No, I don’t agree that you should suffer, it’s all about what you feed into and where people lead you, I was suffering because too many people were scamming for money, but I’ve learned it is not necessary and I can make it as an independent artist. I have also suffered being a trans-man artist because everybody has their own beliefs and some choose to be negative and not work with me.

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

I hate the internet personally, but it has definitely helped independent artists, giving them chances and networking we didn’t have before. It’s grown and made it easier to spread anything all over the world very fast.

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

The industry is manipulative, I would make it so if you’re good then you have a chance, it’s about your talent not who you know. It’s “10% talent and 90% business” I would change it to 90% talent and 10% business.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists/celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.

I opened up for Twista one time, he had technical difficulties and the mic wasn’t working, but he ended up just hyping the crowd and continuing his performance without his mic. I opened for Twisted Insane also, I knew he was major but never knew exactly who he was, I walked passed him and told him I had no idea who he was, he said “you about to see” and shouted me out on stage for not knowing who he is but still gave me props for being a good artist. Afterwards we were talking all night like friends.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Biggie- ready 2 die Nipsey- marathon continues drake- take care drake- nothing was the same drake- thank me later. Drake showed me how to be versatile.

What is the best advice you have received?

To focus on me and not what everybody else is doing or has going on.

What’s next for you? New Music?

My new album think it’s a game just dropped. Music and videos will keep rolling out.

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

All social media and music platforms: Ontario Phoenix/ Phoenix Balmain