Interview: A Certain Energy Discusses His New Single/Video "Foreign"
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“When collaborating on the ideas on how to fully visualize “Foreign” we did something not many others could pull off: we went fully unscripted.”
Salute to you on the release of your single and video "Foreign". You mentioned that you wrote it in 2019; tell us about your creative process for its development from then to now in summer 2021.
The creative process behind “Foreign” wasn’t an easy road. Lyrically, everything was set in stone, but production wise we went through so many renditions I honestly can’t remember what the first draft sounded like [laughs]. David Sinclair-Black and I have been working together since 2019 before he established Sinclair Media Group Limited, a record label turned marketing company.
“Foreign” was part of our early work together, but we knew it was a hit from the very start which explains why we held off on releasing it for so long. We had to make sure this song reached its full potential regardless of how long we withheld it from the masses. I spent countless nights just trying to figure out ways to make this song better whether it was the instrumentation, main vocals, or even adlibs. There was always something to tweak, and the more we made subtle tweaks the closer we got to the end product we have now.
The music video is the perfect visual representation of the track. How did you and the director come up with its treatment and how long did it take to shoot?
Amir [Hussain] and I got together around October 2020 to discuss the visual representation for “Foreign”. The crazy thing is we never met each other prior to this project. We had a mutual friend, Madison, that reached out to me about his work as a videographer. I was intrigued, because I’ve never heard of his work until we started communicating with each other. From then on it has been a partnership ever since.
When collaborating on the ideas on how to fully visualize “Foreign” we did something not many others could pull off: we went fully unscripted. We had three venues booked, but none of the scenes had a solid plan due to our original scripts not falling into place. The one thing I’ve always said to Amir though was that we would have to roll with the punches at some point during our venture together in this industry. That day came with our very first production together with “Foreign”. All in all it came together very smoothly.
We filmed in three different locations: Performance Venue in Indianapolis, IN, Alchemy Pole Fitness in Cleveland, OH, and BMZ Wheelhouse at our very own Fort Wayne, IN. I would say it took three full days of shooting which would be a day in each venue. Not to mention travel, because that took a heavy toll on us. At the end though you have to make some sort of sacrifices to make the end goal realistic. Putting it altogether though I’d say it took maybe… Three weeks? Maybe a month to put together fully until we submitted the final draft to David for distribution.
Can we expect to hear "Foreign" on an upcoming EP or album? If not, what do you plan on dropping next?
I do not plan on releasing any projects soon. I would love to, but that wouldn’t be a smart move on my end strategically. I do, on the other hand, have a single titled “Fake Love” coming out September 24th, 2021. Of course my right hand man Amir will be taking lead on directing the visuals for it! I personally believe it is better than “Foreign”. I’ll let everyone else decide though when the time comes.
Other than that Adam Eazy, my left hand in the industry, and I plan on dropping some incredible records after “Fake Love” releases with Sinclair Media Group Limited. I actually plan on leaving after the release of that song, and Amir, Adam, and I plan on opening up our own record label. Not announcing any further information on the label till we get the proper documentation. All I can say is we have some traction on the way.
Describe for us the influence that your father has had on you musically and how you represent your culture in your music.
If it wasn’t for my father early in my life I don’t think I’d be where I am today with my craft. I owe my career to that man. When I was a child he used to bring me to studio sessions. This was back when we lived in Guam and Saipan. He used to bring me to those sessions recording ballads. As time passed on we moved to the United States. That’s when he started introducing me to all sorts of genres. Everything from Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Soul, Neo-Soul, Metal, the whole nine. I grew up listening to Snoop Dogg and John Mayer. Like c’mon. Those were my go-to artists growing up. Anyways, once he started showcasing genres he started teaching me the importance of the diaphragm for an artist and performance. All those little lessons as a kid annoyed every ounce of blood my body could hold [laughs], but at the end of the day I’m so thankful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those lessons, his parenting, just everything.
So, when it comes to culture I try to not only represent my heritage, but other cultures as well. The way I do this is by studying other cultures. This can fall under anything from language, core beliefs, references to places, folklore, etc. I actually created a song where I speak Japanese. It hasn’t released yet. It’s just been sitting in the vault. That joint was mixed and produced by Adam Eazy as well. Also mastered by Bobby Balow of Raytown Productions in Maryland.
That comes hand in hand with my writing process. I’m influenced to write by daily life. So when I learn something new I’m inclined to put it in a song somehow, someway. Everything has a story, and I feel like it is my job to make sure that story is told.
With "Foreign" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?
My main goal for the rest of 2021 is to continue networking. It is an ongoing process, so there are many bridges to build. Not to mention so many songs to create.
This isn’t just a 2021 goal, but a lifelong goal. In order for this record label to be successful we will have to keep building even when we’re a household name. Like Nipsey always said “the marathon continues” well it surely does.
Stream and Share “Foreign” on Spotify
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