My name is SOLOMON, I’m 22 years young, my favorite color is purple and I love to make music. I am multi-ethnic (African American and Caucasian). I love learning and I can speak some Chinese. I also love to dance even though I’m not very good.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana
When did you start making music?
I always loved singing, but I mark 2008 as my start in music because that’s when I started teaching myself guitar. I began writing songs in fifth grade. It wasn’t until eighth grade when I put lyrics to music and created my first song, “Honestly, I Just Wanna be Famous.” I began learning different instruments throughout the years such as piano, alto and baritone saxophone; cello and dabbled with even more. In high school, my two best friends and I formed a rap group called ‘The Kings,’ where KiNG SOLOMON was first born as an artist. As I transitioned back from rapping to singing, I began exploring music production and creating my own beats, leading me to become the artist I am today: SOLOMON.
How do you describe your music?
At first it was hard to describe to my friends what genre my music is. I would tell them it was a weird hybrid of Hip Hop, R&B and pop. Finally I decided it was necessary to create my own genre: Empathy. With my music, I aim to acknowledge emotions and thoughts; especially my own, in order to understand the world around me, to be understood by others, and most importantly, as a way to connect people. That is one of the reasons my music is so versatile, I want to appeal to as many people as possible.
Favorite moment from your career?
My favorite moment thus far is an interview I did recently with OG Mack Drama on Top Star Hip Hop Radio. I realized how much support I had and how many people believed in me, affirming that I was on the right path. It made me happy to see my success in conveying the purpose of my music: Love.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
- Ella Fitzgerald although my style and taste is heavily influenced by Motown, My biggest musical inspiration I would say is Kid Cudi. Kid Cudi has always been my favorite artist. His music is so raw, honest and unique. Within his music, Cudi not only openly shows his human qualities, but also the demons he’s had through the years, which I often empathized with.
What is your producing software?
I’ve been using Ableton Live the last couple months. I started out producing on a DAW called Mixcraft, but ended up switching to Ableton to have access to more plugins, more automation and to be able to use some features on my analog drum machine.
What other things do you do besides making music?
I love being outdoors in nature, whether that’s hiking, kayaking or just going on walks; I just love adventuring. I also enjoy playing sports or doing anything active, my favorite being soccer. I also enjoy cooking as it allows me to be artistic in ways other than music.
What is your favorite track of all time?
It is difficult to pick an all time favorite track as there are so many good ones that have impacted my life. My favorite track by the artist that influenced me most (Kid Cudi) would most likely be “Melting” from his album, “Speeding Bullet 2 Heaven.” The whole album is a work of art and some of Mescudi’s rawest content. I especially love this track because Cudi produced it himself, so you can feel his soul not only in the lyrics, but within the music as well.
My current favorite track is “Cruel World’ by Active Child. My favorite person showed me this song several months ago and now I listen to it almost daily. Everything Active Child accomplished within this work is what I aspire to do with my music. It truly is a beautiful song that pulls at your heartstrings.
What is your best-producing tip?
PANNING IS IMPORTANT. Panning adds dimension to your tracks and brings them to life. It helps provide visual aid for an audible piece of art and makes so much difference in mixing. It allows each sound or instrument to exist in its own plane so that the sounds don’t compete, but rather blend and complement each other.
Why did you start making music?
It only felt right to start making music because of the feelings it provided me: confidence, happiness, passion and affirmation. I initially began making music just for fun, but as my passion for music grew and became more apparent, I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life. As time passed and as I experienced life, I realized I wanted to make music to help others. I wanted to provide people with a way to empathize, a way to relate to other people and a way to acknowledge and understand not only their own emotions, but the emotions of others as well. My mission statement is ‘Spreading love and happiness, while connecting people through music- This is why I make music: to accomplish this purpose.
What are your goals for the future?
I don’t like to think too far into the future as I like to try to live in the present as much as possible. My goal that guides my actions within music is that I want to grow as an artist and become well known so that I can have a greater influence. This greater influence will provide a great position for me to achieve my mission statement. I want to use my influence to help people by spreading love and providing more positive messages and energy. I just want to help make the world a better place and the way I feel I can best accomplish this is through music. When I become more well known I want to give back to my community as much as possible. Some ideas I’ve had in doing so is investing in buildings to turn them into shelters or facilities for the homeless population and those living in extreme poverty.
What advice can you give for the young music producers/DJs?
Believe in yourself. Whatever your purpose is for making music, you have to actively work to achieve this goal. I know what it’s like to get discouraged or filled with doubt, but if you can’t imagine yourself doing anything other than creating music, I advise you to believe in yourself as much as possible and do everything in your power to invest in yourself and your career. Be true to yourself. Don’t ever fold on yourself or turn into something you’re not for the sake of clout, fame or riches. What is meant for you will be yours, so you might as well be as genuine and real as possible.
Please write a message to your fans.
I just want to say thank you to everyone supporting me and giving me the time of day. I’m sending love out to each and every one of you. Though I may not know you, I value you as a person and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to find happiness or your purpose in this world. You’ll get there, don’t worry. In the meantime, don’t forget to live and enjoy all the beauty and wonders this life has to offer!
Follow On SOLOMON On Social Media:
Spotify | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
