Page 156 - TA Magazine Winter 2022

NO TES ON HEALING
Sophia Scott
How has music helped with your own healing journey?
MAEJOR:
“White Fence” always leaves us feeling empowered.
I believe music can help our bodies return to their natural state Did writing and releasing the song change something in you?
of health and well-being where we can heal. Music has given And has getting engaged (congrats!) changed
me a second life. I’m a cancer survivor. Creating music at a the way you now view that song?
healing frequency of 432 Hz has allowed me to enhance my
health in ways I’m very grateful for. It’s given me a suspended Thank you! I have always been independent and gone a little
sense of gratitude. against the grain. When I wrote this song I wanted to express
that independence in a way that could hopefully empower
KINGSLEY “RICH AFRIK AN”: others to feel the same. I still
hate that we live in a society
In many ways, but I’ll start with how music is currently helping that puts so much pressure on
my healing. I’m a first-generation Nigerian-American and I no people, particularly women,
longer have my parents with me in the physical form. I recently to “find someone” in order to
lost my father to Covid. I’m always finding ways to connect be happy or fit in. I wanted
with parents through activities and locations as part of my to give a big middle finger to
healing. I’m creating more Afrobeats music to allow me to feel those constructs because I’m a
closer to my roots and parents who are longer here. I’ve always firm believer in being good on
had a fear of losing the connection I have with my homeland your own. That said, falling in
22 in Nigeria since I wasn’t born and raised there. Music helps me love and finding someone you
Y ANDERSON WINTER 20 while dealing with my father’s transition … The message [of song, because I think it’s also
want to spend your life with is
feel closer to my parents and roots.
a beautiful thing—I just don’t
ment. Getting engaged hasn’t
project Vol 1: Frequency was released the same week my fa-
changed the way I view the
146 Also, transparently, Maejor’s song “Thank You” from his think it should be a require- SOPHIA SCOTT
ther transitioned. I listened to this song and project endlessly
the song] is the same message that my father gave to me when
important to keep your independence within a relationship as
my mother transitioned: gratitude.
well. My now-fiancé and I work hard on ourselves first so that
ically, “White Fence” is his favorite song so that’s gotta say
something!
C we can try to be the best version for the other person. Iron-
TRA
You blend different genres in your music, from pop and
indie to country and grunge. How would you describe your
music to someone who has never heard it?
It’s funny you said country and grunge because lately I’ve been
referring to it as “gruntry” or “southern pop.” I grew up heav-
ily inspired by soul and R&B singers. When it comes to my
lyrics, I am very much a storyteller and love digging into that
aspect of country music. When you connect those two elements
with some raspy angst, that’s more or less how I would de-
scribe it. Especially the new stuff that’s coming.
You recently collaborated with Iggy Azalea and Renee Blair
on your new single, “Knock Yourself Out.” How does your
creative process change, whether you’re working solo or in
collaboration?
I’m always collaborating whether it’s with other songwriters,
producers, or artists. It’s the best. I typically find that two heads
KINGSLEY “RICH AFRIKAN” are better than one, and three are better than two. I tend to
If there’s something there that I like, I’ll take it to a producer thing as too much material to work with. Or at least that’s
start on my own with a concept or lyric on the piano or guitar. an unfiltered stream of whatever’s on my mind. There’s no such
and/or another writer to see how we can really bring it to life. what I tell myself to justify the extensive amount of notebooks
Working with Renee and Iggy was such a blast. I loved blend- on the shelves in my home studio. Or the 1,530 voice memos
ing genres and creating a fresh sound. Collaborating always on my phone. It’s so worth it.
takes me out of my comfort zone and challenges a new side of
me. I can’t wait to do more collabs. Many of your lyrics are confessional, like a midnight
conversation with a friend. Is it difficult baring
How has music been healing for you? your soul through music? Do you find strength in being
vulnerable?
In pretty much every way I can think of. The wonderful thing
about music is that there’s something for everyone and a song It’s a strange and beautiful concept to have a passion fueled by
for pretty much any mood. Whether it’s writing, performing, me sharing my deepest truths. My thoughts, secrets, memo-
or listening to someone else, music connects in a way nothing ries, heartaches, and dreams have been creative currency since
else can. I grew up listening to songs and artists that made me I started writing around age 13. I don’t mind it, though. Ten
feel less alone, and now sharing my own songs with people years of intense introspection has gifted me extreme self-aware-
who are relating in a similar way feels incredibly special and ness and mindfulness. Also, there’s an undeniable thrill that
therapeutic. I also always say that singing at the top of your coincides with baring your soul at the risk of anyone listening.
lungs is the best emotional release, 10/10 recommend.
I find strength in my vulnerability when it extends to others
and makes them feel seen. That connection with my listeners
Haley Jonay is the ultimate symbiosis. We validate each other’s feelings and 22
songwriting process? Is there a part of your process that so much more genuine and Y ANDERSON WINTER 20
experiences through mutual
understanding. I never write
which makes every moment of
interconnection with my fans
As a multi-instrumentalist, how do you approach the to be intentionally relatable, 147
would surprise people?
special. It’s my favorite part of
what I do. It’s an honor to be
It might surprise people that I write, record, perform, and pro-
many lives.
pendent, 23-year-old female singer-songwriter, there’s nothing
more gratifying than being able to directly translate what I hear
duce my music 100% by myself at my home studio. As an inde- a part of the soundtrack of so C
in my mind to what plays through the speakers. The weight of How has music been healing TRA
doing it all myself can be heavy at times, but it’s completely for you?
overshadowed by the pride I feel when I hear my songs. Cre-
ative control and ownership of my work is an invaluable rarity Music has been a lifelong source
that I’m so lucky to possess. of informal therapy and lim-
itless self expression. I know HALEY JONAY
Do you begin composing with a specific instrument, firsthand how healing it is to
or does it depend on the song? listen to a song that matches
your energy, and my biggest dream is to extend that experience
No two songs have the same creation story. They each have to anyone who connects with my music. As a writer, hearing my
a unique energy and history. Piano and guitar are two of my own songs is less like looking into a mirror and more like look-
favorite collaborators, but often a song is born through a spon- ing through a window straight into my unfiltered consciousness.
taneous lyrical or melodic idea. You can never predict when a It often cuts right to the core of my truth, and leaves me stunned
clever hook or catchy melody is going to be born, so when it by the fact that certain combinations of words can unlock a
happens I try to capture it as quickly as possible by recording brand new perspective on my own thoughts and feelings. Music
it into my voice memo app on my phone. If I’m writing about is magic. I’m forever grateful to be one of its many conduits and
a specific situation or emotion, I’ll grab a notebook and write I can’t wait to see what the future holds. TA
The wonderful thing about music is that there’s something for everyone
and a song for pretty much any mood.
SOPHIA SCOTT