Artist Name
Ceezar of theFWD
Where are you from?
Columbus, OH
How has your city and influenced your music?
Completely. Growing up in the Midwest, you're exposed to the different tastes of all coasts because you're right in the middle. You choose your inspirations from all of these different places, and when you decide to create, what you produce is completely unique. I don't feel like I have a "sound" to stay true to that's characteristic of my region, and it gives me complete freedom.
What song, video or project are you most proud of to date?
Of course my favorite project is my latest, which happens to be in the process of creation now, 500 Miles. This project represents the distance between my hometown, Columbus, OH, and NYC where I attend college. It speaks on all the experiences I've had on my journey and how they impact my views on each place. I got to work with the people who I've had most success with in the past, including Satele who is the the other half of theFWD and produced all tracks on that project. We tried a lot of new approaches in making this, and it's paid off for sure. Can't wait for the people to hear.
What do you enjoy about bout being a hip-hop artist?
Being able to preserve the most important culture that exists. Hip hop is the zeitgeist for our society today. It influences fashion, music, art, slang, politics, etc... To be able to participate with that at all, and especially on the creative side, is a blessing. And it means that I'll be young forever, so that's dope.
What can people expect from you over the next 6 months?
500 Miles is releasing in August. And my album, Mountain will be released during fall. Of course A3C in early October!! You can also look for me to be doing shows and open mics in the NYC area. And I'll be in class a lot of the time, too. NYU is no joke dawg.
What advice would you give to yourself a few years ago?
Study! A few years ago I was so eager to create and perform and speak. Basically all forms of output and expression. But what I don't understand the full value of was listening and learning. Hip hop is SUCH an extensive culture and art in general is everywhere. I definitely have benefited a lot recently from listening and learning. Finding out about everything around gives you a better perspective of yourself.
What do you most look forward to about A3C Festival & Conference?
Being able to interact with true hip hop fans. I've performed for church congregations, university clubs, art gallery visitors, you name it. And although a lot of the people who were in attendance really enjoyed hip hop and my show, it's very hard to come by a crowd that came particularly to see what I came to present. The energy will be crazy.