Tention Free : Let’s talk a bit about you & your music and what is the secret behind your success ?
Well, first of all, I’ve still got a long way to go. I don’t think I’ve officially “made it” yet, but I would say so far what has brought me the most success is how different I am. I am incredibly passionate about lots of different music, and that shines through in what I make. On The Mixed Ape, my current project, I go from making a punk rock LARP anthem to making hard hitting hip hop. I think my versatility and breadth of musical passions has set me apart.
Tention Free : What are you working on now ?
I’m currently working on finishing my year-long project The Mixed Ape. It will be ending this August, and I’m already setting my sights on a couple projects that will be coming afterward.
Tention Free : Please tell us more about your recent release, “Rhodes Scholars”?
Rhodes Scholars was really fun because it is so upbeat and funky. I got to work with one of my personal hip hop heroes, Soul Khan, and made a pretty epic music video for it as well. The song is all about raising the bar and keeping high standards, and I think you will get a good sense for those values if you listen to the song or see the video.
Tention Free : What motivates you to do your best work as a singer ?
I continually compare myself to positive role-models. My dad leads up the list, and he is the hardest working, most caring person I know. He has taught me how to put in the work required to make something great and how to chase my dreams. He is an inspiration like none other. I also look at other artists and historical figures who did incredible things by working to the bone and using their passion to make their dreams come true. I always make upward social comparisons and strive to get better.
Tention Free : If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it have to be?
I would absolutely love to play at the Minnesota State Fair. I have seen some big shows there, and it would be pretty special to one day be able to play a show that large for a home crowd.
Tention Free : Who are your musical inspirations ?
Since I have a wide range of musical passions and interests, I also have a wide range of musical inspirations. Sonreal, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eminem, Blink 182, Kinetics & One Love, James Brown and any good funk music head up the list, but all art inspires me. These are just a few of the best.
Tention Free :At what point did you decide to become thesinger/lyricist of Reverse Mechanic ?
I was always drawn to music and lyricism. By second grade I was making attempts at writing my first book. Poems and songs didn’t come long afterward. I competed in poetry slams in high school, and by college I started getting songs professionally recorded. It bloomed from there when people really liked the stuff I was making.
Tention Free : Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to be a professional musician?
Practice patience. It is a long and grueling haul. Work your tail off and get used to it as a lifestyle.
Tention Free : Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time ?
I love sports of any kind, games (cards, catan, stuff my roommates and I make up, etc.), and enjoying art (musicals, listening to music, movies, etc.). Other than that, just generally getting into shenanigans with my friends helps me unwind. I take full advantage of what little free time I get.
Tention Free : Are you active on social media? what’s the best way to follow you ?
Youtube is the best way to follow me. To subscribe, visit:
www.youtube.com/user/ReverseMechanic?sub_confirmation=1
You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and most other places by searching Reverse Mechanic. I’ll save you the work by linking a few. J
facebook.com/reversemechanic/
reversemechanic.bandcamp.com
twitter.com/ReverseMechanic
youtube.com/user/ReverseMechanic
