Forest Blakk – Love Me

By starrymag | June 20, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Urban Folk. An acoustic guitar with the heart of the city as its pulse.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m a huge fan of Don Henley of The Eagles. I’ve always loved his writing style and can hear a lot of his influence in the way I write today. Henley’s song “Desperado” was one of the very first songs that resonated with me. All in all, I’m just a big lover of great songs. On any given day you can find me listening to music ranging from Bone Thugs N Harmony to Ray Lamontagne or Bob Marley to Deftones. If the song hits my heart nothing else really matters.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your song “Love Me.”

 

A) She wanted a love that I couldn’t offer. It was the moment the I let her down by trying to hold everything up. “Love Me” is the tragedy of being unable to fall for someone who is nothing short of perfect…for someone else.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I mean, it’s real! There isn’t a single feeling that I kept out of “Love Me.” I think people appreciate that type of songwriting. The kind that is from the heart, that is genuine. “Love Me” is me laying my heart on the line for all to see and I am just so grateful that people have showed to be a part of these feelings with me.

 

Q) How did you come to premiere the acoustic video with Parade Magazine?

 

A) I actually don’t know. I guess someone got their hands on it and believed in it enough to put it out to their fans. I’m still trying to get my head around all of this. It is surreal to say the least! So, if Parade Mag see’s this… thank you again for sharing me!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I actually stopped “writing” lyrics years and years ago. I rather sit in whatever feelings I have in a particular moment and start a conversation with them. I listen to her as she whispers from a place not of here. She tells me her secrets and I’ve made it my job to do my best and decode all of them, to serve her. From there I record everything that organically comes out and spend my time piecing it all together.

 

 

Q) What was the inspiration behind your song “Where I First Found You?”

 

A) I’ve always hoped that if I fell in love deep enough in this life that I would be able to find that person in the next life (if there even is one). “Where I first found you” was my attempt to leave the bread crumbs between both worlds hoping that we could find our way back into each others arms. I also drew a lot of ideas from the 1998 American fantasy drama film What Dreams May Come starring Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I am pretty much hands on with everything that involves creativity in my world. Production, editing, filming – you name it and I’m likely part of it. The production behind my songs is a collective effort though, as are many aspects of my art. My good friend Christoph Stiller (@dearChristoph) has shared the production seat with me on a lot of our songs over the years. There have also been a handful of other producers that we have worked with that are owed equal recognition. The fact is, it takes a lot of people to bring music to life and each person is owed their respective share in the affirmation.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Forest Blakk performance?

 

A) To feel something. I want nothing more than for people to walk away feeling like experienced a moment. I want them to sit in a fragile space with me while we connect, cry, laugh, dance and sing together.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) 100% and I am beyond excited for the minute it comes out!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I don’t particularly have a favorite place to play. I’m just blown away knowing that people show up night after night and allow me to do what it is I love to do. I do; however, have a particular fondness for a place called the “Ironwood” in Calgary AB, Canada. It was the first place that I had a real show. The owner of the venue (Patrick MacIntyre) gave me some pretty sound and honest feedback that changed my life. To quote Pat, “Next time, fill the room with people who don’t give a shit about you.” Two years later I returned to play a sold out show in a room full of strangers! Thank you, Pat!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) This is the hardest question ever! I mean I would love to collaborate with anyone who shares the same passion for music that I do. If I had to name a few artists: LP, Bishop Briggs, Labrinth, Sia, Patrick Watson, Alex Ebert, Woodkid, Brandi Carlile, Chance the Rapper, Logic….There are just so many! Why you gotta put me on the spot like that? [laughs]

 

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Been listening to this newer artist named Juke Ross lately. He has this song called “Grey” that I’m in love with. I’ve also had “This is America” by Childish Gambino on repeat since it came out…yes!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I know what it feels like to be completely alone and isolated and social media opens a door to share a space with people and hopefully allows them to feel connected. I know it does that for me at least. I read every single message, comment and even scroll through likes to see who these people are. They are not just fans to me, they are my family! This is why I even put my number at the end of my spoken word “Swipe Right,” connection! Nobody is invisible, everybody is worthy!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you! Thank you for letting me grace the stage you set your eyes upon. There isn’t a moment where I have forgotten just how special all of this really is!