Naz Tokio – Moneyango

By starrymag | June 10, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is pretty versatile because I’ve done a lot of collaborations. I had a dance song that went multi-platinum and reached over a hundred million on Spotify with a DJ named Listenbee and I created a sound for that vibe of music. We are all complicated people and I use that to my advantage sonically. My new releases are going to show some of my other sides.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My musical influences are a lot of throwback vibes like Prince but also by the people I’ve worked with over the years like T.I. and Earth Wind & Fire. I’m also a hip-hop head and I love the art of Kanye because it’s made into a theme, an energy of what he’s feeling at the time.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Moneyango.”

 

A) “Moneyango” was made with Dallas Austin and DJ legend Junior Sanchez when we were locked in the same house working on Junior’s album and a spoken word music vibe with Omari [Hardwick] from “Power.” We randomly started doing something fun and the song happened within an hour.

 

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

 

A) I think the fans will connect to the fact that we all have been affected with recent world events and we’re figuring out how we will make our money now. It is the time to pursue your dream projects! Your dream may be the thing that makes you rich.

We all have to “Get That Money And Go” in these crazy times. [laughs]

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video will show the vision we had behind the song and our insane brains. We wanted to have a good time.

 

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

 

A) Sometimes I write a song before the music, others once I have some music and I’ve also written to full out productions. All depends on my vibe at the time.

 

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

 

A) If the project is for me, I already know what I want and Ill co produce it guiding through the whole process. I’m very picky about what I want.

 

Q) What have you taken away as an artist from working with Dallas Austin?

 

A) Working with Dallas Austin has taught me the art of thinking outside the box. And he’s one of the most prolific songwriters of all times. Pink “Just Like A Pill”…he wrote that.

 

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

 

A) There is a Naz EP on the way. It will be my true voice. All from me because not a collaboration this time with another artist.

 

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

 

A) I’ve loved the times I’ve gotten to perform in other countries. Once Moulin Rouge in Paris…epic! You really get to feel the people and the different cultures when it’s not your homeland.

 

Q) You’ve collaborated with a number of incredible artists from Tank, Pusha T and ASAP Rocky.  Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with Anderson.Paak. I think he’s just an amazing musician and performer and he’s a good time. I always like working with people who are high energy and filled with laughter. I had the chance to go to his Halloween house party and he’s just a really good person and he made sure everyone had a blast.

 

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

 

A) Lately, I’ve been listening to Bos Moses and Mayra Andrade. I’m always looking for something outside the box.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming musicians and songwriters?

 

A) I would say keep learning and perfecting your craft. Stay open minded and work with people you get along with and who challenge you.

 

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

 

A) Social media allows fans and artists to step into one another’s world in a personal level. It can strengthen the connection.

 

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

 

A) I would say to anyone that is a fan and supporter that you mean the world to me and I do this to give some light to this world and I’m going to let you know me on a deeper level soon. So, keep watching and listening. [smiles]