Only Child – Text Me

By starrymag | April 20, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) A combination between the immediate gratification of hip-hop/rap rhythm and 808s, with pop structure and melodies.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Timbaland, The Beatles, Justin Timberlake, DaBaby, Young Thug, ABBA, Drake.

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

A) I wrote and produced the song on a Saturday waiting for a girl to text me, driven by sheer childish hope.

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

A) Texting is the dominant form of communication now. It’s easier to get ignored sending a text, than speaking to someone. Once the text is sent, it is out of our hands, all we can do is hope. I think everyone can relate to the lyric, “I really hope you text me.”

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

A) For the music video, I knew I needed to do something simple because I wasn’t comfortable having a bunch of people on set with the current pandemic. I hit up Truman, the videographer, and told him this idea I had to get my friends and family to self-tape videos of themselves dancing to the song and then to project that video on the wall, with me interacting. He loved it. I just felt that it was really relevant because during the pandemic, that human touch and interaction that all of our souls need, has had to be fulfilled via Zoom. It just feels weird and emotionally unfulfilling.

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

A) I usually start with the title. A concept I think is strong and am inspired by. Then, I go to the piano and start playing around with chords. Then, once I have the chords figured out, I go into the studio and produce a track. Then, I start riffing melodies based off the title.

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

A) I produce all of my music myself.

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

A) Yes! I have many songs already finished.

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

A) Being on stage and performing live is the ultimate opportunity to test different songs and get reactions in real time. I can learn more about what’s connecting with people in one night at a live show, than in three months digitally.

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

A) I want to start performing on the street. It’s free feedback. And it toughens you because you’re performing for people that didn’t pay or ask you to.

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

A) Rosalia.

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

A) I’m listening to the songs Drake just put out. I think it’s very impressive how long he has remained not only relevant, but at the top. I try to learn from him.

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

A) I love social media because it gives me an opportunity to connect with my fans as a human being, not just around my music. I love goofing around and being random and I get to interact with people on social media in a fun way like that. I want my fans to feel like they know me as a person, not just know me as the artist Only Child.

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

A) Thank you to everyone supporting me. It truly means the world to me. I hope that I can impact your life in a positive way. Music has always given me hope and made me feel in touch with my emotions and with who I truly am. It’s my dream to do the same for people.