Wowashwow – The Algorithm

By starrymag | August 2, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Hmm. Great question. It’s a hodgepodge of rap, pop, funk, with a touch of punk rock for sure.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Hands down Missy Elliott. She’s a freaking icon. Then, Tina Turner and Beyonce in terms of their brilliant ability to move stadiums of people to feel joy. Then, in terms of off the wall musical composition, Frank Zappa. Then for rap icons, Nicki Minaj and Joey BadA$$ and Meek Mills.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming album The Algorithm.

 

A) The primary theme in this album, and even the album I created before, has always been one of self-confidence. But even more so with this album because I truly allowed myself to expose a level of vulnerability that most people never see, and how I was able to pull myself up in those situations with the power of inner confidence.

 

Q) Which tracks for the album challenged you the most creatively?

 

A) “THIS IS NOT A FREESTYLE” WAS TOUGH! When we created this song, it was originally a freestyle that just happened. But then when we listened back, we decided that it should be fleshed out into a song, and I started writing from there.

 

Q) Every song is surely your “baby,” but do you have a favorite of the songs you wrote for this album and what makes it so significant to you?

 

A) “Still Blooming” is my favorite because it was the first song I wrote for the album and the title truly reflects where I am in life. I’m “still blooming.”

 

Q) For this album, how did you shake off a long day of being in the studio?

 

A) Usually after working on the album with my producer we would play Mario Kart. I’ve never played video games before and finally he convinced me to try, and I was hooked after that. So, after a long session it’s Mario Kart, wine with ice cubes and some type of anime or thriller tv show.

 

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

 

A) I don’t really have a process. I just write. Sometimes I’ll feel inspired and write verses without music but give me any beat and I’ll catch it and write to it.

 

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

 

A) I was there for every step of the creation of the music. That’s very important to me. I need to feel the energy and watch the song be built from scratch. That inspires me to write.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with those who explore the new music on The Algorithm?

 

A) Joy and sore knees and backs from dancing. A sense of confidence and fulfillment.

 

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

 

A) I love playing in LA and New York, the energy of the crowds is also so wild, and I definitely feed off of that.

 

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

 

A) Doja Cat. I’ve been a fan of her music before it went mainstream, and I think she’s a brilliant lyricist. Then, second would be Kendrick Lamar.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I actually listened to Kirk Franklin. I grew up listening to gospel music, so there’s something about it that’s so uplifting to vibe to.

 

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

 

A) It gives me the opportunity to share my growth and process as an artist with people all over the world. So many people through social media watched this album be created, when I was in the studio. They were, too. When I stepped on stage, they got to see what the green room looked like, and I feel like that had a major impact on the connection I have with the audience.

 

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

 

A) Y’all mean so much to me. Thank you for being a part of the journey no matter where this crazy road may take us.