Today we had an exclusive chance to interview Malachi Grant:
Why did you first start making music?
Music gave me a voice without interruption. I started off playing instruments and got lost in the music notes yet was present in the moment. That evolved to me creating melodies and harmonies that spoke to a specific emotion in time which ultimately led me into trying my hand, and writing songs. I found a connection with music and I nurtured it and it took me the journey that led me here.
Where and how do you work best?
I’m big on pre-production at my house. I like to work out ideas, melodies, hooks, verses and build them out. Then go to the studio and see how it translates and make real-time adjustments. Then it’s back to pre-production listening back and tweaking. So it’s a combination between home and the studio. But I do most of the work at home.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
When I was a kid my grandfather told me without elaboration, “We are the leaders we’ve been searching for.” I’ve learned that a lot people choose to follow because they believe someone can lead them to where they want to be. But to be who you want to be, you have to lead your own steps with intention.
My grandma told me, “The future is for the dreamers, so you should dream too”.
So I combine their two quotes in how I see the advice. We have to have the courage to lead ourselves and dream big enough so we can lead ourselves in the direction of our dream, what drives us. So we can become who we are meant to be.
Do you have a mantra?
Yes. “It’s always Up & Up”. Simply put, forward is the only direction. We have to keep on moving forward and growing. Everyday is another step to take advantage of.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
High energy music, connecting listeners through life experiences we can all relate to through music. Melodic and lyrical my music brings a variety of flows, metaphors and overall concepts to deliver on the message within the music. It typically falls within the realm of motivation or celebratory music.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
I would live more in the moment. Before I was getting things done and onto the next thing. It took me some time but I live more in the moment now.
What’s your latest release?
My latest release is ‘Up & Up’ which dropped October 29th. The album focuses on reaching new levels in life, overcoming adversity and remaining solid in who you truly are. The journey continues and we continue to surprise ourselves. It’s always Up & Up. The overall message can be depicted in the original intended order of the songs. Live – Up – Never Fall – Be – Better Than Yesterday (BTY) – Shine – Living my Dreams – Solid.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I think collaborating with Kanye West would be great to be a part of the creating process with him. The purpose for me is to gain a new perspective of someone else’s process that can introduce new ways of approaches to the creative process. So Jay-z, Rick Ross, T.I., J Cole, Swizz Beats, Pharrell, Pusha T, Drake, Wale, Kendrick Lamar, Timberland and Missy Elliott are front of mind.
What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?|
The best part is the journey. So you set out to accomplish this goal and you do. Yeah, you did that, that’s what’s up. But to me how did you make it happen? What did you have to learn? Did you have to step out of your comfort zone to make it happen? The value comes from the path taken, in terms of what I value.
What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
Learn the difference between personal preference and constructive criticism. You may naturally make music for a niche audience. If your goal is to move beyond that niche you will need to take feedback to expand the topics or soundscape of your music that grabs more of that audience or expands beyond that audience as far as your supporters goes. As far as professional growth you just have to keep an open ear and decide what you can adjust to further develop and grow your music.
Trey is a dedicated Hip-Hop journalist, supportive of upcoming artists.
