Soulja Sage, also known as simply SAGE is an upcoming artist located in the DMV area. He incorporates an introspective, emo, grunge sound, backed by unfiltered and authentic lyricism that hits home and creates a vibe, completely divergent of his peers. Below we get the opportunity to talk to the artist about his influences, daily lifestyle, and his take on music as a genre and general concept.
Q:
Who is Soulja Sage? What themes and cultures encompass who you are as an artist?
A:
I came up with Soulja Sage aka SAGE recently.
(I’ve had other names)
Sage fits me the most because I’ve always wanted a peaceful vibe associated with my name. I want positive vibes associated with my music.
But sometimes I really feel like Soulja Boy.
Q:
Who or what were your inspirations behind these themes and cultures? How did they influence you to become the artist you are today?
A:
My main inspiration at the moment is Lil Wayne, because what he emulates is pure dedication. The artist who made me who I am today is honestly Spooky Black aka Corbin though.
They opened up a barrier to allow me to be myself and express my feelings to the fullest.
Q:
How do you incorporate these themes and cultures into your music?
A:
If I am going through a depressive episode, I just make as much sad music as I can.
But with the Wayne influence, I express proper work ethic and I keep reminding myself that this takes time and dedication.
Q:
What do you think is the most important aspect of music as a concept?
A:
The most important aspect of music, in my opinion, is sharing a message with your fan base and allowing them to understand and relate to your lyrics.
This is the #1 aspect I want to achieve in my career.
Q:
What do you think personally sets you apart from the rest of your peers in the music industry? What do you bring to the table that you believe no one else can?
A:
What sets me apart from my peers is that a lot of the stuff I say in my music, I REALLY DID.
I know a lot of people I have worked with that do not live their music. I bring ideas, creativity and hustle into my groups while some may lack those.
Q:
Where do you think you would be at this very moment if you weren't pursuing your career in music?
A:
So I started making music when I was 15 & locked up.
I was road running and doing a bunch of things that helped me mature as a man and saw that that’s what I shouldn’t be doing.
I would be in way more legal trouble at the moment otherwise.
Q:
Walk us through the steps you take to create a track, from how you get the creative spark to the finished product? Do you just walk into the studio and try a bunch of beats until one fits, or do you wait till you get that flash of inspiration?
A:
First, I take time to reflect on what I’ve been doing for the past couple of days, or I listen to my favorite artists for inspiration.
Second, i choose a beat and write to a couple other beats on the side.
Third, I revise the lyrics, listen to the beat to catch the flow and begin to record.
Fourth, I apply some simple mixing to the track and decide when to drop it!
Q:
Lastly, what advice or experiences would you like to share with your peers or anyone else who is up and coming in this industry? Any nuggets of wisdom you'd like to drop?
A:
DO NOT be scared to leave your comfort zone.
Music is worldwide, make whatever type of music you want! Catch a vibe smoke a jay and do your thing on the beat!
Advice to new comers: STAY POSITIVE!!
DO NOT ALLOW NEGATIVITY IN YOUR CIRCLE!!
STAY DEDICATED TO YOUR CRAFT AND REMAIN HUMBLE WHEN YOUR TIME COMES.
This takes time!!
Q:
Also, is there anything you'd like for us to promote?
A:
Archives 2 is dropping 5/1/2019!!
Big shoutout to SAGE for this in-depth interview. Most of his music can be accessed through the Soundcloud link above! If you enjoyed this interview make sure to leave a big like and comment what you think of CBRZ music so far. To stay up to date with content coming out of Nefarious Supply you can follow us via Instagram and Twitter.