The Experience is a rapper, singer, songwriter, that was born in the nation’s capital. His vision is to bring back the fun, truth, good vibes, and honesty in music. Blending experimental sounds, fast paced rap, and melody his sound cannot be placed into one category.

In this interview, we discuss his first single “Playa” as well as more aspects of his music and surviving as an indie artist in this digital age.

Full Q&A and a stream of “Playa” can be found below.

We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?

My music is a reflection of me. I was born in Washington DC and raised in Maryland. So naturally I grew up listening to a wide array of music. When I was younger my mother listened to a lot of Jill Scott, Maxwell, D’angelo, and other R&B & Soul greats. In contrast my father played percussion (and still plays) in Go-Go bands (DMV percussion style music) so I grew up in Go-Go’s, listening to live instrumentation and melody. My father also expanded my mind and put me on to people like Michael Jackson, Michael Franks, John Mayer, and Steely Dan. So I would say all of these truly make my music what it is and attracted me to the type of music I make.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

I wrote my first rap at the age of 12. It was a spinoff of Holiday Inn by Chingy. I’d say it was pretty lit! On a more serious note I’ve been learning the art of recording for about 1 year. And my first song I ever released “Playa” debuted on June 24th my 22nd birthday.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

Life influences my writing. I pride myself in being true to who I am and not lying in my songs. Music is best when it is honest and true. And there are 3 things that motivate me to keep going God, my friends and family, and my engineer Hanzo (@checkmiifrench).

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

My first single Playa debuted on June 24th it is available exclusively on soundcloud

Also my first project “Super Vibes” should be coming in late fall or early winter. I’m working hard on it right now there’s some huge records on this. Creatively I’m really just trying to focus on making this project a reflection of myself while making it as far left from everything that is mainstream right now.

What was the last song you listened to?

Betty Wright-Tonight is the Night…..This song is lit! Some shit you turn on with your lady to show her you’re lowkey an old head lol

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Honestly all three. They all each represent different era’s in music.

Vinyl is awesome because you get that old analog sounding feel. It adds so much texture to the music

CD’s give me nostalgia of buying my first two CD’s which were Ushers “8701” and Brandy’s “Never Say Never”

MP3’s give me memories of downloading Lil Wayne’s No Ceilings. Top 5 Mixtapes of all time IMO

So all in all there isn’t really a preference I just love listening to different eras of music with its respective player.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I won’t say I prefer one because I don’t want to cut off any business relations in the future lol But I use Apple Music primarily.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I think timing is very important when releasing music. A prime example is Channel Orange. Other than the pure genius of that album, the timing was IMPECCABLE! That album was so relevant and forward thinking. It fit perfectly with the summer of 2012.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?

Right now we are working on getting my supporters familiar with my music and my sound. I will start performing in the fall. If people want to keep up with me they can follow me on my social media and I will keep them updated with my moves.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

Twitter:@Th_Experience

Instagram: @Th.Experience

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

I just want to say if you’re reading this thank you. You’re an awesome beautiful person and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Shoutout to my family and my team. Words of wisdom….DO NOT STOP PURSUING YOUR DREAMS! YOU CAN DO IT!