From ‘A Town Mook’ to Zephon Braves: An artist’s transition in music
The Connector reaches out to Zephon Braves, a first year fashion design student.
Who is Zephon and what kind of work is he engaged in?
Zephon is kid from Atlanta, who just wants to make culture. Right now, a lot of things are in the works at once. I don’t have a set date or anything yet, but I’m doing something in my best interest everyday.
What inspired you to make your stamp in the entertainment industry?
What pushes me forward is this adolescent urge for constant change in my work. As long as my base is strong, the outer workings of my expression can change with time. Always do something better than what you did yesterday. It can be so minuscule, but make it happen. I have personally been feeling so indifferent towards my work for the longest time. I’m finally to the point I can rehearse a song and smile and not be so deadly serious about performing it because I’m upset at the mediocrity of it. I love that feeling more than anything I’ve experienced on this earth so far.
What would you say is your strongest song so far/ what was it like to create it?
I think its my best narratively. It took a couple days to write and piece together everything, but the bulk of it was quick to write. It was an honest process. Fun, too. When I’m alone, writing, practicing what I wrote, it’s the coolest thing to me.
Do you credit anyone as inspiration for your work?
There’s a lot of people that could be on this list right now, like spoiled-kid’s-Christmas-list long. But Pharrell Williams is one. He’s just that guy, you know? His song structures are insane. He just has a certain flair and nostalgia I can’t shake. Every time I hear Ye, (Kanye West) I feel like a kid again. He’s the man. Frank Ocean is my songwriting case study. I don’t know how he does what he does so effortlessly. Tyler the Creator— I’ve been imitating his music style since middle school. He has an infectious sound and persona and I just related with him so much. The weird black kids, who were doing something off the beaten path. Also, this band called Daughters; crazy! These people for me, make appealing music to a wide audience and don’t compromise a thing, because they are just that good. That’s what I strive for. Not bending under social scrutiny or Sonic homogeneity.
If your microphone could describe you, what type of person would it say you are?
Lots of voice cracks and retakes. Also, he talks to himself a lot!
What current streaming platforms is your music on?
Just about everything, Apple Music, Spotify, United Masters, the whole 9.
Describe to me your most success music video and what is was like to create it?
I have only done one music video so far, and it wasn’t as great. It was so cold outside and I had this paper-thin Nike tech on. Not much of a backstory or strong creativity to the video. But around the time, even though memories of those days warrants an eye roll from me, I’m happy that phase is over with. It taught me a lot about vulnerability if you’re trying to pick your feet off the ground with music. Even on a local independent level, you have to navigate through the struggle to get the promotion, support, or success.
What project are you currently working on/what can people look forward to experiencing?
A couple of things are in the works. It’s not rap. I’m done making rap music. Just to get that out the way. I’m singing now, which is fun. There’s a lot of risks sonically, which is new for me. I’ve always been an experimental hack, but now I’m doing it for myself and that is the best thing in the world. I view everything I work with to be an extension of me, so I take everything pretty seriously. I won’t compromise. I’ll never do that again. It’ll be fun to see where everything ends up, for the both of us.
How do you feel being a SCAD student plays into your role as an artist?
I think this school does a pretty good job of keeping my brain jogging. I’m constantly engaging with different mediums and disciplines and learning about new artists, even though it’s through a Zoom screen, which isn’t fully enjoyable. I think any place where you can hone in on your talents and challenge them is a good place to be. A college, a bedroom, the park, anywhere, and everywhere is ideal to learn. I treat everything I hear or look at outside with care, so I can see if I need to add to what I’m writing or creating. Stuff like that makes me crazy excited. I feel like taking stuff in my world and making an intentional memoir of what I’ve seen.
What would say to other aspiring artists that are college students or SCAD student for that matter?
Advice? Let’s pretend I’m someone of any authority for a quick moment. I advise everyone to just be. Just be, just relax, and enjoy existing in your craft. Even if you’re not rocking with the college thing, stick to your craft. Whatever makes you glad to be alive, do it. That transcends school, work, your job, all that. Doing what you love and loving what you do is integral. I don’t care who is telling you to embark on something that is going to swerve the trajectory of your life for their benefit. Abandon them, boys. You need folks who are going to push you to be the best you want to be. That’s what this life mess all about.
To contact Zephon Braves, you may reach him through Instagram.
