Philosophy of Song: A Socratic Exploration with Greek
What does it mean to truly create? To blend genres, experiences, and emotions into a cohesive artistic statement? These are the questions we ponder as we delve into the world of **Greek**, the Martinsville-bred artist whose music acts as a modern-day Socratic dialogue. Like the ancient philosophers, Greek probes the depths of the human experience through a genre-bending fusion of Alternative R&B, Pop, and Soul. He doesn’t shy away from exploring the intricacies of inspiration, collaboration, and the ever-evolving definition of “self.” In this exclusive interview, we trace the lineage of Greek’s sound, from the formative experiences of childhood to the mentorships that have shaped his journey. Prepare to engage in a conversation that transcends mere music, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist who truly embodies the spirit of inquiry and creative exploration.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Let’s kick things off with your childhood—what’s a memory from growing up in Martinsville that still influences who you are today?
Going to the Martinsville Speedway with my family has always been a big part of my life. In recent years it’s influenced a lot of my visuals and hobbies alike. There’s two races a year, in the spring and fall. My dad always took my brother, friends, and I.
Was there a moment in your early years when you first realized you wanted to be a singer or songwriter? What was that lightbulb moment?
Not exactly. I honestly didn’t get into creating music until I was about 16 or 17. I had many formative, positive influences into creating music from a lot of my friends in high school. I was introduced to production through FL Studio my sophomore year. I credit a lot of those friends with my initial interest. However my true first love was sports, specifically basketball.
Growing up, who were your biggest musical inspirations? Were there artists or genres you listened to that subtly shaped your sound?
My dad was a pretty big classic rock guy. I grew up with a lot of AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, Styx. However I really grew into my own once the internet became a factor. I got a kindle fire from some cousins one christmas and I figured out how to download songs from youtube on it. I fell in love with a lot of the most formative music of my life (The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, etc.) I just really enjoyed learning and exploring such music and all things pop culture. I credit my early teen years to most of my adoration of the art form.
Your music seamlessly blends Alternative R&B, Pop, and Soul. Was there a particular artist or album from your teenage years that sparked your love for genre fusion?
In high school the Steve Lacy demo tape came out and really spoke to me, a big fan to this day. Around that time I got introduced to the big push of indie and rnb that was coming out in the mid to late 2010’s which definitely inspired a lot of my early work. Mix that with a lot of the classics I had been obsessed with for years prior and it sort of takes shape.
I also have a deep love for hip-hop, especially hip-hop production. My choices stem from that world greatly in my music. A lot of the harsher elements in my drum choices and sample inclusion. Also my sound selection when it comes to synthesizers are influenced greatly from there.
Beyond music, did you have any creative outlets as a kid—drawing, dancing, or even fashion? How did those hobbies influence your artistic style?
My main hobbies growing up were sports and video games. I always wished I stepped into an artistic hobby when I was younger but I think growing up in rural Virginia sort of steered me away from that. I had a huge imagination when I was younger but it wasn’t utilized truly until music came along.
Speaking of style, how would you describe your fashion style? Is there an outfit or accessory that makes you feel most confident?
I kind of just wear what makes me feel confident. It’s not something I think about too actively.
You’ve worked behind the scenes writing for big names like JID and SoFaygo. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from that experience before stepping into the spotlight?
I’m still learning how to remain confident when producing for others. It’s been a pretty nuanced journey when it comes to that, but I’ve learned to always go into creating music with a very open mind. It’s easy to overthink and overanalyze the ideas you’re making with someone else, but with the right communication it lightens up. I love when an artist truly has input and works with me on the music. True collaboration is a beautiful way to create.
Elton John calling your music “a mighty good tune” is quite a compliment! How did that recognition impact your confidence or perspective on your journey?
It’s pretty remarkable. My biggest boost of confidence from that is actually the pride my parents seemed to have gotten from it. I can’t go home without them reminding me of that and it brings me so much joy every time.
Your latest project, ‘Cedar’s Tape,’ has already racked up over 2 million streams. What’s the story or theme behind this project that you hope fans connect with?
Cedar’s Tape is a project I’ve been looking forward to for some time. It has a lot of songs I’ve had in the works for many years and really wanted to release. I’m working towards starting fresh for a brand new album and it feels like a sort of transition to an undiscovered sound. Cedar’s Tape is a mixtape. I felt the need to release these songs before moving forward with anything brand new.
You’re about to open for Eden on tour this fall—what are you most excited about, and is there a pre-show ritual that gets you ready?
I’m incredibly excited. I think Eden’s been able to cultivate a fanbase that distinctly cares so much about his music. So the opportunity to be able to play in front of and meet such a dedicated group of supporters is an opportunity I don’t take lightly. I’m just excited to play and meet people after/before the shows in these cities. It’s one of my favorite parts of touring.
Funny enough I actually get unbelievably anxious before my performances. I sort of dread the pre-show feeling always, and just get really quiet every time. I try to do a vocal warm-up and just relax but I think I just have a general sense of performance anxiety.
When you’re creating music, do you draw inspiration more from your personal experiences, or are you inspired by the world around you?
It really just depends. I would say it’s the people around me mainly.
What was the exact moment you decided to go into music?
I’ve honestly been hooked since I was introduced to it. I think it was something I excelled at very early on which gave me some confidence to keep going. I don’t have one moment specifically but I think my life distinctly changed after I knew it was my passion. The summer of 2017 is likely when my mind was made up.
What’s an unexpected hobby or talent you have that fans might be surprised to learn about?
I play guitar/bass backwards actually. I’m left handed, and when I first started playing I didn’t have a teacher or really any knowledge of the instrument, so I didn’t re-string it like lots of lefties do. I used youtube tutorials and learned chords and scales upside down.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why? What kind of vibe would you love to create together?
I really want to make music with David Byrne. I feel like he is such a unique songwriter and always has some out there concept.
What has been the best advice ever given to you and how has it influenced you?
I don’t think I have just one piece of advice that’s motivated me, mainly motivating forces. My mother always has a really passive but inspiring demeanor when she speaks to me. I credit her to be maybe the biggest influence on my music and mentality behind why I do this. I have had some amazing friends I also credit a lot of my self discovery to. I have a good friend from my hometown named Christopher Chance who really helped me understand what I think my music is capable of. He’s a few years older than me and when I was transitioning out of high school he sort of mentored me over a summer and helped me understand my path. He lives in NYC now and is doing really wonderful things. Beyond that I just try to be really observant and intake a lot from my day to day life.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Rueguh (@rueguh)
