Written by Alexandria Anglade
Phocus, a rapper who has been passionate about music since childhood, has always known his calling—though the journey was never easy. Growing up in a time when society was pushing young people to pursue "something better," Phocus often found himself steered away from music. Yet, the pull of music always brought him back. His journey began with the movie Drumline, which sparked his desire to join his high school drumline.
Unfortunately, the percussion section was full, so Phocus picked up the trumpet. Although it wasn’t his first choice, he ended up growing fond of the instrument and became proficient at it. That spark from his band days ignited a deeper passion for music, and he started writing raps in secret, showing them only to close friends and performing in talent shows. However, his shyness kept him from fully embracing the spotlight. Realizing he had to overcome this fear to pursue his dreams, Phocus made the decision to push through and become the artist he is today.
Phocus’s creative process is a blend of simplicity and complexity. "I write stuff down when it comes to me, whether it's ideas, lyrics, or art concepts," he says. Once he has a concept in mind, he searches for the perfect beat that matches the vibe of his lyrics. The real challenge, however, comes when he starts writing to the beat. "It's like a puzzle, I just have to rearrange the pieces to make it make sense," he explains. This puzzle-like process is a key part of Phocus's artistry, where he pushes himself to fit his creativity into a unique structure that resonates with his listeners.
Phocus’s sound is anything but ordinary. While he primarily identifies as a rapper, his approach to music is unconventional. He avoids being confined to any one sub-genre of rap, opting instead to experiment and push boundaries. His style is constantly evolving, and he strives to create something fresh and original every time. "I try to push myself to new boundaries and creativity so I don’t feel boxed in," Phocus explains, highlighting his desire to be an artist that defies traditional genre limitations.
The message Phocus aims to convey through his music is one of motivation and inspiration. He wants his listeners to feel empowered and encouraged to chase their goals, no matter the obstacles they face. "I want to motivate people to grind for their goals," he shares. "I want to be that artist whose music resonates with people during significant moments of their lives, like graduations or achieving a milestone." Phocus aspires to create timeless music that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires future generations.
However, Phocus has faced significant challenges as an independent artist, especially when it comes to building his audience and marketing himself. "Being an independent artist in a city that's not known for music has made it difficult to get connected with people in the industry," he admits. Without a manager or media team, Phocus has done everything on his own. The hardest part of his journey has been figuring out how to stand out and get his music in front of the right people. Despite this, he’s remained determined to push forward, relying on his own work ethic and creativity to carry him through.
The most rewarding part of Phocus’s journey has been the recognition and appreciation he’s received for his music. "Whenever someone shows their interest or appreciation for my music, that puts the biggest smile on my face," he says. After struggling for so long to prove himself, hearing someone say they think his music is "dope" reminds him why he started making music in the first place. "It's hard to explain the feeling, but it's definitely rewarding," he adds.
Looking ahead, Phocus has big plans for the future. He dreams of becoming one of the biggest names in music, not just in rap, but in the entire music industry. "I want to make timeless music that future generations will enjoy and be inspired by," he says. On a personal level, Phocus aims to live a fulfilling life with his family and loved ones, showing them that the lifestyle they’ve dreamed of is possible through hard work and dedication. He wants to inspire his nephews, his brothers, and his cousins to chase their own dreams, and he hopes to make his family proud. “I want to see my life and realize that I have everything I’ve ever prayed for and dreamed of and more,” he concludes.
Phocus is on a path to greatness, and with his determination, creativity, and ability to inspire others, it’s clear that his future in music will be nothing short of legendary.
Instagram: @_phocus_
댓글