“That genuine love will keep you uplifted when times get hard and doubt tries to creep in.”
It all started when…
SOULDEGA: Who is Byhaze and how do you connect with your audience/tribe?
BYHAZE: I'm a passionate artivist that prioritizes my joy and healing! I strive to inspire healing in those I cross paths with in person and virutally. My tribe is rooted in community and love, my audience seems to be on the same wave. We all are working towards bettering ourselves spiritually and unapologetically walk away from situations, habits and people that don't serve us. I love my tribe and I love my audience.
“As of lately I’ve been learning more about sound healing and the impact certain notes and frequencies can have on the chakras and overall well being of listeners.”
SOULDEGA: What does your song-writing process look and feel like?
BYHAZE: My songwriting process is a spiritual and organic process that prioritizes freedom of expression . Sometimes I get a beat and freestyle over it, allowing spirit to guide me as the words flow while other times I work with my producer or band to build a song from scratch. As of lately I've been learning more about sound healing and the impact certain notes and frequencies can have on the chakras and overall well being of listeners. The key with songwriting for me is having fun, even if i'm writing about something painful, I try to transmute it into something beautiful.
SOULDEGA: Congratulations on one of your latest releases "fly & free”, what was the inspiration behind this song?
BYHAZE: Thank you! Fly & Free was birthed at a rehearsal with my band, we were gassing each other up and I heard the words come to me. I thankfully caught the moment on my camera and we ended up sampling the audio for the final track. The injustice from the protest and pandemic felt like an attack on our worth so I wanted a song that empowered my black listeners to embrace the beauty of their blackness while affirming the fact that they are fly & free! The lyrics are filled with energy and put an emphasis on celebrating oneself unapologetically and embracing your journey.
SOULDEGA: What advice would you give to younger artists trying to maneuver the music industry?
BYHAZE: I would advise them to keep their love for art & their craft at the center of their focus. That genuine love will keep you uplifted when times get hard and doubt tries to creep in. There is room for everyone to win so stay focused and consistent because the seeds you plant will grow into trees that bear the fruit of your blessings.
SOULDEGA: Have you performed live since Covid began? If so, what was the experience like and if not what do you miss most about being on stage?
BYHAZE: I've done a few virtual performances online which have been fun but I do miss the stage. I miss being able to engage with the audience by singing lyrics and dancing together, I'm excited to get back to it.
SOULDEGA: If you could collaborate/perform with any artist from the past or present who would it be and why?
BYHAZE: There are so many! So alive I'd work with Badu, Anderson Paak, Beyonce or Kaytranada. Past artists I'd work with are Prince, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone or James Brown.
Keep up with all things ByHaze, by following here: @iambyhaze