We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fro G a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Fro, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
As an artist I would say that when it comes to a creative side for me my emotions are the driving force to my music. Happiness is very temporary as it comes and goes but I think that I will have to look internally and remember my “why.” In the dark times and even in the good times because it keeps me grounded. “Lyrics allow me to pen down my emotions instead of pinning them up on the inside.”
So I actually work full time at a tech company. Therefore, I have the complete perspective of someone doing both a 9-5 and art. There are a few things I hope can help someone that is in my shoes or those that question whether or not they can do both. For me you have to understand, “The biggest step of your day is getting out of bed.” You have to take one step at a time. You can’t outrun your mind so just keep taking steps forward.
Lastly, I’ve learned I need funding to support my music. Yes, that does create longer days, but I don’t have to suffer in my journey of getting to my goal. I think some artists feel like they have to go all in or they will not reach their dream. All you need is dedication, determination and a network of people in the industry that can connect you to the right people.
Fro, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Love this moment,
I have always had a passion for music. I can remember when I was in grade school; my sister, brother and I had this miniature band where my brother and I were beatboxing and back up singers. My sister was the lead singer. We recorded a cassette and I wrote the majority of songs. However, I took a break from music when I got older to focus on school and it was not until recently that I picked up my pen and my pad.
I think one of the problems that I have as an artist is writer’s block. Some songs come easy while others can take weeks to write which can be frustrating. I am a perfectionist, so I know that plays a role in the blockage. The way that I write my lyrics tends to be interesting. I will have one of my producers send me a beat based on what I describe or relay to them. The criteria surrounding my choice of beats include; what I would like the rhythm to sound like. After I get the beat I will begin to write. Although, the hooks and chorus for me are the easiest to jot down. The verses are a bit difficult just because you’re trying to come up with unique word phrases and patterns that grab the listeners attention.
I think my unique sound sets me apart as well as my story telling. Fans want a catchy hook which I bring, but they also want an artist that is vulnerable and real in the music that they listen too. It’s easy to write about sex, drugs, and money because that is what the majority of society likes but for me I write to instill hope to help someone in their time of need or just give them a catchy hook to vibe with. Whatever the reason for fans tuning into my music, I want them to understand that I come from a place of impact. How can I impact you in a way that brings you a smile? That is what makes me proud when I see people smiling as they listen to my music.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The ability to have social media platforms is a great way that society is helping artists. I can look at my accounts and I can see how many likes or how many views my content is generating. Society has a great way of listening to not only your music but seeing your progress on a day to day. Society loves being part of success and social media gives them the opportunity. As an artist, I do not conform to the negative feedback of critics, but use those negative actions to fuel my determination to continue to press in.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
Another great question,
As I mentioned earlier I have just recently started my journey so at this time, I would say having the ability to be creative. Being able to express yourself in different genres, whether that’s r&b, hip-hop or etc. I can go in different creative directions depending on the lyrics of the song. It is a lot of fun getting to do that as well as when it comes to music videos. The objective: how does my creativity give me the ability to speak to someone on this project?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tonegrue
- Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/frog7/heartache recent single
Image Credits
Ellijah Lewis ( roses and black attire) Matthew ( gray and white)