We were lucky to catch up with Frederick Steinmetz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Frederick, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was in my freshman year of college. My friends and I would drive down to Milwaukee for the nights, and everyone would freestyle. I was always too anxious to hop in, but one night they said they wouldn’t get out of the car unless I just did it. I don’t remember how it went, but I know after that I went upstairs and wrote a verse. We usually rolled up and this time I was too focused to even smoke. I moved back home for the summer and was told my friend Luca was just starting music as well. We made my first song in his parents office and had his friend mix the track, that was about 5 years ago.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Im originally from Kenosha, WI. I moved from there to Madison,Wi for 2 years before moving to Milwaukee,WI. I make music. I don’t know if its technically rap because I tend to blend in a lot of outside influence. I think that I really just want to convey stories, and make people feel. In this time of my life I see a lot of people who don’t necessarily know what they want to do. Some who even just follow what others think is viable. I hope that I can provide some inspiration in being yourself and finding your place in this world, even if that means being misunderstood. I spent a lot of time early on trying different things musically. Somethings worked out, other things fell flat. I still walked each step with a new opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge in who I wanted to be as an artist. I think whether you want to have fun or find a deeper meaning in something I have something to offer anyone with an open ear.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The freedom. I love that I have my weekends for performance or jam sessions and cook ups. During the week I work and if I really need it I don’t have to be at my job all that much. I used to love the chaos, but I think I am finding more balance in life now. I love that I am still living but I have the opportunity to get outside and see what else the city and its people have to offer.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Don’t be so critical of yourself. I used to think that being a perfectionist would get me a lot farther. Instead, it led me to critique every decision I made in life. I started using more negative words about what I was creating or how I looked. I slowly realized how detrimental that was to the perception of myself. I now try and just have fun and not think to much about the small details no one really even notices. I still have a standard for myself, but I don’t need to berate myself just to feel like I achieved something. Its better to just be kind an keep going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtheblackkid/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMlsj_EGvMVFaFj5LPxGaw
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/25Am8TGyZaDoy6XwVnlKAm?si=ZpUP23fHTry6w4NBawtV7g

Image Credits

Isaac Westberg