Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Al Merlot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Al , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a small child to my senior year in high school, music and poetry have been a part of this quiet dream that I held close to me. When I was in class, I’d get called out all the time because I was caught writing lyrics while I’m in the middle of a math class or my Parents would have me doing sound or playing music in church so my mind stayed busy outside of sports. When I finally got my own recording equipment, all these small experiences made me realize I had a real gift and I should take advantage of it or I could lose it. By Sophomore year in college, I decided to take everything serious and start learning how to make this my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Well I’m a Music Artist/Producer from Jacksonville, Fl and I’ve been seriously in this industry for about 4 years. As far as styles go, I’d say I take on a lot of different sounds and styles, the flow got this full body flavor that I stamp across my Music and like a good wine I like to keep it smooth. My primary genre is hip hop but It’s not my only genre, I’ve had to write songs or produce tracks for artists in music I would have never imagined being a part of. Through this experience I’d say what I’m most proud of is the community of artists and creators I’ve found myself a part of. For years myself and others could say that the city has come a long way, from artists trying to do this all by themselves to artists collaborating and creating together. Since we started these communities, those who were once afraid to be themselves or even pursue this dream have found that they aren’t alone and they really can just be.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have several but one of my ultimate missions is to let the the youth and adults know that it’s never too late to conquer the fear of being bigger than yourself. We spend a lot time not doing what we truly want to do because we’re afraid that once we take ourselves seriously, we’ll lose ourselves or some people we hold close. Look, if they’re real, real friends or they’re really down to work, you’ll never lose those people. You only lose who you outgrow and you’ll never grow if you stay comfortable so don’t expect to come out the same you that you once were. Just a part life and the journey we find ourselves on.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I think NFT’s are genius and if you aren’t on the wave, you won’t be able to swim when it floods.

Contact Info:

• Website: Merlotsound.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/al_merlot
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/1Sip2flavors

Image Credits
Shot by Ebony McKnight & Kwarie England