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

Freddy, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents did a lot of things right. The foremost was showing me the love and support they did. I trust that’s quite the vague thing to do and say but I have faith we all relate in our own way. My mom would always go out of her way to give us the extra aesthetic in varies ways of our life, like our holiday decor during the Christmas season would change. The curtains, table cloths, couch pillows & even the flower arrangements would be a nice red Christmas color. My dad would go out of his way to give us any experience we wanted, even if he couldn’t afford it, or sometimes if it was a last minute request of ours. One weekend the Monster Truck Rally was in town and would you believe, it was sold out? I did, I was upset but my father’s quick thinking led us to be sitting outside the arena on top of his truck watching with just the right view to see the trucks. Those two small efforts I always remember quite fondly. It taught me that you can make the most of anything, even if it’s low budget, or to some degree out of reach. Today I have little nieces, nephews & young cousins whom I feel look up to me, at least I hope so. When I’m around them I always do my part to be wise where I can, and wealthy where it matters. I feel I missed out on a lot of events because of financial shortcomings on my family’s behalf, especially after my father was incarcerated. Since that experience was less than adequate for me, I do my part to ensure the younger generation in my family has something they can enjoy and remember. Even if it’s as simple as a ride to school, from it or a quick trip to Dutchbros. I’ve only moved closer to my family as of recently so I trust I have much work to do if I want to keep building the somewhat disconnected relationships. And I do it out of love. I feel that love is one of my strongest traits and I’m thankful to both my parents for their undying love because it persisted throughout all of their struggling times. In my career, I’ve also shown love to other artists & emcees, Its again, always fun to show love. It’s something I’m good at and it makes me happy to see another individual thrive in their own respect, did I mention it’s inspirational? No? We’ll talk about it later!

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

My name is Freddy Punches, I’m a rap writer & emcee. I took my start late in 2009, I was in high school and my cousin Fatboy suggested we be rappers, to which I responded, “Like 2pac?” The rest is history. I’ve since spent most of my time living a regular Joe’s life, going to college and going to work. What set me apart aside from my heavy set of rhyme books, was my love for the local events. I spent most of my time outside of class and work at workshops and open mics. After that I spent my time at locally organized concerts. Aside from enjoying the local artistry I learned the logistics of organizing the events. I would introduce myself to the venue owners and organizers in hopes of building a network I can build with and learn from. I also worked towards developing an asset based resource sheet. Something to keep track of the places I’ve been, for future reference. Today when I’m not working on music I provide a variety of services, with a focus on logistics & organizing. I’m quite proud of these skills as they have taken me to the highest levels in my musical career, more than the music I’ve written did, itself. Which at times concerned me, however I reassure myself in the experience I’ve gained. I’m patiently waiting for the day I work on my next project. With intention I refrain. I have several other songs I’ve wrote over the years I’d still like to get out in to the world. I know when the time comes, and it will, God willing I will make some great records. So I can wait.
I’m most proud of my confidence. I have this habit of saying “I hate when I have to prove myself” to myself, and as of recently, it’s been quite often. As an artist in this virtual universe we also have to keep our sense of truth and humanity. It’s often people are far from what they portray. I do my best to keep music and my writing at the forefront of my identity, because it’s who I am, and I keep much value in that note. I have a lot on the line, success is mandatory and expected in my eyes. I’m a bit far from religious, but to us it is also God first. I’m only human, and I can only be thankful for this lovely life I’m living. That’s why I’m most proud of this confidence & state of mind.
As people come to know me, I want them to know I’m just Freddy. I have lived a life unique in many regards, and relatable in most. I write raps and I share them as I please. Commercial success is either impossible or imminent, so until then I’m chilling, you only need one hit and I feel like I make a hit every other day. I’ve made plenty of bad and cringey songs as well, of course, but what people can take from that is again, I’m only human.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of artistry in my opinion has to be having someone recite one of your songs they resonated with. I sometimes get surprised at who it is, because it has often been brief geeky excitement, especially if they understood the context, or subcontext of the rhyme. A lot of intricacy and cryptic symbolism is associated with writing great bars, and if you can funny at that, well I think that speaks for itself. Especially when it’s a complete stranger reciting your song.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Success. I was born in the United States of America. I’m the product of Mexican individuals who came here to upgrade their life. My mom would tell us we were all she got, and aside all the politicin’ and racial tension (That I’ve never felt, might I add). I’ve always felt the only question that matters in America is How much money are you making? I think if anything else matters it should be of moral or common sense, so that goes without being said. My parents were broke, that wasn’t their fault, their lives changed entirely. I can’t relate because I was born here but I’ve always made it clear to my mom, dad & grandparents that its my turn to take the lead & show them how we do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freddypunches.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddypunches/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredofloresdiaz/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@freddypunches

Image Credits
Ernesto Gomez https://www.instagram.com/exoticz_quality_images/