We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fryenation. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fryenation below.

Fryenation, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always been around music since I was born given the fact my mother & sister were professional singers growing up. They would regularly give me vocal coaching and pointers on finding my lane musically. However, it wasn’t until around 2012-2013 where I had my very first on-stage appearance with Hopsin at Howard Theater in Washington, DC. The reaction that I received from the crowd was so authentic and genuine that it started a fire so strong it still burns till this day. It proved to me that my music could move & inspire people in more ways than I ever imagined.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As mentioned prior, I was raised in an extremely musically driven family. I always adored the vibe & energy from my mother and sister’s voice resonating within the house as a child. It made me not only want to follow in their footsteps, but also pave a unique path of my own. When I first began, I specialized in spoken word. I was highly inspired by horror writers such as Edgar Allen Poe, Vincent Price, Stephen King, and more. Daily I would write in-depth stories and poems along to the scores from some of my favorite horror films. This passion for creative writing would only grow as I began my freshman year of high school at McKinley Tech.

It was there where I was introduced to the classic lunch-time cyphers that ignited my true love for Rap/Hip-Hop. From 2010 to graduation in 2014, I not only took it upon myself to perfect my craft, but also exceeded everyone’s expectations including my own. By graduation I had not only performed in nearly every major venue within the DMV, but had also opened for numerous A-list acts such as Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, Travis Scott, Erykah Badu, and even participated in an opening performance during National Cannabis Festival alongside other local talents.

Since then, I have continued to expand my brand and knowledge within the music, entertainment, and fashion industry. By working with multiple artists, influencers, and major brands like Rockstar Original, Grindstone Universal, Kato The Producer, and even partnering with companies such as Firebar Labs, I have been able to produce content and offer additional value to my audience. All my creation is done myself in-house; from the recording, mixing/mastering, distribution, artwork, and more. After years of experience, I have even began to offer my services to private clientele for recording & mixing/mastering of their own work.

Currently, my focus is solely to complete my first upcoming album while I develop other aspects of my brand such as merchandise and Spotify playlists. This project has placements from known producers worldwide and is intended to be the staple introduction to this new, polished sound. After years of performances, singles, and time off to grow as both an artist & individual, I feel as though this is my time to reestablish who I truly am. I’m extremely proud of the transparency I have been able to provide and receive from my fans/listeners throughout this journey. To connect with someone you’ve never met face-to-face and build a bond based on the energy I put into the music is a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

As I continue to reach new heights within this industry, I aim for my music and character to stand out amongst the sea of faces that make it difficult for quality material to reach new audiences. Through my actions, I want to be an example of what you can be when you follow in your own footsteps as a creator. Despite being an artist, I’m fully aware that my music is merely a gateway for those who need a place of understanding.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think this is more of a lesson I had to “learn” versus “unlearn,” but it really hit me hard when I realized that people can switch on you completely in an instant. So, in a way, I had to unlearn how to be so trusting within an industry where people are constantly trying to one-up each other. Having an open heart can often leave you exposed to emotional dangers which can stunt one’s growth due to the pain inflicted. It’s for this very reason that I almost fell into rock bottom after a fall out with one of my closest friends and fellow artists.

For the sake of confidentiality, I won’t name the artists involved as they are still an active artist themselves. I had known her since I was 14, way before my interest in music had taken off in full. We’d developed a relationship that went from friendship, to romantic interests, to mutual support for each other as artists within the DMV. She was well ahead of me musically and had already established a solid fanbase locally. Long story short, she’d began working with this well-known multiplatinum producer who also took a liking to my sound.

After 3-5 months, 3-4 singles, communication and engagement dwindled just as I was also at one of the lowest points due to my long history with depression. In need of guidance, I felt as though I could reach out to her (the artist) as a friend and express my emotions surrounding music and personal life. Instead of the support I expected from a friend, I was stricken with backlash about how I was “entitled” and needed to “wait my turn” upon more demeaning remarks dismissing how I felt. Since then, all communication has ceased.

While this hurt deeply, it taught me that not everyone (despite the time they’ve been in your life) has your best interest at heart, but also should not so easily be given the trust & access to the subjects we hold dear.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think a lot of non-creatives will struggle to understand any journey that doesn’t involve a typical 9-5 or “secure” way of living. It’s a factor of this lifestyle that’s totally understandable, and it’s not something everyone can do comfortably. The common misconception of the “starving artist” is one that really minimizes what it takes to survive as a creative entity. I can’t count how many times I’ve cried, almost given in to doubt and/or pressure from life not giving any breaks, and more. However, I also can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried twice as hard, fallen into pits of depression, and worse trying to live a life in which I felt did not resonate with my dreams.

There are some people who can wake up and mindlessly go with the motions. There’s even more people who are content with that lifestyle as long as it “pays the bills” and puts food on the table. I just can’t imagine a life where I spend majority of it utilizing my energy to build someone else’s business when I can use the same energy to create my own and attain the life I truly desire. While I don’t have everything that most in my age group have at this time in their lives, I believe that great things come to those to not only wait, but work. My timeline is mine and mine only. It’s meaningless to compare anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/fryenation
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fryenation
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/antione.frye
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/fryexnation
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fryenation

Image Credits
Antione Frye