Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malik English. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Malik, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
My best Investment, and biggest advice, to artists/producers is to invest in a home studio. It’s insanely convenient and a great way to save money on studio time. You also have 24hr access and can setup your work environment in a way that’s most effective for you. I’d say I got the bulk of my studio equipment during the pandemic as that was the only way to work. It’s my favorite place in the world honestly and I make my best work when I’m the most comfortable.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Malik English. I’m one of the best artist/producers out of Brooklyn, NY. I grew up playing instruments in school as a necessity. I skipped school a lot and would end up using “band practice” as an excuse but eventually had to actually go to band concerts. I picked up instruments pretty easily though so it wasn’t a problem and it quickly became one of the few things that genuinely made me happy. That transitioned into my writing & producing my own music and becoming an artists. I got really into producing for others near the end of high school and I love helping other artists facilitate their dreams. I think the level of vulnerability & relatability in my music is what makes it special. I’ve never been good at communicating in real life so music is the only space where I can accurately express myself. I think a lot of people struggle with that too and that builds a connection between me and my listeners. I want my music to make people feel understood and give them a soundtrack for whatever aspect of life they’re in whether they’re at a party, going through a breakup, or just chilling I want to be an artist they can trust to create the vibes for those moments.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I first started making music I was really focused on doing everything myself. Part of it was just not having the funds to outsource to other people but also not really knowing how to approach people to ask for their help. I was luckily put in situations where I had to collaborate with other artists and I’m extremely grateful for it. it’s way more fun creating with other people around you and good to have a second opinion on your stuff. It also just makes each piece of music a little bigger and more special when it has several DNA’s in it as opposed to just yours.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Definitely the freedom it brings. I think being a creative is the one of the few things that really proves you’re alive. To bring an idea that literally doesn’t exist yet into fruition is an amazing thing. It’s also interesting cause at least with music it still doesn’t necessarily exist. You can’t really hold or touch it & if a song’s not playing it’s hard to say that it’s there. At the same time though music is so integral to our society whether its storytelling, teaching, building community or whatever. Being a creative lets you express yourself in a way that inhibited and make something that’ll last longer than you.
Contact Info:
- Website: malikenglish.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malik.english/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalikEnglish11
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCirjoTWUx3K9_iKHDuPp6eA
Image Credits
@JonathanGeorge