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

Slo, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’d say that the first time I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music professionally was halfway through high school. I had been playing guitar almost all of the time and was also in a metal band. I’d listen to cd’s some of my friends had burned for me and had a used ipod classic that had been gifted to me. The ipod had all sorts of music on it that I’d listen to and try by ear to play guitar along to the songs. My mom kept telling me that I should be looking at colleges but I didn’t know where to go nor did we have any money to send me to college. At that time nothing else interested me but music and it was kind of scary because my senior year was approaching and I didn’t know yet how I would be able to take this huge interest in music and form a career around it. I also didn’t sing but I had also been making songs on my own and programming terrible sounding electric guitars over drums and synths on a cracked software program. I kept telling myself that I could just learn how to enhance what I’m already doing that I could make a living that way.

Slo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I first started Slo-Cove in 2017 I was nearing the last semester of my degree in Music Production and Sound Design for Visual Media. Throughout my degree I had learned a lot about sound design and how to properly compose for film. During that time I was obsessed with listening to contemporary composers, a bunch of electronic music, ambient post rock, and horror film scores. Those sounds still influence what I make today. I remember having this feeling at the time like I had abandoned making music that I really resonated with. I still struggled with music theory a lot and felt like I was expected to create these huge happy sounds that an orchestra would be able to play. At that point I just decided I needed another creative outlet outside of doing sound design and composing for other projects.

My artist name Slo-Cove comes from the way I compose music for myself and others which is slow, ethereal, and tranquil. There are also feelings of loss and renewal. Although I don’t sing in my music, when I compose I like to take the listener on an emotional journey and leave the storytelling and imagination up to them. Creating music has always felt like being in a safe space where I can relax and pour what I’m feeling at the moment into the music.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I feel like artists are often blamed for being in dire straits financially when pursuing their passion. It’s like, “Well they’re called “starving artists” for a reason.”. No one should have to struggle to make ends meet just to go after what they’re passionate about. Paying musicians for performances no matter what level they are at in their career could help. Give artists more percentage of the presale tickets they’re asked to sell for an event as well. Musicians spend so much money on gear, hardware, and software and then they’re taken advantage of in a lot of ways. That needs to stop.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s as simple as someone telling me how they have enjoyed something I’ve created. I would also say that being reached out to for tips or an opinion on an artists’ work is rewarding. It’s truly flattering and I will always offer support in any way that I can. I will always consider myself a student in this field as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slo_cove?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESsvfVn9p78
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/slocovejams