Having the dedication to keep moving forward and growing in this current music industry is a necessity. Getting your sound out there is no easy task but if you keep going you will find your purpose. Our recent find Navé has the passion and is doing great things.
We had a chance to chat with genre-bending hip hop artist to get a little deeper into his story. Enjoy the interview here:
First off, How did the name Navé come to be?
When I was in 12th grade I got deeper in my poet side as a writer. And wanted a name to feed that alter ego. So I came up with the name. But it wasn’t until I met a good friend and fellow artist my freshman year of college. And he really helped me find that identity as Navé and help me believe in myself as a writer, poet, and rapper. So that was really the true beginning of “Navé”
What is it that draws you to create music?
Ever since a young age, hanging out with my father and jamming to music with him. I fell in love immediately. Starting to get into dancing but truly enjoying the art form of rhyming. But ever since my early years getting introduced to funk, classic r&b, jazz, etc. I was hooked.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is so diverse. In this debut project “Fragments” I purposefully chose to be different and unexpected, pushing boundaries in the hip hop genre. But I have future projects releasing this year as well. That incorporates jazz, blues, more grooved and a more poetic element. So I like to say my soul stays groovy and hiphop. But I have fun stretching the boundary lines when it comes to sound and approach.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on your development?
The list is too long. So TDE’s label, all their artist bring something different and to me are great. So I enjoy following them, as well as Dreamville’ camp. Of course JayZ, Nas , Andre 3000, Eminem, and so many more. Thays not including old school artist from the 60s , 70s, and 80s. So many great artist out there to follow and be inspired by.
How does a song come together for you? What is your songwriting process?
It always varies, alot of the lyrics to songs I write are freestyles while in the studio. Other times I hear the beat and I start writinv immediately. When im not working on a song. Im always listening to random beats and songs. Of all types. And I’ll write 4 different lyrics to 1 song, switching the pocket I rap in and flow. So I can always adapt to any beat. A lot of the artist that inspire me, could rap to anything. So I try to practice and train myself to do the same.
Now based in NY, how do you feel about the local music scene?
NY’s music scene is so vast and so diverse, its impossible not to find someone or something you like. People are so openminded and free minded and theres so many artist who just love art of it.
But since the scene is so big its also very competitive.
Share some advice for other artists putting themselves out there?
Study the craft you find yourself loving the most. You have to be willing to listen to others and take criticism. But also follow your intuition and never NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER give up. The man who said it the best. R.I.P Nip Hussle, its a marathon, life is a marathon. Run your race, stay positive, and manifest your dreams.
What does the future hold for Navé?
I have 2 more releases coming out before the summer. One in March and one also in May. As well as publishing one of my poetry books in June. To stay up to date on releases people can follow on IG @lovemaxwelll. I just hope to continue to reach as many ears as possible.