NonSense
Photo credit: Giecel Gruezo
Carson, CA-based rapper/singer/producer NonSense has released his new single “Say It”.
After spending years writing and producing hip-hop, NonSense is now offering a different side of his artistry with a catchy and uplifting pop single. Co-produced with LA artist/producer Devin Kennedy, the new single is about telling the ones we love how we feel while we still can.
“Say It” follows his latest project Yours Truly - Pt. 2 released last year.
“Say It” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is NonSense. I was born and raised in Carson, California. And before I knew i loved anything other than my family, I loved music.
Do you remember your first musical memories?
I spent a lot of my childhood around my uncle, who was in an R&B group in the 90s. He saw that I had a spark for music so he kept me close to their process. They used to get together in my grandparents garage and just vibe and listen to music. I loved every second of it and was so intrigued by the process. I needed to know everything, so I was that curious little kid tugging on everyone’s shirt and asking questions about what they were doing.
What did you grow up listening to?
Everything. My family didn’t skip a beat and exposed me to everything. But if I had to pick anything specific, it was always R&B. Singers like Brian Mcknight, Joe, Boyz II Men were always playing in my Dad’s car. Then there’s Hip-Hop. My first CD I ever owned was the Master P album “Da Last Don”.
When did you start making music and writing songs? What was the biggest challenge when you first started?
When I was about 14. I wrote my first song for a girlfriend at the time, one in which I hope nobody ever hears again haha. And from there I was hooked on it. It was so therapeutic and such a great release for a teenager. I guess you can say it was hardest to find my voice. I use to sound so timid in my early recordings and what I wanted most was to come across with confidence. I also wanted to sound like myself as much as possible. i didn’t want to mask my voice. I wanted people that knew me to hear it and think “oh yeah, that’s definitely him”.
At what point did you decide to become an artist and release your original music?
Not until I was about 26. I felt like it was time I began to share my passion with whomever was willing to listen. I had found the confidence I was searching for and had reached a point in my life where I felt like if I didn’t do this now, I never would and ultimately regret not trying. Coming from a cultural background where the safest career route is the preferred, it was a scary thing. But I knew that if I could somehow make it work, it would be more worth it to try than to not.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My uncle and his R&B group, for sure. They’re the ones that really pushed me to get into making beats and writing to them. They were always so patient with me and pushed me to keep trying and be better at it.
How would you define NonSense, the artist?
NonSense to me, is something not readily understood. You’re not going to get it at first glance and may even dismiss it. But once you peel back the layers and understand the ‘why’ behind it all, it kind of starts to take shape. And i’m not meant for everyone, some people refuse to understand. But to those who do, it’ll make all the sense in the world.
"Say It" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
You know, we live in an interesting time right now. Covid-19 has taken over our lives in such a significant way and have kept a lot of us far from our loved ones. And it just reminded me that as a people, we need to tell the ones we love how we feel when we still can. Be honest, be brave, whether it’s someone you’ve been harboring feelings for or your family. Say how you feel at all costs.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? When did you start working on it?
I had spent so much time writing and producing Hip-Hop and just wanted a change of pace for myself. I’ve spent a few years writing Pop music with my good friend Devin Kennedy and I wanted to challenge myself to write one of my own. I started the song one morning in April and it became one of those tracks I couldn’t stop listening to. I had initially thought of it as someone else’s song that i’d try to pitch but ultimately decided to try it for myself. And I really hope it worked.
What do you like the most about this single?
It was a challenge I made to myself. To write a song like this, release it, and see how people respond. It’s so relatable, especially with me being one to constantly fear saying how I really feel. I think everyone’s felt that at some point in their lives. And of course, I personally feel like it’s crazy catchy and fun to listen to. With every new record I try to remind myself, “if i like it then someone else is bound to like it as well”.
What made you want to release "Say It" as a single?
I wanted people to see another side of what I do. I feel like i’ve grown and developed so much in what I do and I wanted to put out something that showcased growth and versatility. I hope to open myself up to new audiences and connect with some that may not have heard me rap.
What's the hardest part about being an artist? And what is the best part?
I’d say the hardest part is the fact that it’s an appeasement-based industry. We work tirelessly to make these songs and we put it out to the world and just pray someone out there connects and enjoys it. I’d also say that’s the best part. The ability to craft something for someone else to enjoy. And every once and awhile you make that song that brings joy into someones’ life, and literally nothing is better than that feeling.
What do you want to accomplish professionally and personally?
I want people to be able to see a little bit of themselves in my music, every time. Life is all about connection, and music is just one of those things that allows me to connect with people I may never meet in life. Personally, to leave behind something that will last forever. Something my kids can look back to and be proud of. Every time I see my nieces and nephews listen to my music or watch my music videos, their faces light up with pride that that’s their uncle. I will forever chase that feeling.
What major life lesson have you learned so far?
Nothing that’s worth it is perfect.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Empathy. I’m sure that’s be said endlessly but, I think that’s something the world lacks the most of. There is no understanding without empathy. Too many people struggle with trying to change things without the proper understanding of what they’re so opposing of. Every soul on this earth has their own path and their own journey, and until we slow down and do our best to understand the steps taken in those journeys, we will always be at odds with each other.
What message do you want to give to the world?
It’s funny, I was in such a bad mood the other day and my friend and collaborator Chris P. told me, “you should mean the world to yourself”. And that really stuck with me. I think people much like myself, don’t give themselves credit as often as they should. Those who seek to spread love into the world, can’t do that without first loving themselves. I’m learning to love myself, one day at a time. Love and understanding go such a long way. And it’l always start within. Love yourself, believe in yourself, trust that voice within. Everything else will fall in place as its meant to.
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