Exploring the Inspirations and Aspirations of Emerging Artist Malak Shalom!
Malak Shalom ©️ 2023
Today We Have The Pleasure To Have This Great Artist Here On Goathead!
GH: Hey Malak ! What inspired you to start writing music?
Malak Shalom: Before I get to the question at hand. Let me take time to give thanks to you, Goathead for giving me the coverage and platform to verbally express myself.
My inspiration in this earthly realm started with my mother. I recall most of the soulful classic, and mainly R&B playing in my household from an early childhood. Every Saturday while doing her routine cleaning my mom would play music like: Teven Cambell, Johnny Taylor, Keith Sweat, May J Blidge, Brandy, Monica, Tony Braxton, Destiny's Child, Michelle, Luther Vandross, Johnny Gill, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Keisha Coles, Gospel before traditional church on Sundays, and many other's.
Throughout my adolescent years, I was exposed to other music, and many became the soundtracks of my life. For example, I developed a connection to the song "Arms of The Angel's" by Sarah McLachlan. This song became a true touching vibe for me. When I spent time in Boston, that's when an elder guy got me to pay more attention to more conscious hip hop, including Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. I mean, before this, I personally heard of them. Who hadn't? But this elder guy slowed me down and really got me to pay attention to their skills and lyrical powress. I mean, this guy was explaining the instruments being played and that kind of stuff. Really putting me on game, you smell me? Every since that point, I began to study Tupac carefully and felt spiritually connected in a deep way. I also started rocking with Nas and Biggie and was a pretty big fan of 50 Cent and his group G unit. I really like Lauryn Hill and Tracy Chapman a great deal. Much respect to their talent.
As years progressed, inevitably more exposure came, and an elderly neighbor put me on to the hip-hop artist Guru and his album "Jazzmatazz." Then later, I got into Rock and many other songs and genre's. But overall, my best inspiration would be my spiritual awakening. The best music to me is actual silence. Yes, trust me, silence is definitely music, lol. But credit given to my brother. Free Preston (P Kutta)! He really got me going and serious with making music. His work rate was undeniable!
GH: Can you tell us more about your experience performing live at gigs, and what was the most memorable experience you had?
Shalom: I remember when things were picking up locally for me and the current group I was with at that time. We started gaining a little local momentum doing shows evolving around the battle rap scene. We knew the guy who was responsible for orchestrating the events, and he really got us involved. This only lasted for a little, but it was a solid experience. And it was the first time the shows were becoming somewhat consistent, or at least close to it.
Although I haven't done a lot of shows in my music career thus far, I have a few footages floating around on the web. However, one of the highlights in regards to doing shows is when i opened up for artist Jason Derulo when i was nineteen. And when i walked a UFC fighter (Cameron Dollar) out to one of my songs. Besides that, one of the most memorable gigs was one when the crowd walked out on us while performing. I don't think it was because we sucked. But mainly because of the hatred. We were ahead of our time and came with a different sound that most was not accustomed or programmed to. I was like damn, they really walked out on us! My only reaction at that time was to cuss them out on a rant, expressing our resilience to preserve and overcome. But yea, what an experience!
GH: How is your process of songwriting set around?
Malak Shalom: Work! Work! Work! When it comes to writing. I normally work rapidly like death itself is on my shoulder, not a chip. But truly, this speed has developed over years by simple practice. Like a body builder doing reps and that particular muscle getting stronger. Writing music is the easy part now. Don't get me wrong, I can slow down and be close to a perfectionist, piecing songs together in a methodical meticulous fashion as well. Either approach works for me, and I chose them accordingly. I enjoy private sessions the most, but my extrovert side also enjoys social sessions in the studio. They both come with their pros and cons, obviously. Next question.....
GH: What motivates you to create music and bring awareness to different situations through your songs?
Malak Shalom: Solid question. My motivation is like a genuine politician (if such exsit) that serves the public opinion or interest of the people. Knowledge is power, and to enlighten the consciousness of the audience is my greatest objective or aspiration. No, joshen. I desire to bring more than today's temporary shock value. I desire to stimulate thought that will give birth to positive productive action. Hip-hop is so diabolical, and the hip-hop youth know their jay-z's and Eminem's more than their Joe Biden's and state governor's. We as artist have great responsibility, especially those of them with great following. Give me that same following and watch the world change right before your eyes.
GH: Could you share some insights into your next projects?
Malak Shalom: Right now, I need that single, that promotional advantage or push to get that buzz. Promotional budget is vital. Ask the majors. Once the pendulum swings/ switches and the spotlight is in this direction, then the many projects will come to light. Until then, I will not display all my cards !
Don’t Forget To Follow Him On Instagram And Listen To His Music On All Streaming Platforms!
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