One on One in 10: Authentik

Hello and welcome to One on One in 10, where we pick the brains of some of the most talented Indie artists in the Tri state area with 10 questions. It’s your girl Mai Mazzi reporting live on the scene, bringing you the real with todays’ movers and shakers and allowing you to meet them, one on one.

The summer is almost over; I hope you guys were able to do some awesome things!! Traveling is one of my favorite things to do and I was able to visit some interesting places this summer.  And meet some interesting people…

One being our interview for August, Authentik. He is a talented artist in the R&B genre hailing out of North Jersey.

Mazzi: Thank you so much for taking the time out to sit and speak with me.

Authentik: Thank you for having me!

Mazzi: So for our first question, what made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Authentik: Good question. I have been singing since I was about five years old. I know it sounds cliché, a lot of people say that, but I really just started right in church. I always had a fascination with music. It was a hobby growing up; it wasn’t until I was a senior in high school when I decided that I wanted to do it seriously. I went to college for music in Jersey and the rest is history; I stuck with it and never left.

Mazzi: How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never seen or heard you before?

Authentik: My actual style, because I grew up in the 90s when R&B music was at its height, is an infusion of the 90s R&B style with a modern twist on it.

Mazzi: If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?

Authentik: Definitely R&B and soul.

Mazzi: How does your style differ from other artists in the same genre?

Authentik:  I think my flow and style is more technical. I know a lot of people right now in the R&B genre like to turn up a lot; I mean there is nothing wrong with turning up, but sometimes people want to hear a true R&B song and want to hear something they can relate to and can feel. A lot of R&B that’s out right now, people can’t feel it, there’s no real message. That’s the biggest part that sticks out for me.

Mazzi: Are you familiar with the term “starving artist”?

Authentik: Yes.

Mazzi: How do you cope with major obstacles as they relate to the term?

Authentik: That’s on a daily basis. One of the things that I keep grounded for myself is my faith and also keeping positive people around me.  As soon as you hear some type of negativity you get overwhelmed as an artist, you feel like you are not good enough, you want to give up, you feel like no one is listening and you’re not being heard. For me, the whole purpose for getting involved in the music was bigger than me, I have always believed in a higher power and that is really what instilled the dream in me. I feel like I am supposed to now give it back to the world so I can tell my story.

Mazzi: What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?

Authentik: Just creating a song; I remember like five or six years ago it was something that I always wanted to do and always wanted to create, but I didn’t have a group of people around me that saw my vision. The mere fact of just creating a song, although some wouldn’t see that as a big goal, for me it was because it’s something I always wanted to do for so many years. I created my first mixtape called “Classified”, which was released last year, and I worked on it for so many years; from that project to my newest single “On to the Next” people are starting to understand who I am and know that I am here to stay.

Mazzi: What image do you think your music conveys and why did you choose this type of image for your music?

Authentik: I am looking for people to look into me as an everyday, around the way person that you may see on the street or in school. I am that voice for that person who always wanted to achieve a dream and didn’t know how or too afraid to do it. People can come up to me; I’m always willing to talk to them. Even on social media. I know some artist sometimes have a barrier where they don’t talk to people, but for me it’s always about having a positive image and being approachable.

Mazzi: Art and music has an impact on both the young and the old; sometimes the older generation loses respect for the music we listen to today because they cannot comprehend the value of it. What advice can you give to the youth of today looking to enter the industry in regards to being able to stay relevant for every generation and for any audience?

Authentik: I would definitely have to say to anyone who is new in that generation they have to do their homework as far as the whole music industry. In order to really spear ahead you have to visit the past because at the end of the day it is like a circle and everything comes full circle. So if you don’t know about the past or about the many great artist before you, how can you expect to move forward. I always big up the legends, from Luther Vandross to Al Greene to Whitney Houston to Usher to Dru Hill, the whole movement. You have to understand that they paved the way for you and you have to have some knowledge about them to pass on to the generations after you to remain relevant and true to your craft.

Mazzi: What are your immediate music career goals (1 to 3 years)?

Authentik: Releasing my debut EP project, which I am working on right now. I have a couple of songs under my belt but I am not rushing it. I want to make sure all my i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed and that I really make a stamp in this industry. Music videos; my first video will be for “On to the Next”, and I am really excited for that. And lastly is just performing. I want to perform everywhere and anywhere. You have to be developed first before you go right out into the industry. The behind the scenes necessities enable me to take my time and develop my artistry. I am really looking forward to the next steps in my growth in the industry.

Mazzi: Do you have other interests or talents that you would like to share with us? How do you like to enjoy your relaxation time away from the music?

Authentik: I would say for relaxation I am really a homebody. I love staying at home on the couch watching TV and not being bothered.  Another talent that I have is working in the corporate world, so I have the knowledge to manage a business on a high level. Being able to intertwine those skills and my artistry is dope because I am able to develop my business and my brand.

Be on the lookout for the Music video for “On2DaNext” as it is in the works and his next single called “Tell Me” will be released very soon!

“Make sure you download the debut single #On2DaNext NOW on all online digital retailers!!”

And to you, the readers thank you for tuning in. Make sure you stay tuned for more NMNJ One on One in 10!

Mai Mazzi
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