Interview

What inspires me is the idea that music, lyrics, and art can potentially inspire a generation. Even if it’s just one person, it can make positive change, it can make a positive difference in a person’s life and even society and culture, it can unite like-minded individuals for the greater good.

What inspires me is the love of creating new music, a new sound that’s unique, beautiful, rhythm driven, and lyrically conscious. Sound that can make you move and is healing to the soul.

What inspires me are the artists I look up to such as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, and many, many other talented artists and bands from different generations.

How would you classify your music?

I think it’s unique and varied. I try to be inspirational and conscious. My first self produced track was Birth of Aquarius, which is a Psychedelic Rock instrumental track with World music influences.  But, most of my songs are Reggae fusion and lately I’ve been exclusively producing EDM (electronic dance music) remixes.

My music is free spirited because there is no one telling me how my music should sound like or what my lyrics should be. A lot of the times, especially with major labels artists become pawns in the hands of record executives who force their own agenda onto the artist like telling them what to sing about, what not to sing about, what to wear, what to do, etc. I can’t submit to that because that interferes with my unique creative vision.

Some major label artists have come out exposing the dark side of the music industry (and Hollywood film industry) where they literally claim they had to sell their soul to the devil! Something I would never do!

My music is a a fusion taking influences from reggae, rock, dancehall, dub, trance, world, new age, ambient, 50’s, surf music and more !! “The Chant” is an edgy roots reggae influenced by rock. Reminds me of Steel Pulse style. And I was blessed to meet David Hinds along with Amlak Tafari in person backstage in Hawaii. It was incredible.

“Bright Side” is more like futuristic style of Reggae also influenced by rock, but you have a modern arrangement and production style. “Mystery” is even more different because it’s club track influenced by trance and reggae dancehall arrangements. But somebody told me it sounds like DUBSTEP before I knew what dubstep really was!! I try to make every song sound unique and different, so each one has more or less of an influence from certain genres and visions.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Through art my main goal is to promote consciousness and inspiration. I’ve been painting and drawing from an early age. When I was 10 years old I was selected by my school’s art department to personally give the Queen of England Elizabeth II a collection of my school’s art including two of my own works of art.

I’d like to consider myself very spiritual person and I always try to include that into my art whether it’s a painting or an audio recording. I take the philosophies of Confucius, Socrates, Lao Tzu, Christ, Moses, King Solomon, Sumerian, Mayan, etc. and other great moral and spiritual leaders of conscious humanity and apply them to life and art.

What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

I’m in charge of the whole creative process from writing lyrics, composing, recording, mixing, remixing, mastering, CD design, marketing and distribution. And that’s a lot! But I’m happy with the results. It makes my creation very unique to me and special.

My two greatest influences are Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, but I love other types of music as well such as surf, trance, hip-hop, etc which all contribute to a sound that sets me apart. As a result of living in three corners of the world and the true love I have for ancient history, culture, philosophy, poetry, art and music I believe I’ve attained a unique worldwide perspective and an artistic vision that I share through my art, songs and lyrics.

What obstacles have you faced in the music industry?

The biggest obstacle I face is being an independent artist in a full sense of the word. I mean having to write, record, produce, master, market, design album graphics, website, and promote while working a full-time job is a great challenge because you’re one person doing a job traditionally done by a crew of professionals, but I like the challenge and freedom of doing things this way.

The other obstacle is many other music artists started using “Pasha” as their artist’s name for song releases even though my use of Pasha dates back at least a decade. It just makes it harder for the listener to know which track is my genuine track. But usually you can tell because I will have “432” in more recent song names. I also added “808” after Pasha (hence Pasha 808)

to identify my most recent EDM (dance music) releases. What direction do you see the music industry going?

The digital age has without a doubt revolutionized the music industry. With today’s technology being so accessible almost anyone can record and release tracks. As a result the industry is being and will continue to be swept by a tidal wave of independent releases. It’s easier to release a song, but it’s more competitive as more artists are competing to get their songs heard. So the quantity of new music has skyrocketed, but not necessarily the quality. I see physical CD sales continuing to diminish, I see internet music streaming services growing, I see ticket prices for established acts increasing. I see this trend continuing for a while until there’s a mass disruption in the flow of digital information, such as in the case of a major solar flare, EMP, or another external global event. Then the music industry will start where it started organically – handmade instruments!

What song  or album are you currently promoting? Who is the producer and how did the song come about?

My latest EP of EDM remixes in 432 Hz is being censored. Big music companies don’t want 432 Hz to appear in the title of the album or the songs! They were fine with it before for many years.

This EP is coming out no matter what on 8.11.18 no doubt it will be in 432 Hz. I will also be giving away a free legal download of one of the best tracks from the EP, so stay tuned! I will announce it on IG when that’s happening! @pasha.808 so keep it locked!