Q&A: Onicks On Their Pop-Star Career
Q&A with ONICKS
Q&A with ONICKS by Joespeh Benjamin
Navigating the world of entertainment, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. The true identity of an artist often elicits curiosity. Is it fair to evaluate them solely by their lyrics? Could there be a deeper story yet to be discovered? Allow me to offer a fresh perspective. I recently had the chance to interview Onicks, an emerging artist forging a distinct path, while inspiring and empowering followers to embrace transformation and let go of harmful self-views.
Music has the power to change, the power to save, and the power to inspire. There is no better example of this than a non-binary singer, songwriter, and performance artist ONICKS. An artist who has emerged from the well of despair to bring hope to those that are on the same or parallel journeys. Merging the worlds of Electropop, Alternative R&B, Trap, and Pop to form their own genre coined: “Sinister-POP” - they are defining a new sound featuring raw and mesmerizing lyrics which appeal to all generations, sexualities, genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Growing up in California and Colorado, they were influenced by artists such as Lana Del Rey, Prince, Michael Jackson, Banks, The Weeknd, Bob Marley, Rihanna, and Stromae. The femininity of Prince, the hypnotizing writing style of Lana Del Rey, the bluntness of The Weeknd, and the visual chameleon that is Rihanna led ONICKS to where they are now. Each played a transformative role in their development.
However, the narrative of their life was to take a tragic turn as ONICKS succumbed to the temptation of hard drugs at an early age. Rejected by the mainstream music scene at 19 because they were not yet a fully realized artist and struggling with their sexuality, femininity, and image, they were fuelled by the desire to escape their personal circumstance. Drugs offered a false reality of hope and survival, but it was music that saved their soul. It offered them the emotional strength to change their life as they were battling with anxiety, depression, and addiction. Now from the ashes of their own self-destruction arises a true, realized artist.
Originally, their music lived somewhere in the false reality they created for themself with the songs “Double Dose” and “Manimal”. These initial songs served as an emotional shield. But their music has since evolved – thanks in part to all that they went through. “Take Me Now” and “High” reflect that turning point. Moody and full of tension, they are a reflection of that somber world of destitution and hopelessness but showed ONICKS the life they could have if they made some permanent changes.
Now continuing to explore those dark beats, their sound has been flipped on its head with a tight, lyrical, almost rap-like/theatrical flow and a complex mix of melodies and harmonies on full display. Following their single “Belong to Me”, Onicks released their HIT single “Illuminati” which has quickly become their most viral record with over 2 million streams on Spotify! This complete banger is all about wanting everything you don’t have…and taking it! ONICKS more recently released a pop banger, “No Problems” with Marqui Jordan, and their pop anthem, “Bonnie & Clyde,” as ONICKS leads us all on their path towards total world domination.
Q: What initially ignited your passion for music, and how did you begin your journey as a music artist?
A: My father introduced me to music initially. Every time I would get into his truck growing up, he would play music for me from other countries. He would teach me about the instrumentation, the song structures, and the artists themselves, and I was always so captivated. Just like my Father, I began to collect music. I had to have my own copy, always. In middle school, I signed up for the school band, which was certainly an interesting experience. I played the trumpet, and I remember always becoming frustrated, knowing that I would never be able to create my own music in the band. I knew, eventually, I had to go for it on my own.
Q: How would you define your distinct musical style or genre?
A: I have actually coined a new genre for my music. It’s called “Sinister-Pop.” My music doesn’t quite live in any one traditional genre. It’s definitely pop, but I experiment with many genres.
Q: Which musicians or genres have been the most influential in shaping your sound?
A: Lana Del Rey is the one artist I have taken the most influence from. I discovered her music during the darkest period of my life, and it truly saved me. I have studied her writing styles, vocal nuances, and everything. There’s something so complex and so gangster about her music.
Q: Can you describe your creative process, from the inception of a song idea to the final production?
A: My process usually starts with a long walk. I’ve found that walking aimlessly around Los Angeles with my headphones and a backpack is my secret sauce. This is how I write, and I think I do this because being in new places and neighborhoods on foot is thrilling to me. Examining people’s lives and neighborhoods takes me out of my own reality. I can create any story that way.
Usually, I’ll go on one of these walks with an idea or a track. I work with several producers who constantly send me new beats to work with, and if something catches my ear, I’ll bring it on my walk. Next, I’ll go into the studio. One time I wrote a song and sang it about 1,000 times to myself, I’ll get in the studio and record! I always come to the studio over-prepared. I know every single detail about what I’ve written so I like to be able to go in and just kill it.
Last up is mixing and mastering. This part of the process is the most difficult to perfect. There can literally be 80 different versions of one song that occur during mixing. It’s all about bringing the most important parts of your song forward, and letting everything else accompany it.
And that’s how I make music in a nutshell.
Q: What are the key themes or messages you aim to communicate through your music?
A: I’m glad you asked. My persona or character as an artist is essentially a Super Villain with the message of a “Robin Hood.” I have always been fascinated with villains. The fashion, the power, and the insanely imaginative end goals is marvelous in my opinion. Now, I don’t mean that I’m an evil person who wants to see humanity burn like some Villains. It’s an aesthetic and something I use in my storytelling. I wanted to create a community with my fans (Legends) where they could feel part of something. Every day I am building an artistic world for myself, my music, and my fans.
Q: How do you overcome challenges or creative blocks when composing or producing music?
Luckily and somehow, I have never faced a creative block. I think it’s because of how sure I am of my creative mind. I protect it, and I know how to use it. Regarding musical challenges in the creation process, I always have a “circle back” policy. This means moving on to another project, resting my ears, and returning to it in a day or so. I think that is super important so that you don’t ruin something that could have been beautiful. Just step back, distract yourself, and then attack it again.
Q: What has been the most rewarding project or collaboration in your music career so far?
I don’t think I could possibly choose just one. I have been so blessed and honored to be working with some real creative genius. From working on several projects involving my music with my friend and YouTube Comedian Brandon Rogers to creating the pop phenomenon, “No Problems” with my dearest artist friend Marqui Jordan, to working with Jakaval who has been my main producer for over 12 years, I couldn’t be happier with the people in my life and my career thus far.
Q: How do you view the relationship between music and technology in your work, especially regarding production and distribution?
I have watched the music industry evolve from being essentially a record label-owned industry to an arena where now anyone has a shot. I think it’s incredibly exciting that I can achieve anything as an independent artist, and technology is why. Music streaming and social media completely took power away from these big bad labels and handed it directly to the artists themselves. It’s spectacular.
Now when it comes to technology on the production end. WOW, the landscape changes almost every week, and it’s so exciting. We found some insane plug-ins for a song on my upcoming EP that would blow your mind. I love it!
Q: Can you share any memorable experiences or stories as a music artist?
A: This past year, I performed more in one year than all of my combined years. You can imagine that I have many stories, but one moment truly stuck out the most. I arrived in Palm Springs, California, to perform for their Pride event, and the most simple yet validating thing happened. The team for PS Pride took my crew in a van to where our artist trailers were (which was a first for me), and when we arrived at my trailer, there was this blue and white, laminated name card that said “ONICKS” and the Pride logo on the door. This may not seem like a big deal, but this was the first time in my career that I had ever experienced this. A trailer with my name on it, I think, is something that every entertainer dreams of, and I got to experience that for the first time last year. It was a special moment I’ll never forget.
Q: How has your music evolved, and what factors have contributed to your personal and artistic growth?
A: My music has always been a reflection of how I’m feeling or what I’m going through. Initially, it was “bubblegum pop” because I was freshly out of the closet and obsessed with the club scene. Then, after a period of darkness, it was all about telling the story of what I had been through and what still haunted me. Now, I am finally creating music about the future. What do I want from the world? What am I going to bring to the world? That’s where I’m at now.
Q: What role does collaboration play in your music career, and can you share any notable collaborative experiences?
Everything I do except for the actual songwriting is a collaboration. I truly respect the talents and opinions of the artists in my life. I know I’m not perfect, and I may miss some things, that is why collaboration is so important.
Q: How do you balance commercial projects and personal artistic expressions, and how do they influence one another?
I don’t think my answer here will be relatable to most. I actually don’t balance them at all. I decided a couple of years ago to completely commit to my music, art, and career. I used to hide behind this other version of myself in which I used my birth name (Kyle), and I did this because I was afraid of failing. Eventually, after years of soul searching, I got rid of my fears and now live as just one creative. My personal artistic expression and my projects are one and the same to me.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring musicians looking to develop their unique sound and style?
I think “how” you sing and deliver music is step number one. I like to call it a “vocal fingerprint.” The reason why you love the singers that you do is because they are uniquely themselves. I see so many fresh artists who spend almost zero time on their sound and the uniqueness of their voice or accent when they sing. What they don’t realize is that if you don’t spend real time playing with your voice and making the nuances of your voice, unique, your mind will simply emulate another artist you’re familiar with. I struggled with that at the beginning of my career, and the most annoying comment I ever got was.” You sound just like ____.” It’s like a stab in the heart.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or performances that you're excited to share with us?
I can’t share too much, but I will say that my first EP, “Diamonds,” is coming out soon!
Q: How do you hope your music will impact listeners or the world at large?
A: I hope my music will continue to make people feel powerful and strong. We can lose our power and strength so easily these days.
Q: What is the most important aspect of creating and performing music?
Transporting fans to a world or a scenario that I, as an artist, have built from scratch is the most important to me. I keep the storytelling aspects of my work in mind at every stage and in every scenario. Music isn’t just sounds that make you want to dance. It’s an escape or a journey, and you’re trusting the artist to show you something new. I love that.
Q: Can you discuss the significance of any recurring themes or motifs in your lyrics or music?
Without giving away too much, one common theme that has been occurring in my newer music is “Diamonds.” I write that word into just about every song, representing many things for me. Beauty, financial security, fame, power, wealth, a villain’s best friend. This is all I can say for now.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue producing and performing music?
Honestly, my fans are my biggest motivation. They are all so invested and honed in on this world I’ve created, and I love to be responsive to them as much as possible because they fuel me.
Q: What are your thoughts on the music industry’s current state, and where do you see it heading?
It’s sad to see that artists are still manipulated and controlled by their record labels. I am excited that there are more and more artists going independent! As for the industry’s future, it’s not really something I think about. I will be a part of that future, and that’s what matters to me.
Q: How do you manage your time between creating music, promoting your work, and maintaining a personal life?
A: I don’t, lol; everything works in harmony because I have dedicated my whole life to my music. There are no longer separations there, if that makes sense. Also, I’m not the best at time management, but my wonderful manager Ash keeps me organized and on time.
Q: As a music artist, can you share some pivotal moments or experiences that have significantly contributed to your personal growth and evolution within the industry?
A: The most pivotal moment in my career and life was the moment I finally agreed to commit fully. To live and breathe Onicks and to become just one artist. Not Onicks and then Kyle here and there. In my case, a couple of years ago, I had to kill off a past version of myself completely. I used the old version as a backup plan or something to use when I wasn't feeling so proud of my music. I could still introduce myself as Kyle and blend in, but that was a roadblock for me. It was toxic, so I decided to let the old me go and evolve and blossom into the artist I’m so proud to be today.
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