Getting to Know… AvenueN9ne | Interview 🎤

On the 242^nd interview in our Getting to Know… series, we chat it up with AvenueN9ne aka Philly-based artist and songwriter Derrick W.

“You might not catch everything the first time, which is why I think my songs have such good replay value.”  Sounds sweet to me 🎙 AvenueN9ne.  AvenueN9ne is 🎙 Derrick W, an intriguing Philadelphia-based artist, and songwriter.  In our compelling 242^nd Q&A on The Musical Hype, W goes on to say about his music, “The vision and my goal are to change what pop music looks like.” Man, that’s ambitious! You’ve got to love his innovative spirit! I could say more in this introductory paragraph, but why not let AvenueN9ne/Derrick W speak for himself.  So, without further ado, here is 🎤 Getting to Know… AvenueN9ne: Interview 242!

Starting things off, for those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

🎤 I would say the thing that makes me unique is my sound. I think the combination of my vocals, the writing, and the instrumental is a breath of fresh air for my fans. You might not catch everything the first time, which is why I think my songs have such good replay value. Just to take every part of it in.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did AvenueN9ne begin and what were some of the goals or visions you had early on?

🎤 My main goal has always been to make music my full time. Nothing wrong with a 9-5, don’t get me wrong. I just feel like this is what I was meant to do. The vision and my goal are to change what pop music looks like.

Let’s talk more about goals. Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

🎤 Neither of those things changed for me. Honestly, if anything, it grew and made me hungrier. This is endg ame for me, not for money, or fame, but just for the expression. I have always had trouble with emotions, and music is that way for me to speak.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

🎤 My two biggest inspirations are def a clash in genres but they both have just opened my mind not only lyrically but instrumentally as well. The two artists would be Kendrick Lamar and Jon Bellion. Kendrick storytelling and picture painting through not only the words but the instrumentals, the alibis, etc. He uses every part of the song to tell a story or portray an emotion. It just is something that has helped me approach songs differently. Jon is a pop god in my eyes. His lyrics, melodies, the way he builds the beats. Just mind-blowing to me and he taught me to be free in my emotion when I write. Don’t just write the story, paint the picture.

Ah, the fun stuff. What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance? Feel free to be creative.

🎤 I currently do not have one, but I will very soon!

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

🎤 I have two favorites, but one would be 🎵 “Here We Go.” It just to me not only speaks to my emotional growth for myself but it also was written at a dark time in my mind. I was pulling from places and things I hadn’t dealt with fully. That song helped me let go.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

🎤 A surprising tidbit would probably be I know the whole 🎦 Bring it On movie word for word. One of my favorites haha.

Closing things out, what are you currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

🎤 Well actually, I am going to be releasing a song called 🎵 “Love Me” on April 8^th, 2022, and I am so excited for the world to hear it!

🎤 Getting to Know… AvenueN9ne: Interview 242 [📷: AvenueN9ne, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype]