MOOD: So, let's start by talking about the very beginning of your career. You put school aside to work diligently to achieve your goals, you were in a punk rock band and you just went all out to make your dreams a reality. Can you give us some detailed insight on your career path?

blackbear: To give you guys a little detailed inside of my career path, I basically didn't know where I fit and I still don’t know where I fit. I kind of like come from really liking rock music growing up but I knew I didn't want to be a rocker fool. So, I also like rap music. I’m not a rapper-don't ask me to freestyle ever! I just, I don't know, I love R&B music as well. Then, I don't know what it is, but I just like I fell in love with all kinds of songwriting, all kinds of top 40 music and popular music. You know what? I want to make great pop songs and that's what gets me going now; just like one good line, one good topline, and yes -love for pop music.

MOOD: Reflecting back would you have changed anything about the process?

blackbear: If I could change anything about the process...no, I don't think I would've changed anything. I think it's like, it was very trial and error for me as everything went on. Every step you have to climb is just an opportunity to grow so I wouldn't change anything.

MOOD: You just touched a little on your punk rock origins and you said you love rock music. Do you believe having that background contributed to your current creative mindset?

blackbear: Absolutely; like I did punk, okay. How do I answer this other question? I think today I say whatever I want to say. I don't censor. I really like the unforgiving way of art and I love satirical art. And yeah, I think that probably the satire aspect of punk rock is what I probably carried over.

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Photography: Anthony Giovanni

Creative Direction / Styling: Edwin J. Ortega

Cinematography: Sasha Rodionov 

Grooming: Arlen Jeremy using Phyto

Interview by  Anthony Giovanni

 

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