The Artist Muneer already boasts well over 100,000 streams on Spotify and Soundcloud, over just a few releases. Now, he’s preparing for his first major release, a dual album concept. He shares that he’ll be, “showcasing two different styles and approaches to my music simultaneously.”
The Artist Muneer is a father of four who has kept his primary focus on his four children their whole lives. He’s got them well taken care of and says, “now that everybody’s basic needs are met I can pursue my music career.” His “dysfunctional” childhood prepared him to give all of himself to his kids, but when inspiration strikes he just has to create. Muneer is proud that he’s made being an artist his full-time job, and adds, “I’m exploring new opportunities to perform.” The Artist Muneer is all about positivity and keeps his lyrics 100% profanity-free. I’d love to get him featured with you.
Lisa: Define the mission of The Artist Muneer.
The Artist Muneer: A- To bring people out of the darkness and into the light. My mission is to heal the hearts and minds of everyone and plant seeds in the youths so they can grow and bear fruit.
Lisa: What can you tell us about your upcoming dual album concept?
The Artist Muneer: It’s basically a portrayal of my soul. We all deal with 2 sides to us and we struggle keeping them balanced and try not letting one outshine the other. The concept behind the album is to show the polarity in my music as it’s a reflection of myself. The “WHITE” album will be more positive and spiritually uplifting music. The “BLACK” album will feature more of my controversial music. It is still positive in nature but you can hear frustration and anger spill out more when addressing societal issues and encouraging positive change.
Lisa: You’ve already had a nice success with just a few releases, over 100k streams on Spotify and Soundcloud. It is difficult to upcoming artists to get this kind of attention in the beginning. To what do you attribute this success?
The Artist Muneer: I have been pushing my music since I released my first record. I tapped into global marketing as opposed to national which expanded my fan base. I took a few risks as well and not all of them panned out. You never know what will work till you try to work it. Making quality music helps. You know the saying
“ Build it and they will come”
Lisa: What types of change do you feel your music can initiate?
The Artist Muneer: I believe that I can change the way Hip-Hop music is viewed. Since the beginning of time music has been around and it has been used for two purposes… to HEAL and to DESTROY. I want my music to heal and remind people that you can create music that helps humanity not destroys it.
Lisa: Do you tend to follow any pre-defined patterns when composing a song?
The Artist Muneer: On the contrary I look for opportunities to deviate from structured creativity. You won’t find anything new traversing the beaten path. I apply this mindset to my composition process. I don’t know anything about BPMs or KEYs that music should be in. I just hear what inspires me and I follow my inspiration. It’s always good to have a team around to give it a final listen and offer a different prespective though.
Lisa: What ideas did inform “The Score” in particular?
The Artist Muneer: My back was literally “ AGAINST THE WALL” when I created this song. I made this song to help ME move forward! It was a time when everything was piling on and the people around me were just waiting till I fell apart from exhaustion and discouragement. I chose to dig my heels in the ground and move forward. The title “ The Score” is referring to problems with my enemies and close friends who did not want to see me succeed. I had to just “let go” so I could focus on the goal of success as a Hip Hop artist. Back against the wall, the only way to move is forward.
Lisa: How did you document the music while it was being formulated?
The Artist Muneer: This song I wrote on paper following a more traditional approach, after it was complete I ironed out the kinks and rewrote it in Google Docs.
Lisa: Describe your approach to recording.
The Artist Muneer: It’s a battle. It’s war. It’s me against the beat and me against the microphone and me against the limit that my mind has set on myself for what I am able to accomplish during a recording session.
Lisa: What non-musical entities and ideas have impacted your music?
The Artist Muneer: God, Self-improvement, and my family.
Lisa: What advice or philosophy might you impart to other musicians, be it in form of creativity, technical stuff, the business side of it, or anything else?
The Artist Muneer: Don’t let other people write your narrative. There is not a single person on this earth who was born knowing everything. We all start off equally delivered from a womb. Don’t let your environment and cultural history define who you are or the music you create.
https://soundcloud.com/theartistmuneer/verily-verily
Lisa: What is your view on technology in music?
The Artist Muneer: It’s a game change! We have the tools to be creatives now and we don’t have to wait for anyone to hold our hand to do it. I feel technology levels the playing field and shortens the divide between major artists and independent artists.
Lisa: What are your plans for the future?
The Artist Muneer: I’m currently focused on the album release and creating more content for my fans to get to know me more. My goal at this point is to collaborate with a major artist. If I had my pick I would be doing a song with Ms Lauren Hill but I am open to all collaboration opportunities.
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