Phoenix X Perspective on Carolina Love

Some of my earliest memories of music come from growing up as the middle child in a household of three boys. My oldest brother would fill the house with R&B and Jazz songs, and I’d sit and soak in the rhythms and melodies that would later shape my sound. At the same time, I was deeply influenced by the music of my Baptist church—gospel songs that stirred my spirit and taught me the power of storytelling through song.

Those early experiences—blending the soulful grooves of R&B, the sophistication of Jazz, and the uplifting spirit of Gospel—laid the foundation for my music today, where I create a sound that is heartfelt, smooth, and full of soul.

I’ve always loved music and spent years writing lyrics, but I never had the right connection to pursue it as a full-time career. For a long time, it felt like a dream just out of reach. With the rise of technology and the tools available today, I finally had the opportunity to transform my writing into reality.

I may be a late bloomer in this industry, but I decided to take the leap and fully commit to my passion. That moment of choice—deciding to turn my love for music into a career—was both empowering and transformative. It’s the start of a journey I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m embracing every step of it.

My favorite way to share a song is in an intimate setting—over a glass of wine, surrounded by soft sounds—where every note can be felt as much as it’s heard.”

Carolina Love” is an uptempo track that blends elements from several genres. It carries the soulful vibe of R&B, the energy of a club beat, the wide appeal of pop, and even touches of country storytelling. Because of this mix, the song has a versatile sound that can fit comfortably across multiple genres and connect with a wide range of listeners.

If I could go on tour with any artist, it would be Prince. His songwriting skills were truly one-of-a-kind, blending emotion, innovation, and storytelling in ways that were both unique and unforgettable. He had the ability to transcend genres and create a sound that feels timeless, influencing generations of musicians, including myself.

Touring with Prince would be an incredible opportunity to witness his genius up close, learn from his artistry, and share the stage with someone whose music continues to inspire and redefine what’s possible in sound and performance.

Throughout my music, I explore themes of love, personal growth, faith, and human connection. My songs often reflect real-life experiences—moments of joy, struggle, inspiration, and reflection—crafted in a way that listeners can relate to on a personal level.

I also focus on authentic storytelling, using my lyrics and melodies to bridge genres and emotions. Whether it’s the uplifting spirit of Gospel, the smooth intimacy of R&B and Jazz, or the universal appeal of Pop, my goal is to create music that touches hearts, inspires the soul, and fosters genuine connection with my audience.

Over the past three years, my sound and style have evolved dramatically, largely thanks to advancements in technology. The studio has gotten smaller—these days, all you really need is a good computer to engineer the sounds you want, faster and more efficiently than ever before.

With strong writing skills and a clear vision, it’s now a matter of bringing all the elements together to create a polished, unique sound. For me, this has allowed my music to grow more refined, expressive, and true to my signature “Razz” style—a seamless blend of R&B, Smooth Jazz, Gospel, and Pop that reflects both my artistry and the tools at my disposal.

There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with because I draw inspiration from a variety of genres. For Smooth Jazz, Brian Culbertson’s mastery of melody and groove is incredible. In R&B, I admire Chris Brown for his versatility and energy. For Gospel, Kirk Franklin’s ability to blend powerful messages with unforgettable music is unmatched.

Collaborating with any of these artists—or even blending influences from multiple genres—would be an amazing opportunity to grow creatively, explore new sounds, and bring my own style, Razz, into a fresh musical conversation.

If I could attend any artist’s performance, it would be Michael Jackson. Known as the King of Pop, his performances were legendary, full of energy, precision, and showmanship that transcended music itself. I’ve always wanted to experience the magic of his stage presence firsthand—the way he could captivate an audience, move people emotionally, and create moments that feel larger than life.

Seeing Michael Jackson perform would be an unforgettable source of inspiration, reminding me of the power of music to connect, uplift, and leave a lasting impact.

Authentic – Soulful – Inspiring

Authentic: because your music comes from real life experiences and a genuine place.
Soulful: because your sound carries emotion, depth, and smoothness—your “Razz” essence.
Inspiring: because your songs aim to uplift, encourage, and connect people.

When people listen to my music, I want them to feel seen, inspired, and connected. My goal is to create songs that touch the heart and stir the soul—whether it’s through a smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics, or the energy of a groove that just makes you move.

Music has always been more than sound to me—it’s emotion, healing, and storytelling. I want my audience to walk away from my music feeling uplifted, encouraged, and reminded that they’re not alone in their experiences.

At its core, my music is about authentic connection. If listeners can find a piece of their own story in my songs—whether it brings them joy, comfort, or reflection—then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Inspiration comes to me in the most unexpected places, but one of the strangest was when I was sitting in traffic. What should’ve been a frustrating moment turned into a melody in my head that I couldn’t shake. I started humming, tapping the rhythm on the steering wheel, and by the time I got home, it had grown into the framework of a song.

I’ve also had ideas spark in quiet, random moments—like walking through a grocery store or even waking up from a dream with a chorus already in my mind. For me, music doesn’t wait for the “perfect setting”; it shows up wherever life is happening.

Before pursuing music full-time, I worked for a number of companies throughout my career, consistently holding the role of a Tooling Engineer. While the work was technical and detail-oriented, it taught me discipline, problem-solving, and perseverance—skills that have carried over into my music career.

Even though I’ve transitioned into being an artist, those experiences helped shape my work ethic, creativity, and approach to turning ideas into reality, both in the studio and beyond.

I believe artists play a vital role in society by telling stories, inspiring change, and connecting people. Music and art have the power to reflect culture, express emotions that are hard to put into words, and bring communities together.

As an artist, I see my role as creating experiences that resonate, whether it’s through uplifting melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, or sounds that comfort and inspire. Artists have the ability to challenge perspectives, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impact—and that responsibility is something I take seriously in every song I create.

I identify most strongly with music as my medium of art. Through sound, lyrics, and performance, I can express emotions, tell stories, and connect with people in ways that transcend words alone. Music allows me to blend genres, experiment with style, and create a signature sound—Razz—that reflects my experiences, inspirations, and artistic vision.

For me, music isn’t just a medium; it’s a language that speaks to the heart and soul, bridging cultures, emotions, and generations.

When people listen to my music, I want them to feel seen, inspired, and connected. My goal is to create songs that touch the heart and stir the soul—whether it’s through a smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics, or the energy of a groove that just makes you move.

Music has always been more than sound to me—it’s emotion, healing, and storytelling. I want my audience to walk away from my music feeling uplifted, encouraged, and reminded that they’re not alone in their experiences.

At its core, my music is about authentic connection. If listeners can find a piece of their own story in my songs—whether it brings them joy, comfort, or reflection—then I’ve done what I set out to do.

I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, so being a Carolinian is truly part of who I am. My significant other is from a small town called Goldsboro, North Carolina, which makes the Carolinas even more meaningful to us both. That personal connection and pride naturally found its way into “Carolina Love,” making the song not just music, but a heartfelt tribute to where we come from