Following the release of his brand new single Motion, we caught an interview with rapper and artist Wonder, to find out more about what inspires him, what drives him to create consistently, and what the future may hopefully hold. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Wonder – great to chat with you, huge congrats for the recent releases. To introduce things, where are you based, and how long have you been making music?
I’m based in Queens, New York, and I’ve been rapping since I was 8 years old.
Motion is brilliantly unique – what does this song represent for you?
The song itself is my part of our story (our = ‘MMM’ – Make-Money-Mafia, our record label). It represents the work needed to make it to the top and the mental anguish you may face on your way up but that it’ll all work if you persevere. But to me, this represents change – this song is the turn-stone of my music career. I feel as though this song takes me from an aspiring artist to an undeniable STAR.
The song is loaded with poetic imagery and refreshing twists of artistic perspective – what inspires this approach to songwriting, is it other artists or other forms of media and entertainment?
I don’t write music ever, every one of my songs are freestyles. I have a vibe when I listen to a beat and I’ve been blessed with the ability to translate that vibe into words to paint the picture of my thoughts and energy clearly. What inspires me is my real life experiences. If I don’t have any strong feeling, it’s almost impossible for me to make good music. I get charged by real life situations that give me the energy to make hits.
Given the melodic and musical side of your tracks – are you a guitarist and singer first and foremost, and do you produce your own music?
I’m a singer / rapper first and foremost, but I do produce my own music.
Let’s talk about World Famous – what prompted the release of this EP, and how would you describe the genre?
World Famous was released as a stamp. It’s hard to hell people you’re an artist with one song out, so I released the EP so when fans look for me they can have a good idea of what I’m really about. I consider myself a Hip Hop and Pop artist and that’s what I believe World Famous depicts.
What made you choose to open with the quirky riff and quiet anthem that is Status?
Just the reason that it’s an ‘anthem’. Status is the centerpiece of the project. Status explains the blights of relationships when you become World Famous, and all in all embodies the whole energy of the project.
You’ve amassed thousands of monthly listeners – what would say is the key to building an audience and playing the long game?
Good music, first and foremost. If you have a good product it costs much less to market. Once you have that down you need a brand (your public image and what you stand for). If you know who you are it’s very easy to make content that represents that. I don’t think anyone plays the long game on purpose, we all want that one night rise to fame, but ironically that takes time. So my advice is to drop content matching your brand consistently, market your music properly, and make GOOD MUSIC.
Where are you based right now, and how often do you hit the stage to perform?
I’m based in Queens and I haven’t yet had my first real show but I hope that takes a big turn in these next few months.
What’s your plan of action for the next twelve months in order to continue your climb?
Aggressive marketing, get a proper team, build a sizable budget, and get my face in front of as many eyes as possible as consistently as possible. I want my brand to be like a high quality McDonald’s – I’m around every corner and Lovin’ it.
If you could collaborate with anyone at all, past or present, who would you choose, and why?
Are there any visuals or other projects to follow soon?
Wonder Motion music video will be dropping within the month. I have a ton of music ready for release but I’m going to allow this single to breathe. But I do have an album in the works. Stay tuned.
What’s something about you that would surprise fans?
I was homeless for three months.
What’s your biggest single ambition or goal?
Bring the world to a more positive era.
Is there anything else we need to know?
Wonder has returned and I am here to stay. WELCOME TO WONDERLAND.
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Find Wonder on Instagram & TikTok.
