Q&A: Wan
JUST ONE GLIMPSE INTO WAN'S WORLD MAKES YOU FALL IN LOVE - and he's only evolving. The Maryland based artist brings elements from Hip&Hop and Indie genres to craft a catchy and meaningful sound. Wan brings in a thoughtful and curated soft aesthetic that layers beautiful with his sound. His most recent music video "Spend My Dayz" showcases his ability to combine his creative efforts in an inviting way, making the viewer wish they could jump into the video. Read on to hear more about what lead to Wan's sound, the importance of his visuals & what he hopes his career will bring him.
LUNA: For those that don’t know you, can you please introduce yourself?
WAN: For those that don’t know me my name is Wan. I am from Sykesville Maryland. I am 23 years old and try to make good music ha-ha.
LUNA: How has both your background + Maryland shaped you as an artist?
WAN: My background has a major impact on me as an artist. I was born in an urban area called Baltimore county but grew up in a rural area called Sykesville. Sykesville is a quiet place, so I didn’t do much but stay in my room and listen to music and play video games. So, I give that place the credit. I grew up listening to Rap and R&B. I always was singing and rapping. I also grew up in the church choir where I drew inspiration. But for while was rapping in the early stages. I was listening to artists like Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Master P early on, due to car rides with my Dad. I would always sing but my mom and sister would tell me to stop haha. Also, my Grandfather that lives in New York would always tell me when I visited, I would be on Tv one day for something. So, I thought I’d make it happen.
LUNA: Your music has a lot of different elements in it, what’s the evolution of your music been like to lead to the sounds you make now?
WAN: My music has changed over time. I started taking music serious last year. I previously was rapping, and it always felt forced like I had to sound a certain way. I feel like I had no identity early on. The rapping felt dry and needed more substance. One day I was sitting in my apartment at school and decided to make an R&b track and it changed everything. From that point on I started listening to U2, Coldplay, John Mayer, Lany and The 1975 and felt inspired as hell. All this time I was missing out on great music that I have never heard. I fell in love instantly and wanted to create.
I also have always been inspired by Frank Ocean, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa, and many others. I also am very particular with what sounds I choose as far as the beat. I love any guitar melodies, I feel as if I work best when they are involved.
LUNA: I love the “Spend My Dayz” music video - how important is having a strong visual side of your music to you?
WAN: Thank you, appreciate that truly. Having a strong visual side of my music is always important. The visual gives the listener a feel for what type of person you are. Also, the visual is where a viewer gets a chance to fall in love with you. It also gives me the chance to convey what I’m trying to get across visually to the viewers. I feel like music is great but is fantastic with a visual. It’s like a movie for everyone to watch. Picture listening to a movie without being able to see anything it would be boring, I think. Also filming a video is fun so I am looking forward to creating more visuals in the future.
LUNA: How are you able to bring in all of your creative ventures into your career? Who are some artists, both musical and visual, that inspire you? Would you say they’ve shaped your sound in anyway?
WAN: Frank Ocean, Miguel, U2, Cold Play, etc. I feel like they inspired me to travel down this music journey. Their music is so melodic and nostalgic and just sounds good altogether. I feel as if they did somewhat shape my sound from countless hours of listening haha.
LUNA: Moving forward, what do you hope to achieve with your musical career?
WAN: I just want to be heard. Everyone has a story and most people can’t get their story out there. I want to inspire people to chase their dreams and do whatever makes them happy. I also want people to know it’s okay to be who you are, screw the haters do you lol. Other than that, I don’t know what else right now.