5AM on Perfecting His Sound, Leaving a Legacy & Why Everything Will Be Just Fine
Night turns to day at 5AM. The moment exists between the last gasp of darkness and the first breath of a new morning. Similarly, Atlanta-based artist and producer 5AM signals constant change in his music.
Nocturnal production bristles under invitations of seduction, guitar chords reverberate next to a solemn goodbye, or soothing piano resounds through a revelatory affirmation. Via his integration of R&B, alternative, and Hip Hop, he communicates real stories culled from a remarkable journey.
“My music usually comes out of whatever is going on in my life at the time,” he explains. “Every day, I keep telling myself, ‘S**t will get hard, but if you hang in there, you’re going to be fine. That’s the mentality I take into the studio. You’re going to be alright. Do what you do. Whether I’m dealing with relationships, my personal life, or other struggles, it will work out.”
He knows this firsthand from experience. Born in Tifton, GA, his family eventually ended up in Atlanta proper. He always had a drum set and piano within reach, but never took formal lessons. Instead, he played by ear, he even picked up the chimes in the second grade.
Simultaneously, he found inspiration in the likes of Eminem, 50 Cent, Three 6 Mafia, and A$AP Rocky. At thirteen-years-old, he received a keyboard from his great grandmother and started to cook up beats. He paid for a session at a recording studio for the first time and never stopped making music from that point on.
Learn what 5AM has been up to from that time, up until now in the latest installment of our 2021 interview series below where he gets into remaining optimistic, having an eclectic ear and leaving a legacy, on Michael Jackson levels. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Thanks for coming through! How is 2021 treating you so far?
Thanks for having me! 2021 has been cool so far. I was staying focused on finishing up and releasing my project so that’s the highlight so far for me since the year has started.
So, you just dropped a new project, “You’re Going To Be Fine.” What does that title mean to you?
It’s kinda like self-confirmation. Something to remind myself that things are gonna be fine, and I got to keep pushing.
No matter the genre you’re working in, you just have to make sure the end product is perfect.
Describe a time that strengthened your belief that everything will be alright.
It was during the time I was recording my album. From the different creative processes to having conversations with the producers and friends, that whole time period was rejuvenating for me and further assured me that things will be great.
Speaking of new music, your new single “Falsetto” hits hard. What type of vibe were you going for?
I just wanted to make something that everyone could vibe to. From start to finish with the beat as we tapped into different drum patterns and sounds to the way I delivered on the track, I just wanted to put out a product that everyone would love upon first listen.
The video for “Falsetto” is very artistic too. Can you break down it’s meaning?
I actually worked on a short film two years ago, and when I turned in my project, I wanted to bring back that side of me back to life. With the way I wanted everything to come together, my video for “Automatic” was a prequel for the video for “Falsetto”. I did that with the help of Nick and Kayla, they were awesome, and it was a movie! My background in making short films really helped in making this come to life.
Your music is a smooth, yet hard-hitting blend of R&B, Hip Hop and Alternative. What similarities have you noticed between the 3 genres?
The key thing with them, as with other genres as well, is that it has to sound good. The sound has to be right, the tempo’s perfect, the lyrics go well, and everything has to be in synergy. What I’ve learned is that no matter the genre you’re working in, you just have to make sure the end product is perfect.
I want to be able to reach to a level where I can put all my people on, and leave a legacy behind.
How do you feel being open to new sounds has influenced your artistry?
The new sounds have definitely helped me a lot when it comes to me making music. I’ve been listening to a lot of different music, experimenting with my wordplay, tapping into my emotions more, and analyzing the different fanbases out there and figuring out what to create to reach even more listeners. I’ve been listening to a lot of Trap music as well, just to ensure that what I’m making doesn’t sound like anyone else out there. I’d be listening to Key Glock, Playboi Carti, Lil Keed, Future, and just other artists like that.
Some of your early influences include Three 6 Mafia, 50 Cent, and A$AP Rocky. What do you love most about each artist’s music?
My cousin used to listen to a lot of Three 6 Mafia back in the day, and they’d bring a lot of “Turn Up” music, I’d find myself leaning more to them often even during a time when everyone was listening to like Lil Wayne or whoever’s more lyrical. As far as 50 Cent, he’s my favorite rapper really so everything he puts out is fire. “Many Men” is one of my favorite tracks from him. With A$AP Rocky, he just stepped out with a style that had to stand out with the music to match. They have all influenced my artistry in different ways.
Where do you ultimately want to take your career?
To the highest point it can go, even to Michael Jackson levels really. I want to be able to reach to a level where I can put all my people on, and leave a legacy behind.
Any message for your fans?
You’re going to be fine. Stay focused and consistent, and you’ll be great!
