Jonathan

Hi Sebastian Azul – how are you?

I’m well, thank you.

Who is Sebastian Azul?

Sebastian Azul is an artist, producer and songwriter. Also, a family man, Also an avid mental health advocate. Whose main purpose is to make music that raises mental health and neurological disorder awareness. In the most, authentic, bold, and motivational way.

What inspired you to start making music?

I started making music when I was around 26, I had a game called music 2000 on my PlayStation 2. It really helped me pass the time, I was really in a dark place at the time battling depression and severe anxiety.

I slowly began to realise, that not only I thoroughly enjoyed, but that I was getting quite good at it.

So, I started to apply at colleges for any type of course where I could do it more professionally.

But, having said all that, the mental health and neurological part of my music, was inspired by my son, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and ADHD and anxiety. He started to encounter many challenges at school, because of his condition. So, we decided to start a campaign called ‘’awareness is power’’. This is an outlet where he can express himself while raising awareness at the same time, not only it distracted him, but he was incredibly determined and showed great enthusiasm his drawing, wow, gifted artist. The whole creativity part, producing, and writing was very therapeutic.

Was there anyone specific that inspired your sound?

Yes, there are so many producers that I took notes from the ones here in UK, which there’s just so many to name… The producers of Dizzie Rascal’ album, boy in the corner. When I heard those beats I was blown away.

More fire crew, oi, the beat was insane. 21 seconds, wow. I’m old skool so I’m taking it back. Based in UK, There are just so many to mention. Boy better know, the whole old skool era. Chip, Stormzy, Skepta, Wiley, Giggs, I like Dave Santan, I like his production. All the UK grime, trap, artists new or old. I can’t name everybody so yes all of them I like the sounds. Now the USA, first sound was Hodini, 5 minutes of funk, The motowns, Michael Jackson, beat it, give in to me, who is it, smooth criminal, those beats where insane. Not to mention billie jean, one of the most memorable melodic beats in the world. Havoc, shook ones….I’m a big NWA fan so Dr dre, the late MF doom, dj premier, rhythm d, the Motown’s. There’s just too many to mention right now. Beats by the pound, KLC. Teddy Riley, Dark child, I can go on.

If you could work with any artist now, who would it be?

In UK, Dave. His song ‘’black is beautiful’’ is such a timeless song. This song will be around till the end of time. It’s so relevant and important right now. It speaks for all the black girls, black boys, black men, black women, I respect him for that, this song means a lot to me as a father of 2 black girls and one black son. It’s a song that speaks straight facts. It’s positive and inspiring. I love it and I treasure it.

Now in the USA, I’m thinking now that I’m a family man, I would have to pick Joyner Lucas, he can relate to my son, he has ADHD. If not, I would have to pick the guys that inspired me, Brotha lynch hung, Tech n9ne, Ice Cube, Richie Rich, The Game, Nipsey hussle, Az, Nas, Jay-z, Black Thought, Kool G rap, Guru from Gangstarr, and the lates….Tupac, Biggie, Eazy-E. Big Pun. And Barry White and Johnny Cash.

What are the highlights of your music career so far?

I would like to be somewhere further in the music world, but it’s not that simple.

Nowadays we have the likes, the comments, the views, the internet presence, the viral era. All this adds up to your success, you must have an interactive audience and a viral song to at least get the attention of the record labels or majors. Otherwise, you just have to be patient and keep working, mastering your craft. The days of pure talent are over.

It’s hard giving 100% percent to this music. Life’s about the right level of balance and making the right choices. When you have a family to take care of. You can’t commit to this career 100% percent without any drawbacks.

It’s harder, because the more time I dedicate in my music the less time I spend with my children. Same with work, you can’t expect to work odd hours coming home late and expect your partner to be happy. These things play a huge part in family life.

Thus, I wrote ‘’Family Values’’ I’m a strong believer in family. I guess what I’m trying to say you can’t have 2 masters. Right now, I’m doing what I can, and only time will tell.

What do you hope to accomplish musically?

I would like to work in a professional recording studio environment, as a contributor, producing, song writing, sharing musical concepts. Create hits! Get signed by a major label and just work in the studio. Making music and get paid royalties.

What is next for Sebastian Azul?

I have more singles coming, more awareness music, more upbeat music, I’m getting my FL studio producer and logic DAW I’m ready to start making real fire.

Finally – what piece of advice would you give any aspiring creator and artist out there?

As an artist, sadly in this era that we are, your pure talent just isn’t enough anymore. You got to accumulate and create followers, real followers that like and support your creation/music. Sometimes people only take you seriously when you make it.

Build your followers, your internet presence your social media, try, just try, make something go viral, sometimes this is the only way to get noticed.

Work on your craft, be patient, surround yourself with real people, real friends, keep a  tight circle, stay away from nonsense. Be humble, and whatever you do, put God first, put love first, be passionate, be ferocious about your creation. Also be ready for criticism for disappointments for flops, for other negative things that comes before you make it.

Finally, don’t ever sell yourself short. Be in charge and in control of your work, your masters.