Artist Edwrds is the combination of hip-hop, pop and R&B you didn’t know you needed…
Get to know the “Whatever Happens” singer, his journey in the music industry and what is working on now.
Bridge: Tell us who you are and what you’re about…
E: I’m Edwrds. I like showing people what I’ve learned in my 19 years of life through the eyes of my social media and the lyrics of my music. I believe it’s important to understand that there’s always more to learn about yourself no matter how much you think you know who you are, what drives you, what interests you, there’s always more to discover. Thanks to my music career I’ve been able to heal from some past trauma and mental health issues and I hope some people out there are able to connect with my messages and heal for themselves as well. Music is an amazing outlet and gift that I’m grateful to be able to use to connect with so many other people around the world that may be on similar journeys.
Bridge: Has music always been your first passion?
E: Yes! Music has always been my first passion even when it wasn’t so clear. My introduction to music began at the age of three when my mother signed me up for dance classes after I begged her to let me join. I fell in love with the way music moved my body, how it fueled my soul, and how it brought people together. From my dancing years, the passion I had for wanting to make my own music stemmed from there. Dance classes led to singing lessons, guitar lessons, piano lessons, anything music-related I wanted to dive into. I’m super grateful for the support and belief from my family to continue to support my music-related choices and changes. They reminded me always that I could be whoever I wanted to be and made sure I had the resources to do just that.
Bridge: That is priceless, to have the unconditional support of your family.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
E: If I wasn’t making music I’d probably be dancing. Whether I was dancing for competitions, studios, companies, etc. I really can’t see a life without music in the picture and dance was my roots into this passion I now surround my life with. Unrelated to music, however, I’ve always been interested in space! I am very intrigued with the idea of never-ending possibilities and seeing our world from above. Because of this maybe I’d consider being an astronaut but there is no sound up in space meaning I’d probably get bored or upset without being able to listen to music on the moon.
Bridge: And I would imagine dancing IN space with no gravity would be a whole different level of expression (laughs)
Have you had any mentors to help you along the way in your music career?
E: I’ve had quite a few. Definitely have to give credit to my old mentor Jay Cloud who first showed me how I could make music without a professional studio. Thanks to him I was able to create music at my little home studio day and night and it really helped me grow as an artist both in production and writing. I also gotta give credit to Melissa Mulligan and her amazing MMVS team who granted me even more knowledge about making music and even the business of it. Mike Mangini really polished what I was lacking and I remember finishing up my classes feeling proud to say I’m my own music artist. There’s plenty of other people who have helped me through the journey and I’m grateful for each and every one of them. The good, the bad, I learned from all of it.
Bridge: That is a beautiful part of the industry.
What has been the most frustrating part of navigating the industry for you?
E: The most frustrating part of the music industry has been dishonest people for me. A lot of people say that they can do something for you, say they support you and want you to succeed but it only results in them gaining a profit off you and then move on. I let a lot of people use me unknowingly because they put a glow in my eyes that makes me believe they truly are here for me. We live and we learn though. I now don’t get my hopes up for anything because expectations rarely match reality. It may seem sad but it’s not. You need to have thick skin in this business because great things don’t happen overnight. You gotta remember why you make music. I make music because I’m obsessed with it. That’s without the fame, money, and love from others. I make this music for myself before anyone else.
Bridge: I feel that. It sounds like your experience has given you a level head in this business, and at your age that is priceless!
What would you say is your ultimate goal for your music?
E: My ultimate goal in my music career is to make an impact on as many people as possible. I want people to listen to my music with no expectations and take what they need from it. Music is a powerful gift that can bring people together or get people talking. I believe the world needs more love and authenticity, so if I can provide the music that inspires us as a world to grow and choose to love unconditionally, then I will be smiling at the end of it all.
“I want people to listen to my music with no expectations and take what they need from it”. — Edwrds
Bridge: What projects are you working on right now and what project are you most proud of to date?
