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AvenueN9ne is Derrick W, a Philadelphia-based artist, and songwriter, whose alternative beats and heartbroken pop melodies turn love, sadness, regret, anger, and pain into the sound of life. Here’s our introduction to AvenueN9ne…
How long have you been playing music?
I have been playing music since 9 years old but I only started releasing music in 2020.
What should people expect when they check your music out? How would you describe yourself?
I think the main thing to accept is the sound of the song doesn’t always mean the song is happy. I love having lyrics and instrumentals clash a bit in a sense of the instrumental makes you feel one way but as you listen to the lyrics, it takes you on a different journey. I would describe myself s a curious and ever-changing artist. I never want to start the same.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
I think the feeling and sound I give my fans, is a breath of fresh air for them. I don’t use typical instrumentals or sounds within my music. Everything I write about is raw and authentic, so even though there is a lot of amazing talent coming out, I stand out by simply being unapologetically me.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I released “Hoops” a while back (“https://open.spotify.com/track/60UMmwPlSerbUvTLfZdxfo?si=51cdbe46d2b94a9e) however, I have a new song out now called “Love Me” and I cannot wait for y’all to hear it!
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
I think Set It Off would be the band to open for because the styles are similar in a sense of the music vibe. I also love that band so it wouldn’t hurt to tour with them!
What are your own first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I remember I had just got my guitar a month or so prior and I was sitting in my grandma’s room on her floor watching a video on chords and how to put them together. Never wrote a song, never had done a melody as of yet, but the feeling it gave me to just simply learn this art form. It’s just what I knew I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was a sad kid, nothing really made me happy, but music…always kept me going.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Jon Bellion at The MET in PA
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Equity instead of equality. I don’t think because you don’t look a certain way or come from a certain place that you shouldn’t be able to chase your dreams or be able to sit at the table. I have no connections, everything I have built has come from my blood sweat, and tears. Just imagine if equity was something we strived for. The idea of coming from the “wrong neighborhood” would never come up.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I have a lot of post-hardcore music. ADTR, SWS, MMF, BMTH, Get Scared, Of Mice & Men, and Bless The Fall are just a few bands I have that I’m sure most people would never guess.
Although 2021 was another year to forget, there were some amazing new albums released, what would be your album of last year? And, what new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
My album of 2021 would probably be Planet Her by Doja Cat. I had been following her and her music for a while and to see that growth and the direction she is going in, is just amazing. The album so far this year I really like is Elsewhere by Set It Off. I have been listening to this band since I was a kid, so they always are on my playlist. I remember seeing them at warped tour in like 2013 I think and to hear this album just shows that they are continuing to grow not only musically but lyrically as well and it is just an inspiration.
What does 2022 hold for you?
2022 is going to be my breakout to the world. Show everyone what I can do and what I’m capable of doing given the right chances and situations. Music is a part of me in ways that I couldn’t explain even if I wanted to. I’m going to change the face of pop music. So stay tuned.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I am not the biggest fan of social media if I can be honest. However, even if I don’t post I do keep up with everything on my socials. So if you message me on instagram avenuen9ne or Facebook AvenueN9ne I will see it!
