With “Still Alive” out now, we took some time to hear from Apollo1. Read below to learn more about Apollo1, the story behind “Still Alive,” and what’s to come.
Hi Apollo1! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
My artist name is a mix of inspirations first being the Apollo missions to the moon – the moon gives us all such a sense of wonder when we see it, and I hope to do that same thing with my music. Even though the first “Apollo” mission failed, it shows the importance of persistence; also, some influence from Greek mythology as Apollo is the “God of music.”
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born right outside of Detroit, Michigan, spent a lot of my youth in
Athens, GA, and now I live in Durham, NC.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I started making music at a young age. In middle school, I played the trumpet and found that I loved music. Later in my teenage years when I felt left out and lonely, I turned to music to express myself through rap. That was 1 1 years ago and I never looked back.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I have a variety of sounds ranging from melodic rap, rock/rap, and straight up hip-hop. Big inspirations are Juice Wrld, Caskey, Eminem, Logic, Jarren Benton, Dizzy Wright, and Trippie Redd.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Outside of music, I love the outdoors, nature and skateboarding/dirt biking.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Juice Wrld, Caskey Eminem, Logic, Jarren Benton, Dizzy Wright, Trippie Redd, Jonyer Lucas, B.o.B, Ski Mask and many more.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
My dream music collaboration would be with either the GOAT, Eminem, or would love to work with Lyrical Lemonade!!!
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
A couple, signing with my new label and hopefully performing at Athfest this year. And, doing an MLK day celebration show a few years ago.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Love comes from within and doesn’t have to be returned to be real. And, stay away from drugs…
Now onto “Still Alive.” What inspired this song?
“Still Alive” is about a true story of my overdose. My girlfriend at the time/love of my life called the ambulance and they brought me back to life… And my fight to get clean, which, to be honest, the thought of seeing her so hurt and never wanting to do that to her again was my biggest inspiration for getting clean! I couldn’t have done it without her. Even though we haven’t talked in years now…l wrote this song to express my gratitude and love for her!
How did the collaboration with Lisa Jo come about?
Me and Lisa met on Instagram – she offered to sign me, and I accepted.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Still Alive?”
The cover art for this album isn’t too fancy, just something to put a image to the song. But, the logo was made by two of my friends/fans!! Originally designed by the girl that the song is about’s Mom!
What was the creative process like when making “Still Alive?” How long did it take to complete “Still Alive?”
I wrote “Still Alive” about 4-5 years ago and Zenlee produced the beat. He also just helped me mix and master the song and get it perfected just recently! My creative process is a little different then most… I start with a beat and the write my lyrics and vocals to the feeling that the song gives me. I wrote the first verse and chorus while me and my ex were together and wrote the second verse shortly after she left our house and ghosted me…that break up broke me…but hear I am years later finally finishing the work and sharing my story!
What do you hope fans take away from “Still Alive” and your music in general?
I hope the fans find an inspirational love song and an anthem for getting clean!!
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I am about to drop my first studio album and hopefully will be performing at Athfest this year!
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/apollo1_theoneandonly
https://www.tiktok.com/@lg_apollo1
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gc70YJX8zsidhA8dXC8cU
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
