Hailing from Cleveland, OH, the rising artist Alex Forte grew up with an immense passion for Hip-Hop. Today, he is renowned as a triple threat in writing, rapping, and producing music. Alex’s take on Hip-Hop combines soul-based melodies with Midwest-style rhymes and flow makes him such a diversely upcoming talent. ‘Gone With The Wind’ is about the troubles an artist goes through expressing his art and surviving everyday life problems. The track embodies the styles of the modern Lo-Fi movement combined with the flair of a classic Midwest rap style.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I think I was blessed to have a good ear for soulful eclectic music. I love to flip samples that really resonate with the listener, and then make it modern in Hip Hop. If it inspires me enough I will create the concept and start writing ideas.
What is your dream project?
The dream project would have to be releasing my first album, possibly called “The Beach Bum”. I have been working on it on and off for years and that album is the story of Alex Forte. The ups and downs, the good and the bad, while giving topics you can relate to.
Your latest track is 'Gone With The Wind'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
So my manager and I found this really dope Bob James sample, we chopped it up and I added some simple drums, and that was the start of it. The concept of the song was very straight forward. As a man and as an artist, you go through a lot of trials and tribulations to make your dream happen, especially if you're broke. Unfortunately, at times in life things just never go our way and we get upset and depressed about it, but we dont let it discourage us forever, you find the will to fight.
What makes you angry?
When people only care about social media numbers and status rather than skill, talent or potential.
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
I must really be resilient and dedicated to still grind and chase a dream for years. It's a very big risk for anyone.
What do you dislike about your work?
Some songs in the past should have been given to a professional engineer to get a better mix/master but some still turned out sounding okay.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
If you're not truly passionately in love with your career or dream, don't do it. Because you kind of have to be a little crazy inside to follow a passion.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
1 thousand percent lonely. At least at the level I'm at, maybe it's not that bad once you start making money but to be an artist on your purpose, is complete isolation lost in your thoughts. I’m not really sure how you can counteract it but I guess you should at least get outside, hang with a friend, be around people so you don't feel like you're in a prison hole all the time.
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
Probably going to an HBCU, that was the first time I ever saw so many beautiful, awesome, cool black people around my age in the same setting. It was a sight to see.
What are your plans for the future?
I really just take it day by day right now. Sometimes I set high expectations to accomplish something and fall short so for me it's better to just have smaller goals to build with. I will continue to push singles and build my brand on social media. It's all in God's plan.