M-Dot is an independent musician/singer-songwriter, in the scene for over 20 years. His love languages and passions are hip-hop and underground rap. He writes his own songs, mixes and records tracks in the studio, collaborates with other artists, and performs live. As an original artist, M-Dot has performed in many popular venues around the local DC/DMV scene such as Wonderland Ballroom, The Pocket at 7DrumCity, Hellbender Brewery, Busboys and Poets, and even George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium! His music has been aired on radio stations including EJazz Radio and the WOA-FM-99 Radio Show and Podcast, and played by DJ Edward Daniels at Scorpio Entertainment as an official opening song at the annual Crystal City 5k Race Series.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey M-Dot, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What is your dream project?
Thank you so much, Kamil, for having me on your blog! I am excited to be here.
I appreciate the question. My latest single, “One Day at a Time,” has basically been my dream and passion project. It has been honestly my most favorite song to do because it most accurately reflects where I am at with my headspace these days. My music has always been a genuine way for me to express myself, be vulnerable and meaningfully connect with other people. And “One Day at a Time” has been a very effective way for me to do just that.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Yeah, for sure. I like to run a lot. I’ve done a marathon (26.2 miles), and about 15 half marathons and 15 or so ten-mile races, mostly in the local DC area. Running – and just moving my body in general – helps keep me sane, happy, calm and centered. I get a big endorphin rush – which also helps my trigger my brain with the creative songwriting process, and it gets me in a calmer headspace before I do a live gig or a studio recording session. Other than that, I spend a lot of time volunteering in my local community at a food bank, and I’ve volunteered a lot at a clinic fighting domestic violence and abuse for women. It just feels good to give something back.
Your latest song is 'One Day at a Time'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Yeah definitely!
“One Day at a Time” was honestly really personal to me. It hit close to home for me – and I think it hits close to home for many people. The track was inspired by the struggles and hardships I faced during the pandemic, and was meant to offer a positive and motivating message. I wanted to create something that would help people get through these tough times. Hip-hop has always been a source of inspiration and empowerment for me, and I hope this track can be that for others as well.
I always try to write songs with introspective lyrics, which often delve into my own life and experiences. “One Day at a Time” is no exception, with me sharing my own struggles and how I have learned to take things – quite literally – one day at a time. I think it’s important to be honest and vulnerable in your music. That’s how you connect with people and create something meaningful.
“One Day at a Time” is intended to offer a positive and motivating message through its old school, piano-driven beat and expressive performance. With Mary-eL’s powerful and soulful vocals adding depth to the hook, we have been able to resonate and connect with a lot of people. It’s been a beautiful thing!
Ever since the track’s release over a year later, Mary-eL and I have been continuously excited about the positive reception it’s been getting! The song has received a lot of positive reception on radio stations and music blogs, was signed to One Night Stand Music & Management, and has been included on W.O.A. Entertainment Group’s Independent No. 1’s Compilation Album, which charted at #1 on Amazon U.K.’s “Hot New Releases.” So it’s been a fun, wild ride!
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
I am very grateful to have a circle of close friends to work through problems with my music. I know they will always give it to me straight (good or bad), which is definitely what I need! Special shout-out to my bro Swindeezy, who’s been there through thick and thin since 2001! You know what it is.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Aside from continuing to solicit honest and genuine feedback and critique from friends, loved ones and other musicians, I have just been continuing to grow and develop as a person. I feel like music reflects people, life and society. So the more I grow and develop as a human being, I feel like the better my music gets!
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
I love being immersed in the song-writing process. I get super energized from being creatively stimulated. I also love to perform live, because I feed off of the energy on the stage!
My least favorite part is probably the self-promotion aspect of it. It feels tacky, shameless and self-serving, but it’s necessary. I always have to remind myself that I put a lot of work into my music and it deserves to be shared. And it helps people feel better, which it everything to me. And honestly, it’s not like anyone else is going to do put it out there for me haha, so if I don’t promote it, no one else will.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
My favorite gig to perform was definitely at Busboys and Poets on 14th Street in Washington, DC. The vibe of the crowd was even more engaged and enthusiastic than usual. It was packed and the crowd went wild. The entire room of people got super hyped and basically sang along, danced, had their hands in the air, snapped their fingers and clapped the entire time, and I got a standing ovation at the end! Like I was saying, I feed off the energy from the stage, so it was awesome. I’ve enjoyed a lot of gigs, but this was definitely my favorite.
What makes you angry?
I get very angry about injustice, whether its racism, sexism, you name it. I am have been spending a lot of time lately channeling that anger and fighting for, advocating for, and supporting women in crises – such as domestic violence and abuse, harassment and catcalling, and sexual assault situations, etc. I’m very passionate about that. Growing up, I was raised to treat and respect women as the amazing and resilient Queens and humans that they are, and I have a lot of awareness and sensitivity to what goes on in our society, ugh. For example, what happens to women on a regular basis is not cool or okay, at all – to say the least! So I’ve just been trying my best to do my part by fighting for victims and survivors. I do this both in my personal and professional life – I have volunteered to represent women pro bono at domestic violence legal clinics, and I spend a lot of time in the local community in DC advocating for and assisting women in general. It’s all very important to me.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
At least for me, music been an organic evolution that has reflected the journey of my life. I write about my life, things I’ve been through, things I’ve seen, and things that matter to me.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
Basically just continuing to work on myself, and by extension, my music!! And living life, one day at a time! That’s all we can do.
Thanks again so much for having me! Cheers.