Jukebox Time recently got a chance to interview Artist Ahzay in regard to his new album. We got insights into his work, his source of inspiration and much more.

Q. First of all it is great to have you on Jukebox Time and congratulations on your new album! We’re excited to delve into it shortly, but first, we’d love to learn more about you and your musical journey. Can you share with us some of your earliest memories of music and how you got into music?

A: Thank you and thank you again! I can trace getting into music to a couple different points. First for sure would be my Grandfather. He was always singing in church growing up and way back in the day he was part of a group that recorded a couple different vinyls. Which back then was a huge deal. I dedicated a space in the song “vinyl candle thoughts” on this album to him and the impacts on me seeing him get older. I would also trace it back to high school. We used to harmlessly joke on each other all the time after school and honestly I was one of the main ones joking around. One day I got bored and recorded songs making fun of half of my friends. I did it to be funny, but many people actually told me they liked it and asked me to make them some CDs LOL. I sold quite of few of those CDs around school and that sort of bled into a progressive involvement in music throughout college and beyond.

Q. Your latest album “and at that point” is now streaming on Spotify. Kindly share the process that you followed while you were working on the album.

A: This was actually probably the simplest, and most efficient process I have had out of all of my albums. I challenged myself not to get so caught up in the details that normally led to me overthinking and delaying. Whatever came to my mind and heart, that’s what I wrote. No more, no less. My wife who happens to also be my manager wanted me to really lock in on making a cohesive project. Typically I honestly do half hype half chill. Focusing on cohesion allowed for me to be locked in to a very particular space and sound.

Q In the process of creating this album, can you share an unexpected source of inspiration that took your work in a surprising direction?

A: My grandfather’s legacy for sure. As he is getting older there are some things that aren’t as top of mind as they used to be. I really do wish I could jump back in a time machine and do a song with him like we had always talked about. I just kept overthinking back then that I wasn’t good enough to keep up with him. But I am at the point now that I realize some things are worth just doing regardless of self inflicted doubt. You will notice a large majority of this album resides in reflection, appreciation and recognition of great things going on around you. Going back to vinyl candle thoughts again, it’s pretty cool to have made a track finally that has me and my grandfathers voices together.

Q. Over the years, how has your music and performance style evolved? Are there any new elements you’ve incorporated recently?

A: For sure! Most recently this year myself and a few other talented brothers formed a band “Ahzay and The Squad”. One of my mentors Stitch Early told me for YEARS the evolution your music experiences with a live band. We did a few good shows this year one of which was a staple event for my hometown Frederick, MD. Each time you could just visually see how much energy we were able to bring and the level of creativity evolve each time. I’m reflecting back to my “comeback” show I did in 2023 after not performing for 4+ years and I honestly walked off that stage feeling like I was way out of my prime and that it might be time to hang it up for good. My energy felt low, I was out of breath, I was forgetting entire verses and songs. But this year 2024 these guys have really pushed me back into feeling like I’m in the zone energy and creativity wise.

Q. Any tips or advice for the artists?

A: To those you find credible, listen! I’m 10 years in and I feel like I am finally learning to open to others ideas and perspective more. Now again, it’s a very certain handful that I trust and know have my best interest at heart. But this last year I did a lot more listening and trying things that I would have brushed off otherwise simply by hearing out others on their guidance. I also would say not to get caught up in rules and regulations. I definitely grew up in an era where numbers and sales and likes mattered. But I am realizing now that those things are luxuries and nice to haves. Impact can be made in so many ways besides phones and apps. Impact over fiction!

Q. What is Art according to you?

A: Good question. I think I would say any sort of representation of your thoughts and emotions whether that’s verbal, visual, etc.

Q. What motivates you in your life?

A: I am definitely motivated to make others lives around me fun and enjoyable. When I can feel that those around me are having a good time or getting a little bit more out of life than otherwise, that brings me joy.

Q. Looking ahead, are there any new projects or directions you are excited to explore in your career?

A: Couldn’t be more excited for 2025! This project is 2/3 following At Some Point You Mature. 3/3 will be dropping next May. We have a lot of plans for the band, a lot of plans for myself, cola project with Stitch Early, performances etc. Really looking forward to it.

Q. Any hints for our readers about any upcoming collaboration that you are working on?

A: I guess I gave 5 hints in the last answer!

Q. Lastly, as we ask all our guests on our platform, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?

A: Music and art have evolved for me over the years. At one point I wanted to drop everything and move to LA. At another point I stepped away from music for almost 5 years. Here we are on studio album number 4 and a few more already in motion. I have had the opportunity to impact my hometown, my family, my friends and more. It’s feeling like all along, that was the point of me getting into this. So whatever your purpose is, stay the course and do it for YOU. Personally, I couldn’t be happier with where this has gone since I have made that my primary focus. Peace world!

About the artist: Debuting on the rap scene with the album, The Routine, in 2014, Ahzay is the definition of a multifaceted artist who connects through the art spectrum: music, film, media and beyond. Ahzay over the last ten years has headlined major events and opened for touring national acts of different genres. From 2017 to 2024, Ahzay has dropped 4 studio albums. Gold Sodium Vol. 1 (2017), Gold Sodium Vol. 2 (2018), At Some Point You Mature (2023) and most recently, and at that point (2024). With his newly formed band “Ahzay & The Squad”, Ahzay aims to push his music career to higher heights in 2025.

For more details visit: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ahzay/and-at-that-point

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahzay_/