Interview: Armond WakeUp
Armond WakeUp just released his new album 'Even If I Lose' and Louder Than The Music spoke to him to find out more about his music and inspiration.
For those who haven't heard of you before, tell us about Armond WakeUp and how you got involved in making music.
I am a father, fashion connoisseur & disciple. Many random things fall in between that, lol. I’ve been making music most of my life; I wrote my first rhyme when I was 7, performed at my first show when I was 8. It’s the most comfortable way I know how to communicate.
Tell us a little bit about your new album 'Even If I Lose'?
Even If I Lose is the official follow up to my 2013 album “Kairos”. It is based out of Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things work together for the good of those who love God & are called to His purpose”. Everything isn’t good, but it all works for our good. I typically make music that is thematic & fits a Godly perspective around said theme. But God intentionally had me create an album that was centered on who He is. It’s very powerful, very confrontational….it draws a clear line in the sand, more than any previous music I’ve created.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
It honestly depends on my mood. “How Much More” helps me put God in the center of my life for the day. “The Weight” helps me to rejoice while waiting on Him to move on my laundry list of prayers. “Revelation Is Revolution” is so aggressive and in your face. The goal was to create 9 songs that could stand on their own & also work together & I feel like that mission was accomplished.
What do you think makes your album stand out from others in your genre?
I just wanted to make an intentionally gospel-centered project that was equally great in musicality and in lyricism. I didn’t want to compromise in any area. I wanted to be honest without focusing on ME, or putting all my dirty laundry out there & calling it “transparency”.
If you could work with any other artist, who would it be and why?
I’m a HUGE fan of 90s R&B, so if I could work with Babyface or Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, I’d be thrilled. I really wish I could sing.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music very much walks a tight rope between musicianship and lyricism & content. I enjoy putting a heavy emphasis on what I am saying. I don’t want to be the preacher that hoops & hollers but you leave the service just as empty as when you came in. Words matter & I don’t like wasting them. At the same time, I love chords, I love production & musicianship that feels like life.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success depends on the situation, honestly. If you say “if I could just impact one soul with my music”, you are a liar, lol. Unless you are intentionally serving your local body & not trying to get press or go on tour. As an artist signed to an independent record label, I want to sell records and create opportunities that will reach as many people as possible. But another goal is to have a real connection with my fanbase. The conversations we have that simply using the music as a medium, the ministry that happens. Sometimes my goal is to kill a verse. It really depends on what the task is.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Oh, there is no ONE album lol. But if I had to choose one, it’d be The Best of Anita Baker.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Anita Baker - Giving You The Best That I’ve Got or The Isley Brothers - For The Love Of You
What does the next year hold for Armond WakeUp?
My goal is to use this album as a medium to engage in various ways. Locally through my church, I’m working to create projects & initiatives to serve the community. I want to perform outside of the country. I want to get my music on a commercial. See? These are the goals you asked about earlier, lol.
