Creating “The Deep End”

Here's a cool story about this song and how it came to life. After collaborating with Teej (@teej.music on IG) for a few years—through stages, events, and jam sessions—we decided to explore working together in the studio. My “writing” process usually starts with improvising both the music and lyrics, recording them, and then refining them as needed. I don’t really “write to beats” like I used to, so when Teej asked me if I was going to write to the beat he made, I told him to arm a track in the session and record my ideas. He didn’t want to do that, so I asked if he could make me a cup of tea. While he went to do that, I recorded the whole song in one take.

I heard the “imperfections,” but something about it felt organic, so I decided to keep it. Teej asked if I would rewrite it, but I said “nah.” He sent me the stems, and I mixed and mastered the track. I also asked him and another friend who mixes and masters professionally for feedback, did two mix revisions, and that was it—song “released on all platforms.”

Sometimes, it’s a struggle to finish songs and put them out only to receive no response because we don’t have a video, marketing plan, etc. There are a lot of things that can stop us from releasing music as artists. Most of us “just want to create art,” even with all the resources at our fingertips for the business side of things. I now see all of this as part of the art! Even writing this blog entry about the song gives you deeper insight into the creative process.

Teej and I did an IG live about making the song, but not many people watched. Instead of getting discouraged, I thought, "Fuck it, it’s out there." I’ll just keep following my heart, trusting in my process, no matter the outcome. My goal is simple: to create as authentically as possible and make sure the music is accessible to the world and monetized.

My favorite part of this process was making the cover art. It's a picture I took and edited in Canva at Astoria Park near my house on a foggy day, where the bridge looked like it was disappearing into the unknown. I loved mixing it to give it a live feel since the beat is just one chord progression that reminds me of J-Dilla's “Fall in Love.” The title, The Deep End, hints at the way my flow and delivery sound on the track. It’s me reminiscing and having a conversation with myself, like I see “crazy people” on the streets of NYC talking to themselves. We’re all crazy in someone’s eyes, but the moral of the story is: be the most authentic version of yourself at all costs and put yourself out there, no matter what.

Love & Respect,
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