Read our exclusive interview of Clemm Rishad, a young man whose turned his talent into a power center, directly in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Clemm Rishad, Tell us about your background? Where did you come from? What was life like for you before music?
I’m the youngest of three boys. Most of my family was born and raised in Louisiana and migrated to Tacoma WA. My father was a college student at WSU when he had me so I was born in Pullman WA and raised in Tacoma WA. based on past experiences My parents worked hard to make sure we were different, kept us in church and out the way for the most part well as much as a parent could do but we were definitely no stranger to the hustle. sports and fashion were always my things but when I found music it took me somewhere else.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
my music is very much influenced by hip-hop, mainly 90’s era. I’m a big fan of lyrics word play and how you deliver it. you can even find some gospel R&B and soul influences throughout my music also, I was raised on all of that.
What inspired you to make music?
The freedom of expression. I always had a lot of friends some who grew up just like me some from completely different backgrounds neighborhoods race’s even religions but some way could relate to all of them, I realize that I had a story to tell it gave me a voice. I grew up around music from church to family even my brothers were in it some way or fashion, it was always in me I just didn’t realize how much so until high school.
Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Yes, since high school me and my older brother Rich have been working together, at an early age he helped me not only grow as an artist but installed the importance of being a business man. Together we formed sky movement which is not only a label but multimedia corporation which allows artist new platforms and branding etc.
What can you tell me about your personal taste in music? (i.e., Do you listen to Rap, Rock or Country, etc.?)
I love rap music but I’m surrounded by it SO much that I don’t listen to it as much as I used to. I keep my ear to the streets and get inspired by new things time to time but I really like to listen to classic albums [laughs]. Music to me is all about feeling though sometimes I’m turnt and FUTURE is the answer sometimes I’m cruising with my girl bumping some Lauryn Hill, I love everything it’s all about timing.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have been blessed to perform all around the nation but over the last 2 years, I have been introduced to bigger platforms I performed in more than 4 arenas each in front of more than 9,000 in the crowd over the past year that’s a whole different sense of crowd control! But the one that meant the most was TACOMA DOME with Chris Brown, killing your first arena show in your hometown no better feeling. I have a few shows coming up but I have been waiting for my new project “know my name” to drop then we hitting the road.
Which songs do you perform most frequently?
HISTORY and BOW DOWN from my last project “Superflyness” the energy is crazy, and “Jamaica” too.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I write my music but I love to collab with other writers when the vibe is right, that’s how you create a masterpiece. My topic matter changes with every beat it all comes from how I feel at the moment. sometimes I’m stunting sometimes I’m broke lol the next day a check come in then I’m back up it all depends. But I think my most common topics are about hustling to be the best I can be and staying fresh 2 things I live by. Yes, I believe as I grow my topics grow with it, you live more you learn more.
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
To me it’s all about the vibe, it’s never the same. I go through beats and see what match’s the mood, I hear the melody then the words come if they don’t then they don’t I don’t force it. People can feel when you do and I want to give them the best.
How has your music evolved since you first started?
I’m way better. there comes a point in an artists’ career where you find “you”, you learn your voice and find where you can take your lyrics. I found me, you can hear the hunger in my voice now and I have seen more and accomplished more. More to talk about.
What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
My biggest fear was speaking in front of large crowds I overcame that my first show. since then I have to say my biggest fear is opening up to the world and sharing your deepest secrets and your pain through your lyrics while you’re going through it. It’s easy for people to judge and criticize you but that’s what we signed up for so I had to get over that and open up.
What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
My ultimate goal is to make a difference with my music and make a way out for my family and city. I have a child on the way I want to make sure he or she doesn’t have to want for anything! Fame and fortune come along with territory but that’s not why I started [making] music.
What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?
It’s going to be long journey sometimes more bad days come than good, but Lil Wayne told me when I ask for advice “Don’t ever stop, everything around may stop but you won’t” that’s the only way to get throw it
Clemm Rishad, How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo?
Sound cloud YouTube, iTunes, apple music my website is on the way. Make sure you follow me on all my social media @clemmrishad
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Everybody who believed in the dream I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you saved me.
Any last words?
SKYMOVEMNT OVER EVERYTHING
