Today we’d like to introduce you to The Walking Flame.
Hi The Walking Flame, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with my dad. My first time on the microphone was actually for a radio show when I was eight years old; my dad was a sports broadcaster and I was covering a segment on the Baltimore Orioles. He let me speak on the microphone and that was when I first knew what I was born to do. All through high school I would write songs and study artists like Cassidy, Los, Nas, 2pac, Lil Wayne, TI, and many more. Back then, I never had actually visited a studio. It wasn’t until college where I had my first recording experience. I recorded in my basketball teammates apartment with a rigged up studio set up; I barely remember. But that was my first time on a microphone and it was not until years later I recorded my first song ever “GET IT LIT” in a small basement studio in Laurel, MD. At the time, I was under my other artist name Joyce TRC (The Rapping Coach). But I knew I needed a name more marketable so when I moved to Pittsburgh, PA for basketball coaching — The Walking Flame was born, I began recording in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, and many other places. Eventually, due to rising costs of studio time, I decided I would learn how to engineer my own music, and that is where I am at today. My music is completely produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered, at my house, or I take my set up to a local studio for the speakers. My music is centered on rap, but I can mix in some melodic style, as well. I am also the creator of Flames on Wheels an exclusive series that gives the audience an insight into my life and overcoming mental illness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a very difficult road as I suffer with a mental illness known as Pure-O OCD; and also learning to trust people. The biggest obstacle in any business is finding people who you can trust. In this industry, unfortunately, everyone is out for themselves, and I am trying to change that. By learning to beat my mind everyday and attempting to stay focused on my main goal — making a difference in people’s lives– it is extremely difficult. But I know that is my purpose — to learn to overcome obstacles and enjoy the ride along the way. Every time I go forward; I try and reflect on how I moved forward; and I do my best to not go backwards; but battling a mental illness is tough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional music artist known for my aggressive delivery style, and melodic singing; I produce all my music at my apartment and own the majority of my music from the past five years. I am also known for my “Flames On Wheels” series that discusses different strategies to win in music and win in life. I am most proud of continuing my path against my own mind, because every day my brain tells me to slow down, but I keep going. I do it for myself, but I also know my music and my different businesses will help people in the present and future. I am different because I do not curse on music, I do not promote violence, and my music attempts to promote positivity.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that it is small; and there is not a lot of competition where I am from. But, at the same time, because there is little competition, and I am one of the few who stand out, the pressure to succeed is far greater. Only some people from my area want me to succeed; and it seems like most want me to not; because only a few have ever done it before. I wish I had more support from my local area rather than doubters but at the end of the day; as long as my music is seen and heard, I am doing what I am supposed to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-walking-flame/1607625216
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewalkingflame/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewalkingflame/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewalkingflame
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fEG28uvnb6sMM1CcFb4UD
