Music Q&A with Proxy
Photo courtesy of Proxy
Last month, pop punk artist, Proxy released his latest single/video, "I Don't Want To Die In New Jersey". If you’re a fan of The Story So Far, The Wonder Years, or A Day To Remember, this is up your alley! In this Q&A, Proxy talked about his latest release and previous singles, what he would change about the industry if he could, what instrument he’d like to learn to play someday, and more!
You recently released “Don’t Let Me Die In New Jersey”. What would you say is different about this song when looking at your previous releases?
There’s not too much of a difference honestly. I will say I purposely tried to make this one as pop punk as I could. I was trying to channel that hometown angst and overall hype of usual pop punk songs. Normally I let the song write itself but, this one I was pretty intentional being the subject matter is very “pop punk”.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Great question. I would love to steer it away from using streaming giants like Spotify and what not. I get there's a trust with consumers but it really gives the artist the crappy end of the stick. I’d love to see more artists using their own websites or something of that nature so that artists can retain the compensation for the art they’re creating. That’s the eternal struggle of the industry though, right? The artist vs. the machine. Although, I will say, it’s a double edged sword because those streaming services help a lot of bands get discovered.
What instrument do you not play that you hope to learn someday?
I’ve always loved the cello. I know if I sat down with it I could teach myself but, I just haven’t had the time/dedication to do it. I guess drums as well, I can play very basic but nothing looks more fun than beating the drums to death on stage. When a drummer is good I don’t think there is anything more dope.
What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
“No one cares as much as you do.”
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days? How do you stay positive?
Staying positive for me is number 1. This doesn’t mean I'm always happy or in an amazing mood. No matter what's happening I hold on to the fact that things will ALWAYS work out in the best interest. Always. I’ve experienced so many things that solidify this thought and now it’s where I operate from mentally. I honestly don’t believe in “bad days” anymore. Everything is purposeful and can teach you something and move you into a space where you don’t FEEL that way. A lot of meditation, reading, listening to music I love and moving my body around help a lot when I feel out of the norm. Also, this is the BEST time to create. It gives you plenty of ammo to make something awesome. When you have a day like that or feel less than how you’d like to feel, CREATE!! Oh and laughing. It’s the most underrated medicine there is.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
Thanks for doing this with me!! Would love to see the music scene get back to the stay positive movement/mindset. Back in the mid 00’s that was really the theme of all the stuff going on and I think that was a sick time to be involved in music. There’s less of that now and it needs to make a comeback!!