Following up a wave of bold and impressive singles over the last few years, US singer and songwriter Vince Godson recently returned with his latest sweeping release 'Timeless'.
With its fresh and enticing RnB tones, 'Timeless' sees the artist deliver more of that smooth and silky aesthetic he is known for, taking his cues from Drake and The Weeknd as he goes.
So with his new single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember when I was a kid in school we would have music class and the instrument that they would have us kind of practice on and learn from was a recorder. I mean it didn’t really allow you to do much as far as musicality goes being that it was sort of a learning instrument, but even something as small as that really peaked my interest as far as music goes and what else was out there.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
My most prominent inspiration would have to be my mother honestly she’s the reason why I even got into music in the first place. I mean sure you you can take into consideration my favorite artists the Curtis Mayfields, the Lauryn Hills, Erykah Badu, or the André 3000s of the world, but she was the one that really sat me down and said writing is great and it’s good to put all your thoughts on paper but you should try vocalising it.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I’m a 90s baby so when I was a teenager I was listening to a lot of Lil Wayne, Kanye, T-Pain, Drake. That was right around the time Drake really started coming out. Jay Z and TI was still ringing off back then too. I remember “Whatever You Like” was playing everywhere when I was a teenager.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I can’t really remember a particular song that made me want to get into Music but it was right after high school when my musical pallet kind of started maturing to the point where I started listening to music in a different way. I think that was around the time “Good Kid Maad City” came out and it just completely changed my appreciation for the art. It was during that time when I really sat and contemplated pursuing a music career. I just remember being in college freshman year and my next door neighbor, who’s now one of my closest friends, and I used to drive around playing that album all the time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I actually don’t listen to anything when I wake up in the morning. I started this new routine where I allow myself like 20 maybe 30 minutes of silence just to collect myself and to reflect on my day and it doesn’t involve any kind of sound. So I can’t say that I listen to any music in the beginning of the day. Unless of course I’m in the process of recording. Then I’m usually up all night listening to what I’m currently making.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I’ve actually never felt comfortable as an artist writing about something that doesn’t actually pertain to me so I’d say pretty much all of my music is about myself, or an experience, or just something that I’ve seen. I’m not a good author of fiction so basically every song has some element of somebody that I know, if not myself, in it.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
My most memorable moment would have to be last year when I sold out this warehouse in downtown LA. Now granted the tickets were free but just to see that many people actually take the time to drive out to see me perform really filled my spirit. And this was on a Friday no less, so they could have chosen to be anywhere. But yeah, that’s probably my most memorable moment and I look forward to having a whole lot more moments like that one.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Going to the movies. Going to the movies would definitely be my biggest passion outside of music. I’ve said before I don’t even have to want to see the movie that I’m there watching, just being at the movie theatre is therapeutic to me for some reason I really don’t know why. That and dogs. I love dogs.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
There’s a saying that I’ve read or heard somewhere that says fathers usually give their sons their first love. So my first love was honestly sports; football, basketball, baseball. So if I wasn’t trying to pursue music I would probably be pursuing one of those sports.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Feels so weird giving other artists advice because I’m still trying to seek advice myself, but if I could share anything that I’ve learned in my short time here, it would be to not let the little things bother you. Take care of the things you can control and the things that are out of your control just weren’t meant for you to take care of. And that’s ok. You waste more energy complaining about problems than seeking a way to solve them; if they’re your problems to solve. Be optimistic, but don’t be surprised by failure. Go 110% in everything and not just on the days you feel good either. Everyone wants to succeed in this I’d hope. We’re all fighting tooth and nail for position and for people’s undivided attention. Give them a reason to listen and provide yourself preparation so that when they do finally tap in to whatever part of your story that you’re ready to tell, you’ll be ready. And just have fun, it’s music, it’s supposed to be therapy for us. Let’s treat it that way.
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Vince Godson's new single 'Timeless' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.