Today we’re excited to introduce you to Malik Johnson. Malik is a singer, songwriter, actor and producer and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Malik below.
Malik, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us again. We know how busy you are and defintiely appreciate you sharing your story and insights with our readers. For those who might have missed our earlier conversations, would you mind starting off with a quick intro to yourself?
My name is Malik Johnson, I typically just go by Malik. I’m an actor, singer-songwriter, and producer from Fort Worth, TX. I’ve been writing and acting for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first song at about 13, went on my first audition at age 3, and I haven’t stopped since. After a short stint at Howard University as a hospitality major I came back home to Texas and focused on my acting and music. The journey has been a bit of a roller coaster but I’m grateful for all the lessons learned and all the current and future success.
What’s your creative process like when you make music?
My creative process varies whenever I make music. Sometimes the beat and melody come first, sometimes I just write in my journal and then jump on my beat machine and fit in the lyrics to the beat. Whenever I’m working on music I don’t like to be disturbed at all, my phone is usually on airplane mode, the tv is off and the room is silent! I can write, produce, and edit a song in full within a few hours, but the mood has to be perfect. More emotional songs take a while to complete, I did a song on my last album called “Don’t Cry For Me” that took almost 4 months to finish because the lyrics were about a few cousins who have passed away, and I had to deal with those emotions before recording.
What are the pros & cons of being an independent artist?
The best part of being an independent artist is having complete creative control over my art. There’s no pressure with due dates and deadlines. The cons usually revolve around the lack of time or resources. I still work a regular job, sometimes 2 just to take care of my responsibilities. So coming home after work and trying to stay up all night and squeeze time in to write, record and do photoshoots and videos is a big pain. Any money for equipment, sessions, video shoots, photoshoots and even shows comes straight out of my pocket. I’m looking forward to the day I can spend all day and night writing, in the studio, rehearsing and performing instead of clocking in. I’m fortunate enough to have a great support system behind me but I frequently have to scale my vision back to fit current resources.
Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months?
I see myself finally making a significant breakthrough in the next 6 months. I’m in the studio working on my new album and I’m taking a different approach this time. I have a few labels and managers looking in my direction and hopefully the right deal will come along. I’m moving into my first place in September and looking forward to independence and making new memories. With Covid-19 slowing down Hollywood, I hope as things reopen the right roles will come along on tv & film. I’m open to all opportunities to grow, express myself, inspire, and take over the industry.
How have you adapted your art to the current pandemic and social climate?
My favorite part of being an artist is being able to perform. I can’t remember the last time I was on set for an acting gig, I miss it so much. I’ve been able to adapt to virtual concerts, they have their pros and cons but it’s nothing like having a real audience in person. I feed off the energy of the crowd so I now have to approach my virtual concerts almost like I would approach an acting role. My music has always reflected what goes on in the world so between the pandemic and current protest my creativity has been on 10,000. I went to the black lives matter march in downtown Fort Worth and came home and immediately wrote a song about it.
Finally, please let us know how our readers can connect with you and learn more.
My most recent album “Sorry I’m Late” along with the “No Hard Feelings Remix” are both streaming on all music platforms. Feel free to follow my artist profile “Malik” on Spotify & Apple Music. I’d really appreciate it.
Follow me on Instagram/Facebook @officialmalikmusic I have an IGTV Show about all the behind the scenes antics of my life, and last but not least check out my official website www.malikjohnson.com
