At AWAL, we love sharing our artists’ stories so their paths — as individual and unique as the music they make — inspire others to pursue their own music-career goals.
Here in our “My Journey” series, our members share their stories — the challenges they’ve faced, how they’ve overcome them, the milestones they’ve achieved, and where they hope the future leads.
This week, we’re speaking with musician and producer Bekon — who is performing in the AWAL EMERGING Official SXSW Showcase at the AWAL House on March 14.
How did your journey first begin as an artist?
I started playing the violin when I was about four. The idea of performing has always been running about my mind. When I was 18, I hurt my arm, and through a few twists, and turns met someone with a beat machine. I fell in love with production and taught myself piano. A few years later, I wrote my first song.
I came to LA when I was 23 and met a great producer who mentored me. I put singing on hold but learned how to make records. Now, I’m just putting that skill together with my ability to sing and write songs and am having the time of my life. I think I’ve always, very simply, been inspired by the process of creating itself.
Where are you now in your artist journey?
I’m right where I need to be — further than I’ve ever been and not yet where I’m going to be.
What were some of the hardest obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Myself — my own mind. Creating a conversation in my head which allows me to be my best self creatively and as a human.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
The most rewarding part of the journey for me is the silence between the completion of a record and when people are going to hear it.
What’s up next in your journey as an artist that you’re most excited for?
For me — when I play music — I play it as if I’m in the living room playing for my friends. I’m simply just trying to upgrade my living room to be a bit bigger.
What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
I don’t know about ultimate goals, but I am enjoying where I am now.
Is this your first time at SXSW? What are you most looking forward to?
This is my first SXSW. I hope to give people goosebumps. This is my goal when creating — always!
How does it feel to play at the AWAL Showcase, representing the independent-artist community?
It feels great! I’m happy to be part of any community that’ll have me. Music is an amazing vehicle to create communities with. I plan on using music as a tool to bring people together and see the world.
AWAL Insights™ Into Bekon’s Journey
- Since his first release on AWAL in December 2017, Bekon has earned over 898,000 streams across Spotify and Apple Music.
- Among Bekon’s recent playlist adds are Today’s Chill on Apple Music, Spotify UK’s Your Office Stereo, and Spotify’s Dreampop.
- 47% of Bekon’s listeners are female; the remaining 53% are male.
How has your experience with AWAL been so far?
It’s been great working with the team and i enjoy that they trust me to do my thing.
For more details on the AWAL House, including a full lineup of all events, showcases, and sessions, click here. See you in Austin!
