Interviews Next Wave

APROPOS Talks New Single “Heartbreak”

Every moment counts, and it builds each person’s next steps. For APROPOS, it happened as soon as he participated in

By TCR Staff

March 15, 2024

Every moment counts, and it builds each person’s next steps. For APROPOS, it happened as soon as he participated in a high school talent show. Expressing himself through song to an audience of entranced students was a clear indication that not only could he capture the essence of musical artistry, but he could do it in a way that fit his style and personality best. Since then, APROPOS has absorbed the history of his culture and the stories of his peers, his family, and stories of his own, and has translated them into lyrical masterpieces that can be shared with those who encapsulate his message and can make it their own. Harnessing the power one can produce just on natural talent alone, APROPOS’ voice stands its ground as a strong, raw, and articulated journey, taking the best of the legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Prince and making it his own. His effortless approach to his vocal abilities has led to an endless library of original songs, which showcases his soul and captivating lyrics. He listens to those who aid in building his career, including on NBC’s The Voice, where he was a contestant in 2020. It is a constant climb to the top, and APROPOS has no intention of stopping, being inspired by those who came before him and inspiring those who will come after him.

In the moment, a perfect-match love interest enriches every passing day, but when a relationship has a bitter end, it leaves behind a sour taste of betrayal and a broken heart. It’s a given that even choosing to build a connection with another person to that level would be irresponsible and detrimental, but the heart wants what it wants. “Heartbreak” follows the desire for an everlasting bond while being held back by hesitation, knowing the dreamy days can turn into long, regretful nights. It breaks down the thought process, trying to slow down any decision-making before damage is done, but the idea of love takes over and makes it hard to slow down.

Produced alongside Jake Bass, connecting through the universal feeling of love and loss led to the song and video proving to be a breaking point for their careers and their partnership. APROPOS exemplifies the sensation of love through his masterful visual telling of “Heartbreak.” He goes about his day doing the typical routine tasks that prepare anyone for their day. But quickly, through the lens of his eyes and his camera, all he can focus his attention on is the beautiful woman he has become smitten with. The trajectory of his life is completely flipped, and begins revolving his every move around her. Wherever she is, he is sure to follow in hopes that they can fall in love. He goes as far as risking both of their lives to guarantee this partnership, only resulting in spiraling chaos. It goes to show that falling in love has many layers, but not all of the outcomes are good..

1. What made you want to become a musician?

I wanted to become a musician because I love creating. I love snatching concepts and ideas from inside my head and bringing them to life. There’s nothing I enjoy more than turning dreams into reality by pairing different instruments with my voice. I love being a musician because it’s constantly about creation.

2. How has your upbringing influenced your musical style?

As the son of a minister, gospel music has been in my veins since I was a child. Being a Black man in America has also been a constant influence on my musical style. Every time I step to a microphone I am channeling the memory and legacy of my ancestors. I take from all of Black history, dating all the way back to negro spirituals. I am influenced by my ancestors, no matter what I’m singing.

3. Where do you find yourself usually getting inspiration for your music from?

Black culture. My culture. I try to keep my eye on all of the latest trends in fashion and music but I’m also committed to maintaining the legacy of legends and respecting the people who came before me. I see myself as the bridge between the generational gap in music and connecting those two worlds is important to me. I always take inspiration from my elders because they have been through so much. One conversation can turn into a song.

4. Could you tell us about your latest release, “Heartbreak”?

My new release is called Heartbreak and it’s produced by Jake Bass. After meeting for the first time and getting all of the paperwork out of the way, this was the first song we recorded in our first studio session together and we knocked it out by the end of that session. This song will always be special for both of us because after making this, we just knew this was going to be the kind of career-defining partnership you typically only dream about. This will always be the first joint and it also just marks the moment we knew it was real. This song is about love, it’s about loss, it’s about failure and hesitation, and lust. Aspects of it are my story, aspects of it are your story. Love is a universal language and anybody who has ever felt love has inevitably felt…

5. How personal of a song is “Heartbreak” to you? Is it about someone specific?

Heartbreak actually isn’t as personal as some of my other songs. But the beauty of music is that when you come at things from a certain perspective, there’s always going to be someone who connects or relates to that perspective or experience. The best part of being a musician is hearing other people tell me how my music has connected with them.

6. How was the experience working on the music video for “Heartbreak”?

It was an incredible experience. I love working with Cy and Nari and being on location with my team and being surrounded by creative and talented people doing amazing things. It’s such a fun and inspiring part of being a musician.

7. Is there any advice you would offer to newer artists looking to break out?

I would tell new artists to focus on themselves before anything else. Try to make sure you have a good, supportive team of like-minded people around you and just try to capture as many new fans and listeners as you can. Don’t try to chase popular sounds or trends, make music for yourself and focus on the people who love your voice. I think if you put the art first, everything will fall into place the way it’s supposed to.

8. What is next for you?

Next up, I will be headed to Europe to do some touring. I’m working with an awesome booking agency and I’m incredibly excited about that. By the end of the year, I will also be dropping The Apropos Edition, a four-part EP that will be dropping on vinyl. People can look forward to live shows, new music, new videos, and basically as much Apropos as they can handle.