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Hi Gengis, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
I’m doing well despite the circumstances we’re all currently in. Very Optimistic.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Power”?
Power is a song that focuses on a specific way we cope with mental health issues. The Power of the tongue and being able to speak to someone, whether that someone is a friend, professional, etc. It features vocalist/MC Kumbaya, who’s a Brooklyn Native.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Nothing in particular. However I wanted to kind of bring to the listener’s attention that its ok to discuss your issues and what you’re going through mentally and emotionally with someone. It doesn’t have to be a taboo topic.
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Yes a video is in the works at the moment.
The single comes off your new album Sweet Pea – what’s the story behind the title?
The title Sweet Pea is in dedication to my grandmother, who passed in 2019. That was her nickname for me when I was growing up.
How was the recording and writing process?
The recording process for Power was as 21st century as it gets. Everything was remotely done. I actually produced this track maybe 2-3 years prior. I knew I wanted it on the album and I knew I wanted Kumbaya on it as well. So I sent it over to her and told her the topic I wanted her to discuss specifically and she did her thing.
What role does Brooklyn play in your music?
Brooklyn is a huge part of my musical identity. There’s so much culture in Brooklyn. Especially Caribbean culture. I grew up playing Steel Pan in Brooklyn and also drums in a Brooklyn Church. Those experiences shaped what I not only listen to but also my production.
How did you go on balancing your different influences together into this album? Would you lean towards a specific genre based on the lyrics?
There’s influences of jazz, conscious hip hop, pop, rnb, soul, rock, and many other genres on this album. When it comes to genres, I don’t think that there’s a specific genre that determines what is said in a song. I can sing the phrase “My Heart Knows No Bounds” in a pop song, rnb, hip-hop, country, etc. It’s more so about the orchestration and instrumentation that determines the genre.
Known for your collaboration – do you tend to take a different approach when collaborating with someone else rather than working?
No my approach is always the same. The music comes first. So whatever each party has to sacrifice in order for the music to be at it’s best, then i’m all for it. I don’t tend to look at anything music related as work because I understand how blessed I am to be creating art that has the potential to affect even one person’s life.
What aspect of mental illness did you get to explore on this record?
On Power, we didn’t really explore a specific mental health aspect. We more so explored a specific way in which a person can deal with their mental health. However throughout the entire album I touch on a myriad of issues such as; anxiety, depression, manic episodes, codependency, suicide, PTSD.
Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
I find inspiration in just living day by day. Since the pandemic hit, I’ve made a conscious effort to be present when I’m with my friends and family. I honestly used to only make songs about my experiences with women because that was what was familiar to me, however I realized my everyday experiences are shared by many others as well.
What else is happening next in Gengis Don’s world?
Gearing up for a string of shows this summer, as a producer/solo act and also drumming for many artists. Also working on a few projects with some of my favorite artists who also happen to be my friends.
