1. Artist name and where did it originated from?
Mr. Wildenfree; There were many reasons this name came up. It’s in part a pun based on my last name, Young — aka. Young, Wild & Free. It resonated with me because I felt it represented my two sides (yes, I am a Gemini). I believe everyone has a duality to their nature, and recognizing so can help bring a harmonic balance between them. I chose to spell it as one word the way I did because there is really no separation of two sides — to anything. Duality is the cyclical pattern of unity.
2. Where are you from?
I was born in Manhattan, NY and raised in Atlanta GA with Jamaican heritage (on my mother’s side).
3. Influences/inspirations?
Music is in my blood. My grandfather was my biggest inspiration when it comes to music, and he helped support me in my development all throughout life prior to his passing last August. I dedicated my debut project entitled “The Wild” to him. Other musical influences for me come from all over the place. I mainly listened to Reggae/R&B growing up, and ventured into Hip-Hop around late middle school early high school. Notable mentions are Bob Marley, Freddie McGregor, Pharrell, The 5th Dimension, Talib Kweli, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and others.
4. What makes your music different than other singers ?
I speak for words unspoken. I continue to push myself to be at my most vulnerable and most honest when I write and make music. A favorite quote of mine which (supposedly) came from Leonardo Da Vinci is, “Sophistication lies within Simplicity”. I strive to get my music to a place where it is simple and feels good, but is lyrically very deep, impacting and enlightening.
5. Dream collab?
My dream collaboration would have to be getting Pharrell, Andre 3000, Raury & myself on a track together.
6. Favorite singer and why?
If we’re talking about singers and not artists in general, I would have to say CeCe from BeBe & CeCe Winans. My mother used to play their “Different Lifestyle” album all the time when I was younger, and I rediscovered it again a few years ago. Her voice is really amazing.
7. Where do you see yourself In 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself off-grid, living comfortably and sustainably yet having solidified myself as a very unique contributor to the overall growth of Hip-Hop and the role it will play in nation reform and cultural inclusion. Think 1 part KRS-One with the content, 1 part Barack Obama with the humility and composure, and 2 parts Rafiki from the Lion King haha.
8. Favorite album?
This is an almost impossible question nowadays. But an age old classic and revolutionary album that will never get old in my opinion is HIStory: Past, Present & Future by Michael Jackson. This was a very vulnerable and transparent time for MJ in his career, and his music really portrayed that well.
9. Upcoming projects?
So I just released the 3rd installment in my Stream of Konscience compilation series, which is a set of odes (or remakes, covers, etc.) of some of my favorite and randomly chosen hip-hop beats — new and old. I also have an EP in the works entitled “&”, which will serve as an interim project before I release the direct followup to “The Wild”, entitled “The Free”, scheduled for later this year.
10. Fun fact about you?
Fun Fact: I am Vegan. I am currently 9 months in (started Sept. 2015) and I am rather passionate about it. It is something I wish was easier to discuss and to recommend, as it has truly made a positive impact and difference in my life, and the lives of countless animals. Because they matter too. I made the decision to benefit them, my health, and the world. I always recommend to people that they should watch Cowspiracy, Earthlings, & Forks Over Knives, as those three documentaries made all the difference in my life. the idiom “What you don’t know can’t kill you” is a farce.
