2022 started on a strong note for genre-bending artist, happytree. “Don’t Fight It“, his first single of the year, finds him finding positivity, inspiration and self-expression in a way that perfectly paves the path for more new music to come. The track, which he has dubbed a self fulfilling prophecy of sorts, finds him embracing his most authentic self and encouraging listeners to do the same.
With “Don’t Fight It” out now, we caught up with happytree to talk about the song, how is musical upbringing has shaped the artist he is today, and his growth as an artist over the last year, as well as his plans for more new music. With more on the horizon, the future is looking unsurprisingly bright for happytree. Listen to “Don’t Fight It” and read more now below.
Prelude Press: You just released your first new song of 2022, “Don’t Fight It”! Now that it has been out for a little bit and you’ve had some time to reflect on it, what are some of your favorite things about the song?
happytree: I love the song completely to be honest. It motivates me to continue pushing my bounds and finding new flows and pockets within the beat and life in general. It’s almost like the song is a self fulfilling prophecy, I’m actively being reminded to be my more authentic self everyday.
“Don’t Fight It” marks an experimentation in sound, leaning into house-rap. How did the song and your collaboration with Jack Laboz come about?
This song was sitting on a hard drive for a couple of months at first. I remember making it one day and just being satisfied with being productive that day. I saved it and forgot about it pretty much. When I was sending tracks to my manager, Justin Chung, this song was sent too. He really pushed me to release it and let the world hear. He linked me with Jack and the rest was history.
What would you like for listeners to take away from “Don’t Fight It”?
Be yourself. Always. When it’s hard to be, when everything is telling you to dim your light ,but you can’t wear the mask anymore. Don’t fight the freedom of being truly you.
With “Don’t Fight It” signifying the beginning of a new year musically, what goals do you have for yourself and new music moving forward? Is there anything else that you’re excited to try soon?
I’m excited to try any and every genre. I’ve always known that rapping is my strong suit musically, but I’ve been experimenting with damn near everything. I never want to place myself in a box so it’s best to just create without labels and see what happens. I have a lot of music in the vault and I’m constantly making new tracks, so there’s definitely a lot more to come from me.
You grew up in a musical household and have deep roots in hip-hop. How do you feel your upbringing has affected the music that you’re writing today?
I believe my parents raised me to be an overthinker (kidding but not really haha). To weigh out every available option and/or scenario and be able to see the full perspective. I think this is a strength when it comes to my lyrics and how I express myself.
My mother also always had music playing when I was little, so I was introduced to everything from hip-hop, gospel, alternative rock, soul, r&b, etc. She also was a rapper as a young adult, so she was always supportive of me chasing some type of dream, even when the music wasn’t the best.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist within the last year, or even since you first started writing and recording?
I believe I’m more focused. I now recognize that my words carry weight and I should be wise with the messages I’m sending out. I used to make the music for myself, to release emotion and just send my thoughts somewhere else. Now it’s more for the collective, I want to see everybody happy & secure with themselves, and that is the main goal of the music.
Do you have any other big plans or goals for the remainder of 2022?
We have some ideas in the works right now, yeah. If you keep an eye out, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just want to say thank you for taking the time to interview me. Little moments like this really show me that I’m on the right path. It’s an honor and a boost of motivation, so thanks again, I appreciate you!
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