Aspirations Magazine vol.1

Lenny Lisgar @ Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Lenny Lisgar Performing at Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Shad At Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Shad Performing at Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Hero B performance at Fredericton Exhibition centre

Hero B at Fredericton
exhibition
centre

Yohvn Blvck Performance at Klub Khrome for ECMA's showcase

Yohvn
Blvck
At klub
Chrome
for
EMCAs
2022

Behind The Artist
Upkvst

"Within the last year or so, i have managed to release 7 songs on streaming platforms acquiring around 40,000 streams (in total), i have built solid connections with my peers in the music industry, received my first grant from Music NB, (with this funding, i got the chance to promote my music and publish my very first music video on YouTube.) I also managed to get a Nation Wide Publicity Contract for my ep "Rdy, Set, Go!". I would have to say that these are the main achievements in the last year or so."

- When did you first start writing / making music?

I started around 3 years ago.

- What was the inspiration behind your artist name?

The name Upkvst came to me when i realized that the old life i used to live was over with and left behind. All those negative experiences and downs i went through shaped me into who i am today, if it wasn’t for the trials and tribulations, i don’t know where i would be. One day, i woke up and i had enough of feeling sorry for myself when things didn’t go my way so i started turning those L's into W's which in return made me go UP in every way possible, my mindset was shifting, i felt hopeful and like nothing could stop me if i continued going up and staying as focused as can be. I didn’t feel like an outkast trapped inside of a prison inside of my own head anymore, which helped me start channeling how i felt with my music. I want to help others understand the importance of having a good mindset because it can help change you bit by bit into the person you've always wanted to be.

- Is there any work that you have created that truly stands out to you as a creator?

My most recent single "Euphoria" stands out to me the most, when i started structuring the song, everything felt easy and smooth, i worked on it for a few hours and it was finished that same day. It just felt like the beat was meant for me, a pure euphoric feeling built off of a strong connection from the get go. That song really gave me a boost of hope, knowing that my lyricism was getting better and that i could evolve in other ways.

- If you could go back and do something different then what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing, i appreciate the journey for what it is, i take the losses and turn them into lessons to become sharper and more aware for the future. No sense of focusing on the past, i live in the now and let the future decide itself.

- What has been your greatest resource so far as far as creating goes?
I would have to say Jarrett (Acedia) Martin, he has blessed me with many beats when at the time, i was going through financial issues and could barely afford to get groceries every week. He has a good heart and I’m proud to call him my friend, brother and team partner.

- Any advice for new artists or people who are trying to find a place to start?
I would say "one day or day one" It can be hard to start something fresh, lets be honest, even fearful at times. It takes courage to go after your dreams but ultimately, you need to start, learn and fail in order to grow and become better at something. Nothing easy in life is worth it. It can be a roller coaster ride but you got this, don’t give up when it gets tough, push through it! WE UP!