Gracing our Austin showcase at 1:30 PM tomorrow afternoon, and returning to the Majestic Theatre stage on May 3, is F. Stokes. We spoke with him this week about his Kickstarter-funded new album, collaborations, and future plans.
presented by First Avenue,
Majestic Theatre, and eTix
Friday, March 15, 2013
Holy Mountain; Austin, TX
11 AM-6 PM; Free
Zion I + F. Stokes
Friday, May 3, 2013
Majestic Theatre
9 PM; $10
You started a Kickstarter for your upcoming album, Fearless Beauty. How is the project going? What were your experiences with online fundraising?
“Yes, I did. The project is going excellent. It’s produced entirely by Paper Tiger from Doomtree; he’s been a good friend of mine for awhile so the chemistry is naturally there. I’m very excited about what we have so far. Raising money was one of the most humbling, interactive, intimate experiences ever. A great moment in my career was reaching that goal.”
I know you describe music as “fearless beauty” — what does that exactly mean and what does the title mean in terms of your upcoming album?
“It means being completely free of social boundaries or perceptions, to me. The beauty in Fearless Beauty is that it’s left up to you, the listener, to define what it means relative to your existence.”
What is your relationship with Madison? Does “Small Town USA” reflect your opinions about Madison?
“Madison is my base. My point of comfort and love. It’s where I feel my safest and most content honestly. ‘My Simple’ was about Madison completely.”
You had a couple last minute shows — does that have a different thrill or is it nerve wracking?
“No, no it’s all normal at this point. I go and do my job the best I know how and engage fans with my poetry night-in and night-out at times. It’s humbling so many showcases want me to join, surely. I’m a simple man in that regard. Basement shows to festivals, I’m the same OG.”
Are there future collaborations with other artists coming up?
“I’ve been in such a zone with Paper, I’ve yet to really build with any other artists or producers. My main focus has been Fearless. Mike Mictlan will be on it… that’s it so far.”
How do you the making of this album is going to pan out? Is there a specific process in your mind?
“We’ll see! Sometimes I think I’m making my best music, other times it takes on a science project vibe. No particular process or formula. Just hard-ass raps and banging beats.”
What are your plans for the future and what are your expectations from SXSW?
“My expectations for SXSW is to just have a good time and share the stage with some awesome acts I respect and love. In the immediate future, it’s about the release of Fearless and the marketing of it. Also, touring this fall.”