Willy P: The Moon Child of Cleveland
The city of Cleveland is a hidden gem for talent. First, it gave the world Kid Cudi, now we have Willy P. The Cleveland-based artist captures rap, funk and soul in his indie-pop songs. He embodies the spirit of Mac Miller and jams to the grooves like Thundercat. Beyond The Stage Magazine got the chance to speak with Willy P just a month after his release of Moon Child.
When asked about what sparked his passion for music, he talked about its presence as he grew up. He grew up with sports until he realized he could be putting his spare time into music. According to Willy P, “I began messing around, writing and recording songs on Apple headphones and it really just sparked a new passion for me. After the initial spark was ignited, I went home the summer in between my freshman and sophomore school years and legitimately made a song every single day. From there it was history.”
As for his hometown’s impact on his music career, he has nothing but praise for it. He claimed, “My hometown has been a huge inspiration for me. Growing up in a diverse city like Cleveland, I was opened up to many different experiences, cultures, and backgrounds that have ultimately shaped into the person I am today.”
Meanwhile, he finds comfort in isolation for his musical process. He recalled the one time he was in a studio with Brockhampton members Romil Hemnami and Jabari Manwa, calling it “a nerve racking experience”. However, it does not seem to have lowered his level of talent.
“Every time I write a song, I try to self-reflect while creating and I feel like I’ve gotten much better at translating my thoughts and feelings into my songs.”
Willy P’s latest release Moon Child sets a high bar for 2021’s indie-pop music. Its sounds are reminiscent of Thundercat, Kid Cudi, and Mac Miller. He remembers that, “… looking back on the 3-4 month process I love seeing how much I’ve grown as an artist and person. Everytime I write a song, I try to self-reflect while creating and I feel like I’ve gotten much better at translating my thoughts and feelings into my songs.”
The leading track from this is “Good Love”. The first is a feel-god, funky track. He described the process of breathing life into this song. “After I had the melody, the words just came to me. When I was writing this song, I was in a very hopeful and loving headspace and I feel like that’s exactly what I illustrated,” said Willy P.
As for which track best captures his confident personality, he chose “Moon Child”. He claimed, “I still relate to and feel the lyrics in this song like I just made it and it’s like eight months old.”
“Whether it be through music or climate activism, I want to have a positive impact on the planet and truly do something important.”
When we discussed the impact the pandemic could have had on his music, he gave a grounded answer. “My music style is, and always will be, ever changing and developing,” said Willy P. It goes to show that his style cannot be affected by anything and if anything, “This has resulted in more honest and personal lyrics and the pandemic has also allowed me to hoan my craft when it comes to mixing and mastering my vocals.”
According to his Spotify, he has released seven collections of music since 2019. There is also an eighth on Soundcloud with Zus G called Summer Sessions Vol. 1. Although, he does not seem to be overwhelmed by which songs to pick for setlists at future shows.
“When it comes to choosing songs to play, I feel like my music has steadily improved so by the time I play my next show (It is looking like September 11th, opening for Cal Scruby in Cleveland, Ohio). I will have so many new songs that I will probably just go with what feels right in the moment and what I’m most confident performing,” claimed Willy. Fans of any of Willy P’s music could be satisfied by whichever songs he performs at a concert.
As for his future, Willy P wants to let the world know that he is a unique individual. He wants to inspire the world to be a better place that can strive towards their dreams. “Whether it be through music or climate activism, I want to have a positive impact on the planet and truly do something important,” according to Willy P. As for his future, he assures that, “… my fans can expect growth, great music, clothing, and visuals. 333.”
Be sure to connect with Willy P on his Instagram page.
Read more of our Interviews on our site!
- McKinley Dixon’s New Album Hits Home with Love & Jazz - May 7, 2021
- Trayce Chapman’s New Single “NASA” Transcends Rap & Film - May 1, 2021
- Taylor Castro Brings a “Hurricane” to Indie Pop: New Single Out - April 16, 2021
