In this A&R Factory interview, we speak with SonicFluxx, an artist shaped by a childhood amid the unique cultural and natural landscapes of Florida’s East Coast. SonicFluxx shares how experiences such as witnessing shuttle launches, growing up near Disney World, and being surrounded by 80s and 90s pop icons like Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys influenced his sound and vision. He reflects on his path from DJing to full-time music production in Los Angeles, alongside the challenges of adapting to social media in the modern music world. With new music on the horizon, SonicFluxx reveals a vision dedicated to using music as a healing force, ready to connect with listeners globally.
SonicFluxx, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your career and your future ambitions. We’d love to know how your upbringing on Florida’s East Coast, among such iconic figures, influenced your sonic signature.
Growing up in Central Florida in the 80’s and 90’s was a special time in our American history and I feel lucky to have experienced many things that most didn’t during that era. Growing up next to Disney World taught me that music holds messages and meaning and that music can be the language that unites all.
I watched the Space Shuttle program firsthand and watched many shuttle launches from my backyard. I learned at a young age that there was more than this world we are on and I found love in the stars and the universe. I questioned my existence of this planet at a pretty young age and what my role was. I grew up living five minutes from the beach – walking through the sand and understanding the concept that a speck of sand doesn’t make much, but a whole bunch of it creates a beautiful beach.
When you grow up and live in such a magical and inspirational place, I think it tends and fuels the creative fire within and ignites the spark that so many musicians and artists before me have experienced.
What was it about Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys that inspired you to light your own creative spark?
I found deep inspiration with these three artists particularly because through their music, I learned that songs can have a message to invoke positive change in society. Many artists feel a duty to use their voice as a platform to invoke political, cultural and societal change in the world and this is also what I wanted out of my own music and songwriting. Aligning with the same beliefs as an artist also made me feel connected to the artist themselves in a way and I found this connection to be very special.
How has your relationship with music changed over the years?
I was born in a Southern Baptist Church, so I grew up singing traditional hymns on Sundays. I grew up extremely sheltered from what is called secular media in the religious tone. My introduction to pop and dance music did not occur until my rebellious teen era, in which I would spend hours in FYE at the mall and listen to CDs. I consumed every bit of pop culture I could at this point in my life. I connected with dance music in a spiritual way that spiritual music never gave me.
I began to study and analyze what made a great song at this age. I would have a knack for knowing what songs on an album would be the next single before it was released. I turned this talent into songwriting. I was a DJ in my early 20s and began producing remixes myself with Sony Acid Music Studio on a laptop I rented from Rent-A-Center.
I am a self-proclaimed pop and dance music lover. I took pride in sharing new tracks with people and seeing their reactions when they loved it. After many years of no music interaction other than consumption, I quit my job, quit college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career full time. I find myself enjoying creating music more than I enjoy listening to it myself. However, don’t get me wrong, I still stan for a few artists new music!
Creatively, what came most easily to you, and what did you have to work hard to hone?
Melodies, hooks and songwriting came the easiest. Most of my songs have been written in about three days – one song I wrote in 15 minutes. I have a knack for hearing a beat and immediately hearing a melody in my head. Then words come after that. It’s a chaotic process I will admit, but it works for me.
Half of my lyrics aren’t even written down anywhere because songs are written so quickly. ‘Nomad’, for example, was half written and I made up the rest of the lyrics in the studio on the spot. My songs come from my life, my struggles and my heartache – it’s pretty easy to spill out currently.
What is challenging for me is creating social media content. I am not good at picture taking, not quick to take pictures in settings and I find creating and thinking of social content does not come easy at all. I am from the MySpace generation, so the new era of social media has definitely been the biggest challenge to overcome for me.
You mentioned a period of depression after focusing on your vocation as an astronomer; do you believe a lack of creative output is to blame for a lot of existential suffering in others?
Short answer: yes. I believe that many people do not use the right side of their brain enough and invoke creativity in their lives. I love that book reading and crocheting has made comebacks these days. I think more people need to find that creative output to truly find peace. As a child, we use this side of our brain so naturally and it’s a beautiful thing. When we lose our sense of imagination and wonder, we can lose who we are and where we are going – Walt Disney taught me that and I still firmly believe in it.
Could you tell us more about your vision for your music going forward and any new directions you are exploring in your artistic journey?
When I started my music career full time, I said that if my music reached just one person and helped them, I’ve done my job. Music is healing. Music can be your remedy, as I sing in my song ‘Remedy’, which is a love letter to all my fans. I have achieved this and now my goal is to take the same concept but go worldwide.
I am always writing new music and do have new music ready to go and am planning to release a deluxe edition of the album around February 2025.
Stream SonicFluxx on Spotify and discover more about the artist via their official website.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast