Meet Far One

Today we’d like to introduce you to Far One.

Far One, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a kid, I would step behind our patio curtains and then step out as if I just walked through theater curtains leading to center stage. Center stage at the time being our living room and the audience being my parents…between the riddles and knock-knock jokes my material was much more limited then. One Black History Month in elementary school, I remember experiencing the energy found in entertaining people- I played Stevie Wonder and walked on stage with my shades, full Stevie Wonder head nods and body language while saying my lines.

My senior year in high school, I took a recording technology class where I recorded my first song. I later used that class lab to record my first mixtape. It was a mixtape of comedic parody songs, remixed songs, and some original music. When I was at the great HBCU North Carolina A&T State University, I worked on my BFA in Theatre and spent DMV (PG County, MD) summers working on new music that was not funny remixes anymore, I was now focused on my lyrics and telling my own story. I did plays all through college and after college did some extra work on the film “How Do You Know” with Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon. Real life got real really quick though and the reality of bills and student loans made workweeks longer and audition chances shorter. Five years later, my bills are paid but my goals and purpose are not aligned. I didn’t know who this person was who was content with playing it safe. I realized that I wasn’t sacrificing what I could to still fight for my dream.

That revelation brought me back to creating art. In 2016, I began doing sketch comedy along with creating new music, and then the next year performed stand-up comedy for the first time. Thankfully over the past few years, I’ve been able to perform stand-up and music in DC, NYC, & LA and had a main role in upcoming crime drama “Londyn & James” which is expected to release on Amazon Prime this winter. Since moving to LA during this pandemic, I dropped my debut album EXIST, which is available on all streaming platforms. Between those projects and shows, sketches, an upcoming short film, music videos for EXIST, and my new virtual political comedy show “One Luv with FAR ONE” on YouTube, I have been pretty busy during this pandemic.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The path of an artist is filled with the moments that shape our eye for finding the beauty in the reality of things, and sometimes the reality is a struggle. The artist in craft and the artist in business are not always in perfect union. Dishonest promotors, having to chase down venues for payments and contracts…these things led me to be more self-efficient. They led me to learn more. In order to make my ideas come to life, sometimes I had to learn how to do things on my own. I like having that experience though because it helps me grow my perspective and understand what it takes and what I want to see happen.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
FAR ONE Enterprises is an entertainment company that uses all forms of media to provide relevant, thought-provoking material through different creative avenues.

In college, I wrote a research paper on W.E.B. DuBois and Alaine Locke and their debate on the responsibility of Black creatives during their time. Locke agreed with being able to create “art for art’s sake” while DuBois understood that Black artists can use art to express their voice in society and speak on issues. Since that paper I have tried to always create with purpose and education. “Edu-taining” my audience has always been forefront in my music and stand up but I’m truly allowed to speak truth to power and use creativity to battle social injustices through my new YouTube show “One Luv with FAR ONE.”

“One Luv” allows me to blend my art and interest in politics while supporting the navigation of our current events. The premiere episode was titled “11:03” and released right before Election Day. I am thankful for the positive feedback from the show so far but also shocked at how some of the information I shared straight from prominent media outlets was unknown by so many friends and colleagues. One thing people who support me as an artist know is that I’m realistic but I’m hopeful, uncut- but straight from the heart. What I create with this show brings light to the realities of what is happening around us not through attacks but through sharing and storytelling.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start this journey over again, I would miss out on so many lessons from the mishaps and missteps. If I moved to LA any earlier, I would have risked not meeting my wife. If I would have agreed to certain offers in the past, I could have compromised my own artistic freedom. If I could give my younger self some advice…outside of investing in Amazon stock starting as a kid…it would be to trust the process. The journey might get bumpy, your check engine light might come on, and you will catch a flat tire while en route but just know that you will endure and reach your destination.

I feel fortunate because I had so many people assist me along my way and those bonds I wouldn’t want to trade for the world. My Parents have had my back with love and support since day ONE. The fact that my younger sister Jennelle and I are both Black creatives from DC who traveled cross country to live their lives evolving in crafts they are passionate about speaks volumes to our parent’s love and support. My younger sister also has been a driving force by inspiring me with her fearlessness and helping my wife and I transition when we first arrived to LA. Jay Psychs has been a long time friend and collaborator. He directed and stars in the upcoming film “Londyn & James” as well as produced music for me in the past including my song “Killer Instinct” which is on my new album EXIST. Ev Davis is a producer that I’ve been working with for years who produced over half of the songs from EXIST and has given me plenty of insight and support in the music world.

My comedy mentor Fat Doctor passed away earlier this year which was really tough for me. He’s a comedy legend in DC comedy mentoring greats like Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and Wanda Sykes. Our friendship and his belief in my comedy helped spark my confidence and his wisdom will last several lifetimes. Though everyone who plays a part in my journey is important, none has made an impact as great as my wife. God really blessed me with someone who supports and believes in my vision and over the last few years she has been down for the ride. Staying up late to join me for studio sessions, quick road trips to do shows in NYC, helping me record projects whenever but especially during the pandemic when gathering a crew is tough. My wife has really been everything I can dream of for a partner that is perfect for me and for our journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flow.page/far_one_ent
• Email: faroneenterprises@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/far_one_ent
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/goefarone

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