Today we’d like to introduce you to Welfair.
Welfair, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I guess I could say it all started in the womb. My dad is a musician and used to be the frontman of a few bands. One band in particular named “Bitter Sweet Gospel Band”. He led the worship service at my family’s church at the time. I am the youngest of five siblings, and by the time I was born my parents were divorced. My earliest music memory was when I first heard one of my dad’s cassettes. It was always playing in the car, and it was the first album I had ever heard in my little life. After finding out that was my dad on guitar and vocals I remember thinking, “This is my dad. Tight.”
Aside from my dad’s music, I was unintentionally introduced to a wide variety of music as a kid. Music was always there. I grew up in East LA and was constantly being exposed to what my family was listening too. To name a few it ranged from The Beatles, Selena, Erykah Badu, Rage Against the Machine, Sade, War, Tupac, Brenton Wood, to Zapp & Roger. Of course, there are so much more! One thing all these artists had in common was soul.
As a result of being painfully shy, I was mute as a child. Who knew being on stage would end up being the place where I feel most confident. I dedicated the majority of my life to dance, solely expressing myself with my body using no words at all. Over the years I would casually put myself out there, and experimented with my musical interests. I experimented with my interests in singing and music. Not many people knew it, but music was always my primary method of expression. To this day, music is the strongest connection I’ve ever experienced in my life. Writing helps me heal, and is my most productive way to deal with anything. At 18 years old was when my curiosity sparked of what I would sound like if I actually made music of my own. By ear and instinct, I began dipping into music production, composition and recently moved on to engineering. I have 2 EP’s under my belt and am about to release my third.
Has it been a smooth road?
Social media remains an essential bridge between musician and fan. I grew up with cassettes, LimeWire, and cd’s. The era of artists connecting with people through music alone has come to an end. We now have an array of tools for engagement at our disposal. Marketing and product management are similar jobs. As an independent artist, I work in a very hands-on way to create timelines and plans to make sure things are moving forward.
A learning experience is the best way I could describe all of it. Being a solo artist is a vulnerable thing. I used to hold back when I performed because I was scared of a lot of things at first. I had to get used to my voice, and not judge myself for the choices I didn’t make on stage. Another huge lesson I had to learn is every time I held back at all, I would always regret it. I’m still learning to be more brave, kind, and patient with myself about these things.
Patience is vital. I have songs years in the works that will finally be shared with the world. I’m about to release my third Ep titled ‘Recreational”. I bring up topics such as recreationally smoking and how ultimately in the end, people are going to do what they want anyway. I also touch on society’s toxicity and oppression on women, as well as equal pay. It’s important to reflect the times we are living in.
However, it is difficult to to reflect the times in way that seems hopeful especially when most of the time, it doesn’t necessarily feel that way.
Artist or not, use your voice. Especially if you have a mic in front of it.
What else should our readers know?
Genuine connection is so essential to me. I want to inspire people. As cliche as it sounds, I just want to encourage people to be themselves and do them. That is what Welfair means. It’s whatever you want it to be. Do what makes you happy, whatever that is to you. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to come from the heart.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think so. There’s a ton of opportunity and a huge music community.
Contact Info:
- Address:
July 24th at The Hi Hat in Highland Park
August 17 – The Semi in Tropic Echo Park CA – Echo Park Rising
Sep 6 – Pop Music Studios in Northridge CA – Music Showcase - Website: https://linktr.ee/welfairmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welfairmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welfairmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/welfairmusic?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQGSLXnUXltr_QBvMH3xJg
Image Credit:
Jesisica Magana @Red Heart Media https://www.instagram.com/redheartmedia/?hl=en, David Rodriguez @koalapeter89 https://www.instagram.com/koalapeter89/?hl=en, Daniel Moreno @danielmorenooo https://www.instagram.com/danielmorenooo/?hl=en
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