#15 Aisosa: Switching from Computer Engineering to Music and becoming the Fresh Prince of Nigerian RnB

I got admitted to study computer engineering but fortunately for me, I was able to switch to the department of music in 100 level. Studying music is not what I initially expected it to be...

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Aug 03, 2022

Hi, Thank you for joining us for today’s episode of StudentsWhoCreate Interview. Our Student Creative for today is a final year student of the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) who initially gained admission to study Computer Engineering but transferred to the Department of music in his first year. What led to the decision to study music? How did he cope in his first year without any background in music education? What is it like to study music in a university like OAU? What is life like for an independent artiste not signed to any label? What is his creative process like? Read and enjoy!!!

Hi, Thank you for speaking with us. Can we meet you?

My name is Michael Timeyin Igbinosa pka Aisosa. Aisosa is one of my names. I am a 400-level student of the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University. I am a songwriter and music artiste.

Interesting!!! How did studying music come about for you? Why music?

I have a very funny and somewhat unusual story though. In secondary school, I was a science student. After graduating from secondary school, I tried gaining admission into the university to study computer engineering for 3 years and didn't get in. At the end of my second year after graduation, I was advised to take the OAU pre-degree program in Moro. While in Moro, I realized what I really wanted to study was music. I felt if I am going to spend that much time at the university why not do something I love and actually enjoy? Despite the fact that I did okay with science courses in secondary school, it wasn't something I genuinely enjoyed but was fortunate to cope with. The pre-degree program helped put things in perspective for me and made me realize that I don’t actually enjoy studying engineering. I was just fascinated by the idea of being a tech bro. Engineering is not something I have a passion for. All the talks about engineering being where the money is influenced my early decision.

After this whole realization, I decided I wanted to study music. To make this story more interesting, I actually got admitted to study computer engineering. Fortunately for me, I was able to successfully switch to the department of music in 100 level. Though the whole process was a very funny one, I was able to do it. At the time, I didn't know the direction my life was going to take, I didn't even know I would eventually become an artiste but I just knew I wanted to do something in music. It was at the beginning of 200 level I realized that I had a talent for songwriting as well.

How has the experience studying music been so far?

Studying music is not what I initially expected and definitely not what a lot of people would expect it to be like. There's this impression that music is a soft and easy course. When I tell people I've been busy they assume I must have been singing every day. Obviously, it has been more enjoyable for me because I have the propensity for music but it is actually hard work.

In my first few weeks in 100 level, I was really scared because I knew nothing and I had classmates who had spent time training in some music schools before coming to the university while I had no knowledge of music except that I could sing. It felt like a gamble because I realized that knowing how to sing well doesn't mean one will easily understand the theoretical part of music. It was a very big gamble for me. Not being able to understand almost anything in the first few weeks was really scary for me and I felt like I will not be able to understand any of these things. It felt like a lot of jargon. As time went on, it got better, and of course, I had to put in a lot of work, while I don't like stress, I had to attend all the overnight and extra tutorials which made me get a grasp of the things we were being taught. So, this misconception that music is easy is not it. Also, I have not done anything less than 11 courses per semester.

How have you been able to combine school work with doing music?

I have been very fortunate and as I mentioned earlier, I didn’t have it all planned out. I take a lot of courses per semester and it's a lot of work. There's the practical aspect and the theoretical aspect. I get to read about the history of Western and African music and all sort. In 200 level, I had a sort of breakthrough. Before then, I tried writing a song but I felt like all the things I wrote were rubbish. During the break before we resumed for 200 level, I wrote a song and it was so easy. The song I wrote really excited me and I wanted to record and put it out. I reached out to a friend about recording the song and so this got me started with doing music “commercially”. Right now, I am trying to build a fan base and make a name for myself and build my brand before graduating so I have a foundation to build on after graduation.

What are some of the challenges you face as a student artiste?

There are a lot. For example, because of how tasking studying music can be, I don't have a lot of time to do my personal music when school is in session. It is really challenging trying to balance it all.

Another one is that I tend to miss out on some opportunities that come up outside of Ife, for example in Lagos or Abuja. I just have to remind myself that I am here for a reason. I'm here to get my degree and I don't want anything to delay me. The way I see it now, my main priority is graduating. If I have to choose between school and music right now, I will choose school. I really believe in myself so I don't see any opportunity I miss now as the end for me, I believe bigger opportunities will come. It is too late for me to let go of all I've gone through. It might have been possible for me to let go of school when I was in 100 level but not now.

Also, I'm an independent artiste which means that I am not signed to any label. The music business is tougher than most people know. There's so much that goes into getting your song ready and pushing it out there. You need to pay for a lot of things like beat production, studio sessions, mixing, and mastering, all of which are not small money. The least standard fee for mixing and mastering a song is about 100 thousand Naira and I'm just a Nigerian student trying to survive. So there are a lot of financial constraints on what I can do because there’s no one bankrolling anything I'm doing but I will like to mention that some of my friends try their best to support me with money when I have to release new music which usually makes thing easier for me.

How have you been able to navigate these challenges?

In 2020 when the pandemic hit and everyone were indoors, we all had more than enough time to do a lot of stuff. This period was another turning point for me as an artiste. Before then, I had not really put myself out there as an artiste, I had done the barest minimum. I was encouraged to post videos of myself singing which really went a long way to help me and my music career. Most people overlook the importance of visibility. You might post yourself and not get the engagement you wanted and feel like no one is seeing you. The truth is that you don't need to get a lot of engagement, the right people just need to see your stuff. None of the videos I posted in 2020 went viral, the most likes I got for a video was about 200 likes but the people who liked my stuff offered to make life easier for me. They offered to help me with stuff I needed that required money like recording, mixing, and mastering for free. That time afforded me the opportunity to network. Networking is very important, especially as an independent artiste, because there are people who are just waiting and looking out for talents and people to support, and if you're good at what you do, they are willing to help. This has been my story so far. I am not where I used to be because I posted my music and put myself out there. A few people reached out and some of those have blossomed into working relationships where I don't have to pay for their services. More like an investment, without asking for returns. Personally, these are the people I will not forget when things get better. They might not see it like that but I see it as them investing in me and my career. Right now, I have someone who has offered to record, mix, and master my tracks for free, which is no small money if I have to pay. There is also someone who does my cover art for free. All of this came by me putting myself out there. Putting myself out there has really helped me navigate through some of these challenges.

Is there a community for music creatives in your school?

I would say NO but I might be wrong. One thing I have noticed is that there are music cliques, that is, circles of musicians who know themselves but there is no central community that houses everyone.

What is your creative process? How do you go about a music project from start to finish?

The most regular process for me is that I get in touch with one of my producers because I have several people I work with. The person sends/plays me different beats and when I hear one that catches my attention, I attempt to freestyle and make some melodies on the spot and if that doesn't work I take more time. The beat has to be something I find interesting and like. After that, I listen over and over to the beat and start to record melodies until I get one melody I think I like. Sometimes it comes at once and some other times, it comes in fragments and I combine them together. After doing that, I start adding lyrics. I write my lyrics according to the melodies I have come up with. I get a feeling or mood from the melody and write according to that feeling. There have been very few songs, maybe 2 or 3, that I've written based on personal stories. A lot of the time, my song are not personal to me. The next step is to record a demo and if still sounds good to me, I take it to the studio, and if not, I go over it again until I have something I can take to the studio. The next steps include recording at the studio, mixing, mastering, cover art design, release and promotions.

There are a few times I have started by writing lyrics and getting a beat to go with it but this is very rare.

In summary,
Listen to the beat > Make melodies > Write the lyrics > Record > Mixing and Mastering > Cover Art Design > Release and Promotions

What are some of the tools you use in your creative process?

I use pen and paper to write because it flows better that way, a USB mic, and FL studio to record the demo.

How would you describe the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on you and your work as a creative?

If not for the lockdown, I don't think I would be where I am right now. For the first few weeks, I was in a very unsettling state because nobody knew what was going to happen next. After a while, I started creating and putting myself out there. The lockdown afforded me the time to really explore my gift and made me realize how good I was at songwriting. I wrote a lot of songs during this period but not all of them were great. The not-so-good ones needed to be written because you learn from mistakes and this also made me realize how not to write. The whole lockdown gave me the time to record the videos I put out which made me connect with the people I know right now.

Have you ever felt like quitting?

Yes definitely.

What brought about the feeling?

I had a very bad recording session where it seemed like nothing was working. I was able to finally save up money to pay for a studio session for which I was going to record two songs I felt were good to be recorded and released. Before going to the studio, I did my vocal warm-ups and tried to put my voice in shape. On getting to the studio, there was an initial delay because the generator wouldn’t come on which meant that the first 2 hours were wasted. The deal with the studio owner was for me to use the studio for the entire day. Based on experiences from my previous studio sessions, I knew I am not one of those one-take people. It takes me time and a number of tries to get a good take. By the time those 2 hours were wasted, I was slightly upset. When we started recording, I wanted to push and move as fast as possible but somehow nothing just seemed to be working, my voice seemed to be working against me. While the session was going on, someone who was not supposed to come around came to the studio and had to record and by the time it was 8 pm, I had not done anything I liked. I was pissed at myself and thought to myself that if I was actually good at singing it wouldn't have taken me this much time to get the good take I needed. Maybe people were lying to me about how good I am. I left the place feeling terrible and disappointed. At that moment, I felt like just quitting this singing thing and thought maybe singing is not for me and I should just stick to songwriting.

How did you get over it?

I spoke to a friend about it who encouraged me. I felt better after speaking with her. I spoke with the studio owner the next day and he agreed to schedule another time for me to come in and have my session again. Thankfully, the next session went better.

What are your proudest projects?

I only have two songs up on streaming platforms, Abeg and All Time Low

It took me a while to get to this point because I used to be one of those people who couldn't stand to hear the recording of their voices. I know I could sing but if you played my recording/song to me I would probably walk out. I am proud of these projects because I hear them and don't feel weird and actually vibe to them.

Beyond these two, the EP I am about to drop is one I am very proud of. It's my baby right now.

I am always proud of every project I put out. I don’t put out a song until I am satisfied with it.

How do you stay creative? What keeps you creating?

I can't say for sure but I think one of the reasons I am a Creative in the first place is that I've read a lot of books, and novels. I'm a bookworm, I don’t mean school books oo. I also watch a lot of movies. I love fantasy novels. Transporting myself to the scenes in the books I read in my head and just seeing how people put words together and construct sentences to make the most mundane and ordinary things sound special have influenced me. All of these affect how I write and keep me going.

Also, rest is very important. When the creative juice is not flowing like I want I just take a break.

What do you do for fun? How do you relax when you're not actively creating?

My idea of fun is not the usual one. I am mostly an introvert, let me say I am an ambivert. I love to have my personal space. I love being in my room. My idea of fun is just a day indoors, watching something I like, eating good food, reading a good book, and maybe with the rain falling. I love a very quiet and peaceful day indoors. Of course, there are times I go out but it's not the first thing that comes to my mind. I do enjoy spending time with friends.

Who are the creatives that inspire you?

To name a few, I am inspired by Tay Iwar, Beyonce, Yebba, Manana, and Ed Sheeran.

Also, Ogranya, who I've had the pleasure to speak with already. I am also inspired by some of my good friends, Sheiskold, Undie.julius, and Knownaslanre.

Who are the top 5 creatives you would love to work or collaborate with on a project?

Tay Iwar, Nonso Amadi, Yebba, Manana, and Khalid

What brand(s) would you love to work with?

I don't really have a dream company or brand I would like to collaborate with. As long as they respect me and my craft, can pay well, and are respectable and progressive as well, I would most likely be down to work. I should mention though, that it is a dream of mine to do anime original soundtracks, so I'm really looking forward to doing that.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start their musical journey?

You don't have to study music to do music like me. If music is something you like and want to do, DO IT. Don't wait for the perfect time for everything to be in alignment because the chances are that it won't happen anytime soon. You probably won't do anything and realize later that you've wasted time. No matter the level you are at, you can do something. Put yourself out there. Create something you can put out, don't hoard and be consistent.

Who would you like us to interview next?

Sheiskold or Derin.

How can people reach you?

People can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and talktoaisosa@gmail.com.

Thank you for sharing with us!!!

Takeaway Nugget: If you want to do something, go for it. Don't wait for the perfect time for everything to be in alignment before you do because the chances are that things won't align anytime soon. You probably won't do anything and realize later that you've wasted time. No matter the level you are at, you can do something. Put yourself out there. Create something you can put out and be consistent.

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share the story

See you next time!!!

StudentsWhoCreate