R.Flex

Tell us everything will need to know about you.

My name is R. Flex. I’m 28, queer, and freaky.

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State your favourite genre of music and your reason.

R&B; because it understands me.

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Tell us your experience as a musician.
Back in 2014, I worked with electronic artist Noise Level. Since then, I’ve worked with James Baley, Staasia Daniels, O’Haara, A Person Disguised As People, Positive Journey, A-Fos, and Zlender. I now sing back up for a disco group called Tush. On March 2, I release my EP “In & Out”.

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Tell us the theme of your song.

Hookups.

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Name the people behind your success and thank them on this platform.

Thanks A-Fos, Zlender, Istiana, Salo, Kami, James, and Matthew for believing in me. Thanks Mavis for making this coverage possible. You rock!

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Tell us about your future goals.

I perform with Tush Jan 26 at Lee’s Palace for Exclaim’s Class of 2018. Be there!

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Go into detail about your opinion on religion and politics.

I was raised Pentecostal. It deeply complicated my ability to identify as queer. The church’s belief that individual identity is synonymous to family identity complicated my growth as a writer, as an artist, and as a person. I have never been able to fully be myself as a man who loves men. This made me incredibly vulnerable to partner abuse and partner rape in my early adult years. Now at almost 30, I have found my chosen family that shares my politics with unwavering love and support.

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Elaborate on how you think your music is inspiring your fans.

I encourage my trans and queer fans to keep coming out. The more we are honest about our experiences and the way we feel, the more we can work together on fixing ourselves. Your emotions matter.

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Explain the changes you have observed so far in the music industry.

Streaming services are huge now. If you’re not on Spotify or Apple Music, it’s hard, at least in Toronto, to be taken seriously. You have to really put yourself out there as an independent artist in order to be taken at your word.

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State the artists you cherish most and your reason.

Kelela is the reason I decided to do music. I always wanted to cut a record, but when she released “Cut 4 Me”, something just clicked. Suddenly, I realized there’s a place for me too.

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Give us the links to your social network and stores.

https://www.facebook.com/ rflexmusic/

https://www.twitter.com/r_ flexmusic

https://www.instagram.com/r_ flexmusic

https://itunes.apple.com/us/ album/thursday-single/ 1335376863?app=itunes&ign-mpt= uo%3D4

https://play.google.com/music/ r/m/ Awwje44gry4ymbk2egmel5njsee?t= R_Flex

https://open.spotify.com/ track/4lWSHhwD3slChBR5duUoLG? si=qyUZBIkwQ6GV3RdaHKNx5Q

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Elaborate on how you develop your lyrics.

I develop my lyrics and melodies at the same time. I work on what words sound good together while trying to hold together a cohesive idea. That way, if I want to flip a line, an idea, or the whole song, I go back to the words to do that. I’m a songwriter of rhyme and reason.

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Tell us if you enjoy collaborating with other artists or just singing as a solo artist.

I like collaborating with artists when it feels right. If we have a vibe and can feed off of each other in a way that’s productive, patient, and respectful, we’ll make a hit! But I love doing solo work first and foremost.

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Brief us your opinion on making music that makes people to dance or making the kind of music with genuine message that inspires them.

I love seeing people dance to my music. When you feel it in your body and you’re moving, that’s what makes me happy. I perform better when I see that.

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Discuss the impact of a Performing Rights Organization.

If you’re a Canadian, register your music with SOCAN. Having your performing rights is very important for you collecting royalties.

If your music is ever used on television, radio, or any programming; you can collect royalties.

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Elaborate on how you develop your melody and instrumentation.

I usually develop my melody based off the production I’m given. Hopefully, for my LP it’ll be the other way around.

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Go into detail on the recording process of this song.

For the “In & Out” EP, I’d mostly sit with A-Fos as he’d create a beat with me based off music I shared with him. From there, I’d write lyrics and he’d help shape the structure. Then I’d record my vocals and he’d mix and master all of the production. It’s a dream!

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Discuss your music performance.

I like to show some skin, roll around on the floor, dance using lots of levels, and reach right into heart through your eardrum. You’ll see on Jan 26 at Lee’s Palace.

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Tell us how you will rate yourself as an artist.

I’m a badass artist with vision better than 20/20. Get ready while I put the flex on you.