Whenever someone faces a serious setback, it’s hard to get back up again.
This is exactly what happened to Cr0w4y nearly twenty years ago. In his teens, he was creating track after track, staying mostly in the house, techno, and drum ‘n’ bass spheres. But, a freak accident led to the loss of his hard drive – and with that, all of his hard work.
This killed the creative spark in him, and he stepped away from music for close to twenty years. And now, after encouragement from a friend last year, he’s back.
Cr0w4y (pronounced Crow-ay) has clearly found the spark again. He’s released several tracks since his return spanning several genres, including a 5-track EP. Perhaps his finest work so far is “Find Better“, a dance-y house tune driven forward by a powerful female vocal, punchy bass plucks, and ethereal atmospheres. It definitely doesn’t sound like it was made by someone who’s been out of the game for twenty years!
It’s clear that Cr0w4y is using his music to move forward with his life and to not be dominated by the error that ruined his early career. This message of resilience is one that a lot of producers out there, myself included, resonate with. We have to move forward with our lives somehow. Often, music is how we choose to do that.
To gain some more perspective, we chatted with Cr0w4y about what moving forward means to him. If you’re stuck in a rut and need to move on from something, then this might be the interview you need to read!
You went nearly two decades without creating music. What did that time away teach you about the role music plays in your life?
Music taught me that it helps people a lot with emotions and feelings. I realized how much it was helping me personally when I listened to others. I also saw how much music evolves every year, which made me appreciate its power even more.
When you sat down to produce again in 2024, what surprised you most about the process, or about yourself?
I was really surprised by how much technology has improved. These days, you almost don’t need instruments to make music – but of course, using real instruments still sounds better. What surprised me about myself was realizing how many projects I’ve already created, and that I still have so many ideas to explore.
What does moving forward mean to you, both when it comes to music and real life?
Moving forward means I’m no longer looking back. I’m taking steps toward the future, one by one. With music, I won’t give up or back down. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, even with the obstacles I’ve faced. In real life, it means not repeating the same mistakes and not letting myself stay down.
Do you see music as a form of self-repair, or something more like momentum – a way to keep moving no matter where you start?
I see music as both, but mostly as a form of self-repair. Music helps a lot of people through the healing process – emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
Whenever you start to doubt what you’re doing, how do you keep moving forward?
I don’t really doubt myself, but there are days when I feel tired. When that happens, I just take a break for two or three days. Then fresh ideas come, and the magic starts again.
For someone feeling stuck or disconnected, what’s one small musical act (listening, creating, playing) that you believe can help them continue moving forward in life?
Don’t push or rush yourself. Take your time and believe in yourself. Most importantly, block out the bad thoughts and negative energy from people who try to bring you down. Let them stay behind you and watch as you move forward into a better life and greater success.
Stream “Find Better” here.
The post Cr0w4y on Using Music to Move Forward appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.