Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Alan Ward
My 4th and final self released track of 2025 is called Great Time ft. 4 The Brotherhood. It’s an alt-pop-rap laidback sound compared to what I’ve put out previously. I’m just rapping on the beat but the hook is accompanied by my guy from London, 4 The Brotherhood. His voice is dope and his sound compliments the beat aesthetics very well. This one was on the shelf for a while and I reached out to Brotherhood some months ago to help me take it off the shelf. This is kind of a “preview” to a project I’d like to drop in the future
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Whenever I was with my mom or uncles, they would play music in their cars or what radio stations they would pick when I was a little kid. I remember how distinct and different the types of music they listened to was. That was my introduction into the R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop & Rap space.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was always a pretty goofy kid so I knew I wanted to do stuff that would put a different look on peoples faces. Have fun for funds if you will. I liked creative writing and poetry growing up so seeing how music made people react and enjoying writing wordplay, writing raps became a hobby pretty young, around 12-13.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The main theme is kind of break-up,heartbreak, missing someone, lovey dovey stuff for the most part but I still try to talk about other things going on with my life and in the world throughout the track.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d say I just try to rap on whatever. Boom Bap, Pop, Rock, Rap. Just talk funny on beats I like
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Go with the first thought or phrase when writing. Just write it down. It might not be the end result but it can help be starting point to something that works
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? My Macbook Pro, speakers, Logic Pro, hard drive and mic. That’s about it
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
A bunch honestly. got a bunch of tik tok snippets from artists I’ve been checking out. 4 The Brotherhood “Charged Up” is a jam.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? I’d say almost exclusively. I really just write about what I live, see, hear and think. What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? We can’t win all the time
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? If you don’t try you’ll never know what happens
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
The dream festival would be Summerfest, in Milwaukee just because that’s the hometown. Other than that I’d love to perform at any/all that would accept me honestly. Big or small
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
RIP Mac Miller. Definitely was one of the first Hip Hop artists I chose to listen to when I first started getting into writing/making music
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) itsjusdez.com & @itsjusdez any social media link
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Perform at a major music festival.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope the listener will discover I’m just Dez. I take Ls and have bad days/moments just like everyone else.
