Before the end of this year, New York’s Braxill has promised a “Thriller” level music video. Grand ambition, but nothing the “Sing with Jack-o’-Lanterns” singer can’t handle. Michael Jackson though, not a strange pick or comparison but ironic in the sense that before we got to that, Braxill opened up about the Black and white world, and the lack of acceptance he’s faced and how that’s led him towards not leaning too much on the restrictions of genres. We talked about all of that and then some below…

Kendra: It’s been a handful of years since “Eiffel Tower” dropped. Looking back at that release, what would you say guided you towards that moment in time, to releasing music and showcasing and sharing your art with the world? 

Braxill: The first song I released that got attention from music listeners was my song “Science Fiction.” It got over 10k streams on SoundCloud. I even got a repost from No Jumper’s SoundCloud. It was clear to me at that moment how songs don’t need to be super sophisticated; people will listen to a song even if the majority of the song is the hook and chorus repeated with only one verse. That inspired me to write “Eiffel Tower,” and I did it effortlessly. Once I dropped “Eiffel Tower,” I had a small viral moment; people were singing my song all over the world and sending me videos. It redefined my songwriting.

Kendra: Because that can be a scary thing. I remember the first time I got anything published online. I was very nervous but dealt with it in my own way. For you, how much has your spiritual side aided in your creative endeavors and decisions? 

Braxill: Spirituality is very important to me. I think about God a lot and how, when I didn’t think about Him much, my music was very dark and violent. I understand that the world is a dark place; it doesn’t need me making it any darker. The love of God is what reminds me to be aware of what I write and be honest. People say it’s just a song, but then they quote Martin Luther King or uplift motivational speakers because their words influence. Well, you can demotivate someone and influence many by promoting a nightmare instead of Martin’s dream.

Kendra: Let’s talk about your latest, “Sing with Jack O’Lanterns.” You noted that it encompasses what it’s like when a relationship comes to a stop but there are still feelings lingering. With how much weight nostalgia can weigh on our hearts, do you think those lingering feelings are often just leftover memories of the good times? 

Braxill: I believe in forever. People are just afraid to be normal. Everybody thinks love is supposed to be an Instagram post or a never-ending theme park, but it’s not. Human emotions are far more complex than that. “Sing with Jack O’Lanterns” is a state of being—depression in the wake of real feelings. Why stay in the abyss with scarecrows and goblins when deep down you still love the person? Well then, if the abyss is where you are and you can’t leave or don’t know how to, and so are they, you might as well meet each other halfway. In the end, you will end up right back where you started, together.

Kendra: This song gave me two vibes; Danny Elfman and Warped Tour. It was like performing a Tim Burton-inspired set at 1pm in July. Very much that, but your biggest inspirations come from neither of those worlds. You’re more drawn to the likes of John Mayer, Tupac, and Lauryn Hill. With that, let’s play Duet, Cover, Tour With. So out of the three, which would you want to duet with, which would you simply just cover a song from, and which would you love to tour with? In this scenario, Tupac is a viable option for any of them. 

Braxill: This is an amazing question. First, I would like to say Tim Burton actually has inspired my music in small ways. Most musicals do, whether that be theater or a musical film. I’m a theater kid, so I love the theatrics of music and art. 

But to answer your question, I would tour with John Mayer because I am a really good songwriter, and so is he, and most of my early inspirations came from John Mayer. I would cover Lauryn Hill, doing a soul-rock cover of “Doo Wop.” I would do a duet with Tupac; that would be an absolute banger.

Kendra: So back to your music, because before “Sing with Jack O’Lanterns” you dropped “I’m Talking To Myself” alongside The Immortal Vibes and Denim. This one leaned more hip hop than what followed it, which falls in line with artists from this generation not relying too heavily on genres and sticking more to what they feel like doing at said time. Do you think not being tied to genre frees the creative mind? 

Braxill: Not being tied to a genre is the best thing for me. Early in my life, I struggled with not feeling accepted by the Black community. I always felt that way; I still do to some extent. I went to an all-white school and felt racism firsthand. I was transferred to an all-Black school where I thought it was safe, but I quickly learned that colorism was a thing. The lingo and culture were much different. My peers were very harsh in how they treated each other, whether it was skin color or economic status. It was traumatizing as a kid; I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. 

Mom, Dad, and Grandma played RUN DMC on Wednesday, Whitney Houston on Thursday, Kenny Rogers on Saturday, and Big Bro played Linkin Park every day. I loved all the music I heard, but culture can be a tricky thing. I spent most of my time playing folk music at bars and talent shows, winning ‘The Voice’ of CUNY, NYCHA’s Got Talent. 

But I always thought in the back of my head that most Black people didn’t care to listen to some soft folk love ballad. They wanted rap, hip-hop, and R&B, and I could only choose one. The day I broke free from that was when I realized I could make whatever music I wanted and reach whatever demographic I wanted. I also discovered those of Afro heritage like myself were making all types of music, though they are still in the minority.

Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being summertime, I’d love to know what is your go-to backyard, get-together song that you feel really helps bring everyone together?

Braxill: Oh, that’s easy—any Michael Jackson song. Michael Jackson is my favorite artist of all time and has influenced me more than any artist on the planet.

Kendra: Lastly, with “Sing with Jack O’Lanterns” out now, what else can fans expect as we round out 2024? 

Braxill: This year, expect revolutionary music videos, just like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.