Embrace Your Journey
From Kash Flo to Edmond Way, Mark Edmond looks back on his growth, his music, and what it means to keep moving forward.
Photos by @elhitman1996
Joe: Hello Mark, it's a pleasure to do another interview with you. How have you been doing lately?
Mark Edmond: What up, Joe! Definitely a pleasure. I've been pretty good, for the most part. Doing my best. Staying grounded.
Joe: You just gave us your second EP of the year. Before we get into your new project, how would you reflect on the release of your last EP, edmond-way.com? Has your process changed at all since then?
Mark Edmond: I felt like I was experimenting on that project with shorter songs. It was also a bit rushed. I originally intended on putting it out last year, to make it my 3rd project of the year, so it was the fastest I've put together a project. I wouldn’t say my process has changed since then, or much throughout the years, with the exception of that, and the Way EP back in 2023.
Joe: Your new project is titled Edmond Way: Embrace Your Journey. The title is a central theme in the music, where you are recognizing the good and bad in life and embracing it all as it defines your own character. Is it ever hard for you to remain optimistic in the face of adversity? Is there anyone in your life who has inspired you to be as optimistic as you are?
Mark Edmond: It’s often second nature, but I do have moments where I’m in my head, and not embracing the journey as much, so the answer is yes. I’d be lying if I said there was someone specifically, I actually had to put in a lot of work myself to develop that mindset, because of all the negativity, doubt, etc. from other people.
Joe: We've heard it referenced in your music and social media, but we have to know more about Kash Flo and your early days in music. What were your creative processes back then? Did you have any idea you would go on to create so much music that would stand the test of time, or that your music would have such a positive impact on others?
Mark Edmond: Kash Flo was after I stopped playing basketball, and started messing around with the music more, which I've always loved, but it wasn’t something I was seriously pursuing until later on. There wasn’t much of a process then. Outside of me being able to express myself, I’m not sure what my purpose or intentions were either, but looking back, I was planting seeds. Honestly, no, and no. My mindset was nowhere close to where it is now, or even in 2020 when I released my first project.
Joe: Going back even further to when you were a kid, and a teenager -- What were you passionate about? What music were you into? What do you think a young Mark would think about hearing the music and messages you put out now?
Mark Edmond: Basketball, that was my thing. I used to listen to a lot of Hip-Hop/Rap, but funny enough, now I rarely play or watch basketball, and 8/10 times, I’ll rather listen to some R&B/Soul over Hip-Hop/Rap. I think a young Mark would feel seen. I think he’d be happy to find an artist who he can relate to on a deeper level, and probably help him navigate through life, and get through his day to day.
Joe: Back to the project, there are some familiar collaborators and also new names appearing. I've always felt that the artists you collaborate with have made for a cohesive sound, almost like everyone in the studio is a part of one family. What was the collaboration process like this time around? Do you ever pull lessons or learn things from the artists you collaborate with?
Mark Edmond: Milan lives in New York now, so she sent her vocals in, but that’s like my little sister. She’s usually one of the first people I tell when I’m about to lock in on a project, but it’s never forced. With James Ross, we talked briefly before about working on something, so it was a timing thing. I thought he’d be perfect on “Trouble (It Won’t Last)” because of what he represents, and he’s a real lyricist. I met Marchella earlier this year at a rehearsal for a show, and she ended up filling in for someone on my set, and we started building from there. When it comes to collaborations, we’re usually only in the studio together to record their parts, so that way I have them when I’m ready, then I’ll finish putting the records together, and send them different mixes to approve. I’m sure I've learned a thing or two, but I understand everybody’s got their own process, so certain things may not be for me, but I’m thankful to have been able to work with so many great artists, so far in my journey.
Joe: The production of this project is crisp with deep basslines and nice underlying melodies. What elements of a beat are important to you? Has there ever been a musical concept you've wanted to do that is a departure from your current sound?
Mark Edmond: Better believe it. For me, it’s more of a feeling that I feel. I can’t describe it, but I’ll know when I hear it. I wouldn’t even say I have a sound, so I’m open to all concepts, as long as it gives me that feeling.
Joe: Mark, it's always great catching up with you and hearing your thoughts. To conclude, what's a message you want to leave to your fans and supporters?
Mark Edmond: Always. I appreciate you, Joe. Thank you for your continued support throughout the years, it means more than you know. A big thanx to everybody who’s been buying the merch, and supporting the new project in whichever way. I’m extremely grateful. Let’s continue embracing the journey. Love!
