Exclusive Exclusive Interview with A Signal To Noise

Independent artist A Signal To Noise, known for his innovative blend of Indie, Hip Hop, Alternative, EDM, and Synth Pop, has released his highly anticipated album, “Club Ditto,” on April 7th, 2024.

“Club Ditto” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of artists navigating the indie music scene. A Signal To Noise draws inspiration from his own journey and the challenges faced by fellow artists, infusing each track with personal experiences and aspirations. The album’s lead single, “Ditto,” mirrors the artist’s relentless pursuit of success amidst adversity. From grappling with placement deals to dreaming of brighter days, the lyrics resonate with anyone striving to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Recorded with heartfelt dedication, “Club Ditto” showcases A Signal To Noise’s commitment to his craft, infusing every note and lyric with passion and soul. Despite not recording in a renowned studio, the artist found inspiration in unconventional spaces, turning each session into a personal sanctuary. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

Signal to Noise: I was born in the heart of the USA, not far from, “The Wizard of Oz.” At the age of six, I was selected from my elementary class to participate in a time-traveling venture, which I later discovered was akin to Project Stargate. For most children involved in this venture, the journey typically concludes around the age of seven.

During one of the last future visits, I was permitted to ask a question by the humanoid scientist, an advanced AGI robot resembling a human. The question was for me to determine what year I was in, as it was forbidden to disclose this information.

I asked, “What did I choose to do for a profession as an adult?” After a bit of research, the answer was that I became more popular than Michael Jackson. My response was, “I don’t believe it. No one’s better than MJ, and I don’t want to be in the entertainment business either.”

The humanoid replied, “You can be or do whatever you want. You can always change the outcome, but that’s the answer to what you do in the future.”

I went on to ask how I achieved this, and the response was that they didn’t know how I did it. I then asked, “If I become more popular than MJ, what is my number one song?” At the time, I was thinking that I only had one song that made it to the Billboard charts. The response, after some research, was

“You have multiple number one hit songs.”

To determine what year I was in, I had to think quickly and asked,

“What is the title of my current number one song? If there isn’t any, then what was the title of the most recent song that made it to number one?”

The humanoid scientist stepped out to speak with a human supervisor and went to the back to do research for 15 to 20 minutes.

They came back with an autographed handwritten note that had the title of the song written by my future self. It read, “To My Time Traveling Younger Self.” The humanoid folded up the note, gave it to me, and said,

“You can take it back into time. Try not to lose it.” They went on to say, “Isn’t the title neat?”

I carefully placed the autographed note into my private school uniform pocket, knowing that they would be sending me back in time once they brought in their best hypnotherapist to try & clear any memory of the event.

Until now, I’ve kept it a secret: I have a unique condition that prevents me from being fully susceptible to hypnosis, making it impossible for me to completely forget things. This has been unknown to others for the longest time.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

A Signal To Noise: Primarily, I am self-taught, but I’ve been fortunate to learn from numerous online mentors. I was a student at Berklee College in Boston before deciding to move to Detroit, where I enrolled in a beauty academy. I’ve maintained my beauty license and have had opportunities to work with artists such as Nicki Minaj. However, I’m currently using my knowledge of the beauty business to manufacture products, like those of Rihanna, Halsey, and Selena Gomez. I’m always open to collaborations, especially those that want to incorporate coffee houses, boba smoothies, and wine tasting into a luxury nail salon, which is the occupation that my family, who are still in the beauty business, trained me in. I had to become the black sheep & take a leap of faith to test the waters, but it’s always there as a safety net.

The beauty business alone is a multi-billion-pound industry that shows no signs of slowing down. From my perspective, an artist can earn the same amount of revenue in a year from beauty products and services without having to promote a vinyl record release at Target or Walmart, much like what Taylor Swift just did with her album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’.

Lastly, with the advent of ChatGPT 40, I’m eagerly anticipating the integration of AI mentorship into some of my preferred music DAWs, which I believe will happen within the next year or two. I’m also preparing to open a luxury nail spa overseas (not in the USA). I may still dabble with music inside the salon’s office because I plan to hire many employees, but I realize I’ll never have as much freedom or time as I currently do due to increased responsibilities.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘A Signal To Noise?

A Signal To Noise: The first album that I paid for when I was five years old was a new release by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. I don’t know if they were influences. I only remember seeing Dolly’s big, strong smile on the cover before opening the package & taking the cassette out to place into a walk-man.

The name: ‘A SIGNAL TO NOISE’ is more than just a name. It’s a beacon, an intricately woven call for help into the fabric of space & time. It’s also the title of an unreleased track, a distress signal echoing into the void, asking, “Is there anybody out there listening? Please help.”

The lyrics subtly hint at a narrative of a life marked by adversity. I tell the story of a character who, despite being framed by an enigmatic ‘Secret Time Travel Project’ to appear unstable & friendless, manages to rise above. This character, often alone and financially challenged, has faced death more times than one can count, yet continues to persevere.

It’s also the foundation for a future biographical musical about survival. The narrative resonates with the human spirit’s indomitable will to overcome adversity.

My stronger influences, may stem from the timeless classic that I was raised on, “THE WIZARD OF OZ.” This musical taught me about the power of a pair of ruby red slippers and the magic of music & dreams.I’m not just creating songs for future musicals. I’ll be sending out a signal, loud & clear.

So, who’s ready to help A SIGNAL TO NOISE amplify it?

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

A Signal To Noise: Last summer, I released a test soundtrack with 21 tracks. Since then, I’ve taken it down & am currently in the process of re-recording it.

It’s now on the verge of becoming a double album with 42 tracks. The elements to look out for will be a plot & story narrative that’s deeply driven from start to finish along with cryptic messages. The sound will vary, but it will primarily be mainstream. I also plan to actively release songs about climate change.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

A Signal To Noise: As with many artists, my journey began with a period of learning and emulating the artists I admired. I spent countless hours studying their music, understanding their techniques, and absorbing their unique styles. This phase was crucial for me as it laid the foundation for my musical knowledge and skills.

Over time, I began experimenting with these learned techniques, adding my own twists and interpretations. I started to blend different elements from various genres, and slowly, my own unique style began to emerge. This was a gradual and organic process, filled with a lot of trial and error, but it was also incredibly rewarding.

My transition towards Pop wasn’t a conscious decision, but rather a natural progression, I found that it allowed me to express ideas and emotions in a way that resonated with a wider audience. It offered the perfect balance between complexity and accessibility, allowing me to create music that was both engaging and enjoyable.

Today, my music reflects my journey as an artist. It carries the influences of the artists I admire, the lessons I’ve learned, and my own personal experiences. While it can be categorized as Pop, it’s imbued with a distinct style that is uniquely mine, and I believe that’s what originality is all about: taking what you’ve learned and making it your own.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

A Signal To Noise:

Music, in my view, is a powerful tool that can serve multiple functions. It can be a political, cultural, spiritual, and social vehicle, carrying messages and narratives that can influence and inspire people. It can also be an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment.

In my work, I strive to explore all these facets of music. While I am deeply interested in music as an expression of technical artistry and personal narrative, I also recognize its potential as a medium for conveying important messages. Unreleased songs that discuss American politics show this, like my new singles, “Your vote for a convict matters” and “Place your ballots in for the next convicted felon”.

Those politically motivated songs are an attempt to engage with humor and contribute to the current discourse in a unique way.

However, it’s important to note that while these themes are present in my work, my primary focus is always on creating music that resonates with listeners on a personal level. Whether it’s through the melody, the lyrics, or the overall sound, my goal is to create music that people can connect with and find meaning in. So, while my music may carry political or social messages, it is ultimately an expression of my personal narrative and artistic vision.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

A Signal To Noise:

Music has always been a source of immense fulfilment for me. The pleasure of making, the excitement of upcoming live shows, and the gratification of reaching my audience is really fulfilling. However, as an indie artist, I’ve always sought to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact with my music.

That’s where Ditto Music Promotional Services have been instrumental. Their support has been invaluable in helping me navigate the music industry and get my work out there. They’ve provided me with the tools and resources to promote my music effectively, and their commitment to helping indie artists is truly commendable.

My album ‘Club Ditto’ represents me as an artist. It shows the effort, the love, and the commitment that I put into making music, and thanks to Ditto Music Promotional Services, I’ve been able to reach more listeners.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities. I believe that with continued hard work and the support of Ditto, I can achieve even greater heights. I’m looking forward to creating more music, reaching more people, and making a bigger impact. After all, music is not just about personal fulfilment, it’s about connecting with others and making a difference.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

A Signal To Noise:

I usually start my creative process by humming a tune, which forms the basis for the music or beat. As a visionary, I can anticipate the narrative of the song. I’m always open to collaborating with new and undiscovered producers.

Looking ahead to future touring gigs, I plan to hire session musicians. Luke Holland is one of my favorite drummers, and Larissa Liveir, a guitarist from Brazil whom I admire, those are two musicians that I would love to have on tour with me. Given that most of my songs are already complete, their main task would be to learn to play them & possibly remix them if needed.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

A SIGNAL TO NOISE:

The first difficult challenge for me is doing a live show with a Daft Punk helmet and having the necessary funds to be modestly comfortable. The second would be when I traveled into the future as a child and was told about the two ways that I could die. Anyone with power in entertainment or music, please know that faster progress helps me and everyone else. This also means my time is short and another possibility is I live long and well.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

A Signal To Noise:

“Several years ago, I was employed at a software company in Plymouth Rock, MA. Having recently relocated from Florida to Boston, I was living in a house that I had acquired at a foreclosure auction. Initially valued at a quarter of a million dollars, I managed to purchase it with limited funds, thanks to the accommodating bankers who were eager to work with a newcomer without any negative history in Boston. The house, now valued at over a million dollars, was given to my aunt when I relocated to Detroit after the production deadline at Plymouth Rock.

During the production period, I commuted to work with a group of Vietnamese colleagues who admired my accomplishments. They presented me with an ultimatum: marry the driver’s young daughter or lose my ride to work. Having experienced time travel as a child, I had anticipated this scenario and knew of her plan to falsely accuse me of abuse to claim everything in a divorce while I was imprisoned.

The day they left me without a ride, I reached out to Sony Music Headquarters, which was near my residence. To my surprise, the person just below the CEO of the music division offered me a position. However, I declined due to my commitment to the confidential software project at Plymouth Rock.

Subsequently, I purchased a car from a local dealer for my commute to work at KAO.

And to this day, I am currently awaiting an opportunity from anyone at Microsoft to potentially catapult my musical career to such great & new heights.”

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

A Signal To Noise: Thank you for your question! Handling criticism, haters, and naysayers is an art in itself, especially in today’s social media-driven world. Here are some strategies I would recommend:

Stay Grounded: Keep your focus on your passion and purpose. When you’re grounded in what you love, external negativity won’t shake you as easily.
Selective Attention: Not all criticism is valuable. Consider the source and intention behind the comments. Be open to constructive feedback, but don’t let every negative remark affect you.
Learn and Adapt: Constructive criticism helps you grow. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Ask yourself, “Is there something valid here that I can use to enhance my work?”
Ignore the Noise: Some negativity is just noise, learn to filter it out. Avoid pointless arguments or excessive defensiveness. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.
Self-Care: Take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that recharge you. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who uplift you.
Empathy: Understand that everyone has their struggles. Haters and naysayers might be dealing with their own issues. Respond with empathy rather than defensiveness.

Remember, you can’t control what others say, but you can control how you react. Choose wisely and focus on your growth and artistry!

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

A Signal To Noise: I find myself drawn to the idea of working in a studio within the comfort of my own home. There’s something intimate and personal about creating art in a familiar space, surrounded by the things that inspire me.

However, my current reality is far from ideal—I’m battling mold in my home studio, and it’s taking a toll on my health. Financial constraints keep me anchored here, despite the fatigue and the persistent rashes caused by exposure to this harmful substance.

But there’s hope on the horizon. Once I escape this mold-infested environment and regain my health, I look forward to engaging with a live audience. As a former child time traveler (a fascinating twist!), I carry secrets and insights about the past and future. Those cryptic notes about political figures from different eras hold significance—they’re breadcrumbs leading to a greater truth.

Yet, safety remains paramount. In a world where unexpected threats loom, artists like me yearn for secure spaces. Imagine a successful show where no uninvited guests disrupt the experience—no terrorists, no chaos. Whether it’s a music festival or a supernova event, the absence of danger allows us to focus on what truly matters: entertaining, connecting, and sharing our creativity with the world.

So, here’s to a future where our art thrives, our health is safeguarded, and our performances resonate without fear.

13. Do you think it is important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

A Signal To Noise: I maintain an open-minded approach, allowing listeners the freedom to interpret my music through their own unique perspectives. For those avid fans seeking deeper insight, I’m happy to elucidate the inspiration behind each song in both MFT (tokenized music assets) and NFT (non-tangible funds) on Opulous and directly with OpenSea.

Final thoughts: From the age of six until midway through seven, I was part of a clandestine time-travel program. The program hit a snag when they enlisted someone resistant to hypnosis, struggling to erase the memories. As evidenced in this exclusive, unique interview with a relative newcomer to the arts, my memories remain unscathed. I find myself on the brink of being labeled a whistleblower. To the skeptics, I say, ‘My imagination knows no bounds, and I eagerly look forward to co-directing & writing a future sci-fi masterpiece with George Lucas.

Imagine a world where time travel is not just a figment of imagination, but a reality. A world where a child, barely six years old, is enlisted into a secret program, his memories manipulated and erased. But what if these memories refuse to fade? What if this child grows up to be a whistleblower, ready to expose the truth?

Join us on this thrilling journey as we delve into the depths of time, memory, and imagination. A sci-fi masterpiece in the making directed by none other than the legendary George Lucas. This is a story that demands to be told, a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Let’s greenlight this production and bring this long-awaited sequel to life! I can still vividly recall attending a sold-out, grand midnight premiere for AGI 2238 at ‘THE SPHERE’ in Las Vegas during one of my many time-traveling adventures.”