The Sun's Godsend: A Conversation With Twelve'Len
Written by Gregory Harris
Towards the end of 2016, we focused on the growing scope of what the Florida music scene and found a hidden gem with Twelve’Len. Shining a beaming perspective of life with his insight making songs for those aspire to break the barrier and go beyond human limits. Whether this meaning he crafts in his lyrics is taken figuratively or literally, it’s a direct message given in his work and that’s to experience, expound, and evolve.
One of the newest members of Coach K's Solid Foundation Management, We spoke to Twelve’Len about the release of his project,”Friends”, his upbringing in Florida, his views on this society, how he fits in QC, and more.
Read Here.
How’s Your Modern Life?
Very modern.
What are the three things you have to do when you wake up?
Pray, run, feed Zeus- that's my pup.
Being raised in Florida, how can you describe your upbringing and how it’s played a sentimental role when it comes to your music?
Florida is a very diverse and tropical place. The music, the food, the beach, the Everglades. Florida provides you with many vibes; there are areas with a very greedy aura, very sunny areas, and areas with positive energy. All of that molded me- the Hispanic culture, the Haitian culture, all of the island people, as well as my American friends.
The Florida aesthetic is prominent in your visuals when it comes to your music, where are some of your favorite areas in the city that reflect your lifestyle?
Little Havana is my favorite because of its rich culture.
Being apart of the Florida music scene, you’re a part of a unique sound wave that’s presented in the city, how do you feel about the growth and elevation of what the state presents?
The sound I create it presented in the city/state, but from it, because I am from and in it. And with that being said, it's the same in other places for example with rap. Because I am now getting more attention for what I am doing and choosing to project, I know other styles of music will now get noticed more in my city and state just as much as rap. Now don't get me wrong, I love hip-hop, but I am alternative because I consume all and project it in a sonic mixture.
"Life is long, even for those who only have a few months left to live. We feel that sometimes it is short because we are trapped, but that's never the case, it's only what you perceive."
Getting introduced to your sound, you bring an certain aspect of soul and perception that’s represented in only a few other artists these days. What makes as an artist create such a sound?
Being me, not caring, feeling free.
When making “Friends”, you mentioned you wanted this project to be “The Perfect Soundtrack for someone’s last days on earth”. The quote is a reach but a reach that’s much respected. What makes you aspire to craft a collection of songs together in that fashion?
Because life is long, even for those who only have a few months left to live. We feel that sometimes it is short because we are trapped, but that's never the case, it's only what you perceive
What inspired you to create this project and call it “Friends”, and how does it serve as the main influencer?
Life inspired me, nothing more. Just its ups and downs and appreciations.
I remember reading a piece about you and you how while talking to Coach K for the first time, he mentioned that people needed your type of music. How did that make your feel and how have you felt you responded with that on your sound as of late?
It made me feel good that someone that can actually help understands what I am doing without having to explain it.
Being apart of QC, you’re apart of a versatile set of artists. How do you feel as your music complements the aesthetic of the roster?
My management is represented by Solid Foundation, which is attached to QC. With their roster and if I were to sign directly to the label, I feel I would bring an amazing musical venture they have yet to explore, covering all styles of music to compliment what they've got covered already. But as of now, with just Coach K managing, there's no telling what we may do.
Going in 2017, what are some goals you have set for yourself?
To record a song with Patti LaBelle and Lauryn Hill.
What are three things you want to improve in your artistry?
Just have a little more. The improvement comes with life, don't know exactly what that is or what I want to improve on, but if I had to pick I'd say everything.
What are three ways you find peace with yourself?
I find peace through prayer.
When it’s all said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered by everything I create, everything I contributed, everything I will create and will contribute. Remember me as I am and how I was before I transcended.
Follow Tweleve'len here and here, and stream his project "Friends" below