“Chasing” explores themes of survival and existential reflection—what inspired you to write this song? Was there a specific moment that sparked the idea?
Chasing began as a song about running from my fears and a reflection on life, love, and the pain we all consume daily.
The song evolved into something deeper, about being conscious of mortality always looming. Some days, I vividly see how situations could have spiraled out of control, taking me out. I wrote this song before the wildfires in LA, which is where I live now. I was OK but it was such a surreal experience.
You describe the song as a race you can’t win but refuse to lose. How does that perspective shape your approach to life and music?
It shapes everything. I know I may never reach the pinnacle of reflection and love I deeply desire. But I chase this dream while death, failure, and rejection humble me. Death because every day is a step closer to eternal sleep. Failure because like Van Gogh, my greatest moments might not be heard or seen. Rejection because not everyone will resonate with the frequency of my art. But instead of stopping, I keep running, proclaiming my freedom each day. All I know is to keep going and keep creating.
The track incorporates elements of your Haitian heritage with subtle Caribbean rhythms. How important is it for you to infuse your cultural background into your sound?
Last year, I reflected on my past projects and realized I wasn’t telling my whole story. I’m truly a Caribbean man, a reflection of my ancestors. Their smiles, their cheer; they define me, so I knew I had to reflect that more in my art and to represent it with pride. Haiti’s reputation doesn’t reflect its significance in history, especially in the fight for freedom. I want my music to change that, to be a revolution for my people.
You worked with Wundr and Jon Kev on the production. What was that collaboration like?
Jon Kev is my papa bear, a master at his craft. Wundr and I laid the foundation. He played guitar and drums, then gave me the stems to plant. I built the entire track, balancing those elements he laid down. Then Jon Kev came in with extra instrumentation, filling the record with his expertise. Working with them was an honor. We sent the tracks to Brad Feeney for the final mix, and Jack mastered it through analog hardware, giving it that final warmth.
“Chasing” is the first single from your upcoming EP Kouri. What can listeners expect from the full project in Spring 2025?
Kouri means “to run” in Haitian Creole so this song is a good start for the EP. It will be a journey. As always it will be mainstream yet deeply personal. I want listeners to feel my culture and my fears, to understand that I’m not afraid. Everything I run from, everything that defines me, will be in this project.
Over the years, your sound has evolved, blending R&B, soul, and electronic production. How does Kouri push your artistry forward?
Kouri lets me ground everything really, solidifying how I want to be seen and the legacy I want to leave. I’ve always been a fusion of genres, but now, I get to name it Haitian music. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do and am now realizing I can do because it is in me, it is me. Each single or EP
Your stage name, MyCompiledThoughts, originated from your Tumblr musings. Do you still see writing as a form of journaling and self-discovery?
Absolutely! I journal daily. I feel words hold more weight when they’re written. The thoughts don’t just vanish; They live. Writing is how I discover myself, how I connect with others. I’m an ADHD-ridden artist trying to compile his thoughts to make the world a more beautiful place.
You’ve produced for artists like TeaMarrr, Love Moor, and members of the Van Buren Collective. How does producing for others differ from creating your own music?
Producing for others is freeing, especially when they trust the vision. It’s all about capturing moments, and that’s what I love most about it. The collaboration, connection, adds a new layer to making art.
Your Soul Brother: Chapter 1 EP received praise from Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran for its New Jack Swing influence. How did it feel to get recognition from such a legend?
Recognition like that makes everything feel like it’s adding up. Like all the hard work in the studio is connecting with people so I’m grateful. It always feels good to be seen, thank you Simon!
If you could describe the feeling you want listeners to take away from Chasing in one word, what would it be and why?
Existential. I want the song to make you question what’s chasing you- death, time, fear? I want the sounds and moments to pull you in, make you reflect, and maybe even make you run.
