A Q&A with I Am Untitled

Pop, hip-hop and hope-filled songwriting…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘No Turning Back’. My wife and I sold our house and everything, hitting the road in a small RV, touring and living full time on the road. This song is the first single from our upcoming album No Turning Back which will tell our story of hitting the road and not turning back. I lost 80% of my tongue to stage 4 cancer and was told I’d never sing or speak again. My previous album Blank Canvas was all about surviving cancer. This new album will be a direct sequel and celebration of all that has happened since returning to music!

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
My previous album Blank Canvas was so emotional and powerful and well received, that it was daunting to approach this sequel. I didn’t want to keep singing about my battle with cancer, I really wanted it to be a celebration of all I’ve survived. The trick is how can I make this album more upbeat and fun, while still connecting emotionally with my audience.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
I produced this new album with my good friends and talented producers Mark Suhonen, David Anthony Camneto and Justin Wiebe. I come in with the idea and the lyrics, Justin and David record my vocals and keys. Then they add their own instruments, they are multi-talented. Finally, we send it all to Mark who is a master at mixing and producing, adding his own extra touches musically and sonically.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
That there is always hope. Life is worth living and fighting for. Never give up.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I start on piano, recording basic chord progressions and vocals. I typically come into the studio with the chorus already written lyrically. Next, I’ll add a temp beat to give the song the right vibe. Then Dave and Justin hop on the track, adding bass and guitar, as well as extra keys and synths. This typically inspires me to write and record the lyrics and vocals for the verses and add extra sound fx and midi sounds. Finally, we send it to Mark for the final mix and master. He often will enhance the drums, bass lines and synths before mixing. It’s an incredible team!

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I grew up on Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Tedder was my favourite songwriter. Combine them with my love for hip hop and you sort of end up with the sound of I Am Untitled.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
We have been on tour in America for 22 months straight which has been awesome. I’ve also toured the Philippines. But I know we have thousands of fans in Australia and South Africa so I would love to make my way to them.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
The new single and title track for our upcoming album, ‘No Turning Back’. I lost my tongue to cancer and was told I’d never sing or speak again, so I’m excited to not only be singing and speaking, but also have the opportunity to rap on this track.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
None. After cancer and then Covid, I’ve let go of any plans and ambitions. I’m just enjoying the ride.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Anything is possible.

Find out more about I Am Untitled at YouTube