From The X Factor to star of Fox’s series, Red Band Society, 18-year-old Astro talks about his creative process, writing, and music 

 

 

What does your creative process look like?

Astro: It differs. Sometimes I get a beat that inspires a concept, so I write to it. And sometimes I have a concept and start looking for a beat. 

 

What makes you come most alive?

A: Good creative work. It could be music, a movie, a piece of art or a book. As long as it’s good. 

 

Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome. 

A: People who thought I didn’t write my own lyrics. For the first few years of my music career, people always said, “There’s no way that kid wrote that!” I had to continually prove myself. So I did every showcase and cypher I could to prove my lyrical skills. And I made sure to write in the studio, in front
of producers, so they knew that I created my lyrics on the spot. 

 

What inspires your work in the world?

A: Struggle. You run faster when something is chasing you. 

 

If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would you say?

A: “Can’t we all just get along?” 

 

Do you support any causes or organizations?

A: I really would like to get more involved in JDRF [formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation], and any organization that is helping to eliminate homelessness among teens.

 

What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

A; My first commercial music project, Computer Era. I also launched the Grade A Tribe website and clothing line. Would love to have all REAL readers check it out.