RED LOTUS – BUILT DIFFERENT

Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Red Lotus is a name you won’t forget once you’ve experienced his music. From age twelve, experimenting with sound, recording himself and others, and finding his voice in the small Bay Area city he called home. After years of perseverance, growth, and self-reflection, he’s back, ready to share himself. We had the opportunity to throw some questions his way to find out more about the music—what it represents: the unshakable authenticity and dedication that define Red Lotus as an artist. 

Origins & Identity

What inspired the name Red Lotus and what does it represent or symbolize for you?
My Father was called Red, I’m the fourth, so my family called me lil Red. Lotus is a symbol of who I am. The lotus flower grows in dark murky waters then blossoms to reveal something great.
How did your journey as Red Lotus begin?
I decided on this name when I started to do different genres outside of rap about 7 years ago.
Was there a defining moment when you knew music was your calling?
I have a memory of when I was 6 years old, I was really sad missing my father who was in prison. I wanted to speak with God, but I didn’t understand prayer at the time. So I thought if I sing for him maybe he’ll hear me. I spent the whole day making up a song while playing outside. That was the first time I felt the feeling of creating music.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
I would describe it as high vibrational music. My favorite part of being a musician is lifting the listeners spirit. I have the heart of a revolutionary.
What’s one misconception people might have about you or your art that you’d like to clear up?
After listening to my music people sometimes assume that I’m this very energetic person. I’m actually very calm in person. 
Is there a persona you step into while performing or creating—or is it all just you, unfiltered?
Deep down I have a very powerful energy. Although every expression is honest to who I am, when I’m in music mode there’s a switch that goes off. I don’t hold back or think when I record or perform. The switch happens and I’m immediately in that zone. 

Creative Process 

What does a typical songwriting session look like for you?

I write multiple songs a day in pieces. Since I do different genres, I base the sound of a song on my emotion or scenery. One song may take me a couple of days to complete. However, in that same day of completing one song, I have others that are completed within that same timeline. — When writing I’m always in motion, whether that be walking or in the car. If I’m in the studio I usually end up pacing back and forth which is why I’d rather be outside. Preferably in nature.

Do you prefer writing alone or collaborating with others?

I very much so prefer writing alone. When collaborating the best way that works for me is having conversations about life with the person I’m working with. This is where the song is made. I can’t just sing about nothing, I have to resonate with the message on a deeper level.

What emotions or themes do you find yourself exploring the most in your music?

I’m a hardworking black man and love my children with every bone in my body. A lot of music is centered around that.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

As creatives we shouldn’t look at this as a negative occurrence. There’s a time to create and a time to experience. If a creative block happens, that my cue to become more present and take in more life so that I’m able to process my thoughts and emotions more effectively while creating.

Do you have any rituals or creative habits that help you tap into flow?

Get into motion. For me being in motion helps my creative flow.

How do you know when a piece is truly “done”?

When I feel the message I was trying to convey is clear.

What artists, eras, or mediums influence your style the most right now?

I’m heavily influenced by the likes of Otis Redding, Al Greene, and Bob Marley. They never held back when expressing their message and the way they feel. 

Releases & Performances 

Which of your songs means the most to you, and why?

The same way I love my kids equally, I love all my music the same. Every song I made was necessary. I had to make that song to process some sort of emotion or thought. However, my song ‘Built Different’ was a message I wanted to get across for a while. Raising a black boy & girl, I constantly emphasize them knowing how powerful they are and I wanted a song that demonstrates that power.

What’s your favorite track to perform live?

It has to be ‘The Whole Truth’ I’m able to scream and jump around. Something you’re not usually allowed to do in public without consequence.

Do you have a dream venue or festival where you’d love to play?

I would love to do Coachella and Bottlerock

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a live show?

Breaths, a lot of deep breaths. I do this to prepare for anything that requires my full attention and to also ground myself to the present moment.

Your visual presence is strong. How do fashion and presentation tie into your creative identity?

I love to wear clothing items that remind me of who I am. I love nature, gardening, carpentry, bonfires on the beach and I grew up camping and fishing. Wearing anything that reminds me of that helps me feel like myself.

Influences & Inspiration

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Otis Redding has to be my number one influence. He had such an authentic sound, I believed this is felt more in his cadence but it’s not something that can’t be copied. It’s felt because it’s real. 

Are there any non-musical artists, writers, or films that inspire your work?

I’m inspired by nature, it’s hard to put in words but there’s something about putting my bare feet in the soil and pruning my plants that helps me open my creative flow.

If you could collaborate with any artist — alive or dead — who would it be?

I would collaborate with my 13 year old self. Help develop and push him to be more expressive in his music.

Reflection & Future

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

Transitioning from being a part-time to full time creator. Being independent it’s not easy, but with the amount of momentum happening at the moment I knew I needed to take a leap of faith.

How do you handle criticism and stay true to your vision?

If I’m being honest, most criticism I ignore. I don’t make music for the listener, I do it because it’s my greatest form of therapy.

What message do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

To be your authentic self. 

If you could time-travel to meet your future self in 5 years, what would you ask them?

How are our kids doing?

What’s next — any exciting projects or surprises you can tease for your fans

There’s genre based albums on the way and collaborations with some pretty well known artists

EVOLUTION  & EXPRESSION

Has your creative vision changed at all since April? What’s been the biggest shift?

My mission is always to raise the world’s vibration. I’m constantly evolving and sharpening my craft but my main focus is always the same.

How does your personal life inform or influence your current work?

I’m someone who is always trying to find a deeper meaning in even the smallest moments.

Culture, Community & Impact

How do you see your work contributing to the current artistic or cultural landscape?

One thing I hope to happen as I grow into more of a household name is to show another side of what it means to be a man in the urban music industry. I want to make it cool to be a father, to grow your own food, and to show emotion.

What role does your community (or identity) play in the stories you tell?

Vallejo and the SF Bay Area made me who I am today. My region is extremely diverse and I hope to represent my community by embodying all parts of who we are.

What conversations are you hoping to start—or challenge—through your art?

Who is the black man.

Lastly: what does being seen mean to you, as an artist and as a person?

It means we’re on the right path. Life is like a river and we can always tell when we’re fighting the current.

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Photography and Creative Direction by Regina Moretto