Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with The Walking Flame

We recently had the chance to connect with The Walking Flame and have shared our conversation below.

The, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Mental Health; I think a lot of people right now, (in a time) where society is closely glued to phones due to artificial intelligence, social media, and other means; have become more isolated and less social. It’s not necessarily the best thing, but it’s a result of the changing times with technology. As a result, I think mental illness has unfortunately risen, and people are afraid to talk about it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What’s going on, it’s The Walking Flame; I’m a rapper/melodic artist from near Annapolis, MD. I’m originally from MD, but I moved to Pittsburgh for 4 years recently, and now I’m back. The times in Pittsburgh are interesting because that’s where I first started music. I recorded at ID Labs in Pittsburgh, PA, and established a well-rounded fan base during my time there. I was known as Joyce TRC at that time, but a few years upon my exit from Pittsburgh I changed my artist name to The Walking Flame.

My mission focuses on promoting mental health, world positivity, and other means. I love music, and it’s hard to think of life without it. I have made a lot of mistakes but I’ve also grown as an artist and I think that’s what it’s about; learning how to navigate the dangerous and lucrative waters in the business.

As of late, I have begun a heavy focus on YouTube (@thewalkingflame) and I’ve taught myself how to mix, master, and record all my music.

In terms of the music I’ve released, most projects that I release are just because at that time I’m feeling a certain energy; and I want to drop that project to spread that energy.

I can do love albums, hard lyric albums, county albums, I mean the ability to be versatile definitely helps.

Right now, my main focus is YouTube, and teaching myself as much as I can about growing on there through music. Also, I have become a huge fan of 3D music and the atmos field. I think Dolby atmos music is the future of music and it’s something that will continue to evolve.

So definitely check me out on all platforms @thewalkingflame!!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There’s been a bunch of moments to be honest. I suffer with a medical condition known as Pure-O OCD. As a result, there have been constant battles with this condition and I have been humbled by it on many occasions. Music for me; has been my escape. It allows me to get out of my own head and in to the world in a different way. When you have to battle your mind about decisions 24/7 and you constantly face this doubt; it wears you out. So many times I’ve wanted to quit, but then I put the headphones on, turn on a beat, and get reminded why I do music. It’s lifesaving and I’ve had people reach out to me and tell me that they are struggling with mental illness too; and by me having a voice on the music community it helps motivate others.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To be humble. When you suffer, you start to see life in a different light. A lot of situations that people seem to get upset about; I just don’t worry about them. I’m worried about beating my mind everyday; I’m not worried about that car who cut me off. Like when you face deep battles, life almost moves in slow motion. Like time just flies by, the days over, and you are like, all I did was worry or obsess about xyz. So the pain and suffering that I have experienced teaches me to be humble, cause your brain can change as you get older and you never know what can happen.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That music can actually improve OCD. Like scientifically, I have this thought that music may have the ability to heal parts of the brain or calm/excite parts of the brain that are connected with OCD. Since the brain is malleable it definitely changes over time; and I wonder like how much my brain has changed since I started really diving into music.

Who knows maybe I could be a music neuroscientist!

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do; for sure. Even in middle school I used to rap and do music at the lunch table with all my friends. I’ve been doing music for almost 20 years but never took it serious until 5 years ago. Here’s the thing; yes, music helps me and my OCD, but my music also helps others. I’ve had people reach out and tell me about their battles; and whether it’s through music or sports, I’m always willing to push mental strength and positivity. So I definitely feel like I use music as an avenue to a give a voice to the mental health community.

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