Artist Interview: Mystic

Q. Where are you from and how does that affect your work? (If at all)

A. "I'm from a small town on the Yakama Indian Reservation called White Swan, named after one of the first elected Yakama Nation tribal council officials; after our war leader Chief Kamiakan's 1855 (Yakama Wars) resistance ended and his self-imposed exile to now so called Canada; all while other leaders were being murdered by the US Army. But this small town is home for many Yakama, and it doesn't affect my work in a negative way, if anything, it inspires me. I see the strength and resilience here in the people. This land is full of medicine. People dig roots here in the foot hills where wild horses roam and the people gather for ceremonies. We hunt here and have swimming spots in the canyon just up northwest of White Swan. Not far from where Yakama, Cayuse and Klickitat warriors defeated Colonel Haller and his soldiers in 1855 during the Yakama Wars, forcing them to retreat. As a music artist, the power I feel here is strong and as a wildland firefighter and steward, I have great honor defending this land."

Q. Who are some of your biggest artist influences?

A. "Tech N9ne, Rage Against The Machine, Lauryn Hill, Immortal Technique, Brother Ali, and Nas, Wu-Tang, Drezus, System Of A Down, Bob Marley and Damian Marley, Def-I, HGS Savage Fam, Cypress Hill, Ice Cube, 2 Pac, Raye Zaragoza, Joey Bada$$, Flatbush Zombies. Just to name a few. But the list goes on, I just love revolutionary music, as well as music that simply reflects society and the reality we live in, in this illegal occupation of America. Music is and has been an outlet for so many strong voices. It's a beautiful way to express yourself. It's art. Especially hip hop music. Which has moved and influenced the entire world."

Q. Where do you find inspiration?

A. "I find inspiration in my tribal culture and other indigenous cultures and the resilience I see across this land. When folks begin to remember their roots and who they really are. That's inspiring to me. To walk in your power in the face of those who wished otherwise."

Q. When is your favorite time to create?

A. "My favorite time to create is early in the morning when my voice is fresh and my mind is rested. Usually have some coffee and get to work recording or writing to fresh beats or projects that are already in the works. Some take more time and more thought vs some projects or songs that just flow, especially when the beats are special."

Q. Describe how art/music are important to society. 

A. "I think music and art is very important to society. You can look at a piece of art or hear some music that just takes you somewhere where you relate or can learn from or can just enjoy it. Art can be many things. Expression of emotions or ideas or telling of a story. It's like documentation of history in the making. Just as our ancestors would have done with the petroglyphs. It's timeless and priceless. Art/music connects us to the spirit side also. We have always sung songs in prayer ceremonies or in celebrations. Even the animals sing songs and have forms of art. Without art, I think the world wouldn't be in tune with the universe."

Q. How do you define success as an artist. 

A. "Success as an artist to everyone might be different. To me, success in general isn't about how much money or materials I will obtain, but in how much of myself that I give to the world. If I can move at least one person in a good way, then to me that's success. The spirit connection with others and with life. Our people are rich in culture and traditionally it's always been about giving/offering. Rather than taking or having a lot of money or things."

Q. Have you ever worked as a paid artist before?

A. "Yes, I've done many shows and functions which I was able to take payment as well as do ticket sales and kept a percentage."

Q. What's the purpose or goal of your music?

A. "My goal is simple, I just want people to remember their purpose. As human beings. Which is to honor their selves and to honor life. To honor their relations. To be a good relative. Music helped me remember this. And it's moved me in such a good way. I just wish to give back and hopefully be a voice for those who need direction too. Like I did."

Q. Do you prefer to work alone or with other artists?

A. "I prefer both. I have so much to express and to say for myself and my story, but connecting with other artists can be a beautiful way to see different perspectives and to hear different ideas which is very inspirational. It helps you keep an open mind. And there's so many talented individuals in the world in music in any genre, it also helps you step up your game and you can challenge yourself to new levels as an artist or emcee or singer. There are no limitations."

Q. How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

A. "I think with my job as a wildland firefighter/steward, it's been challenging with how many hours we have to put in every summer. I'm going on season 6. But when you're passionate about things, you make time for it. I've been able to find a good balance with work, time with family and studio time. It's honestly like a dream, doing everything I love. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication and investing yourself. But when you move in an authentic way and in a good way, in prayer and positivity, things just flow naturally. There will be challenges along the way. Ups and downs like everything else in life. But if it's what you love, there shouldn't be any issues finding balance. Balance in the universe is everything and I just pray every human being in the earth can remember that."

Listen to Mystic on Spotify:



Pre-Save Mystic's latest release "NDN Outlaw" dropping 3.14.25 (link below):

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mystic19/ndn-outlaw

Follow Mystic on X/IG/FB + more (link below):

https://linktr.ee/therealmystic509

Interviewer: Coyour Lawrence