Keeping Up With Qué

Since 2018 has began, I feel like the Universe has been sending me so many signs in my life about my purpose, showing my the areas in my life that I need to place my energy, and my time into, and helping me to examine where I have a lot of growth to do to help me become the the type of man in this World that I am trying to be. My struggles, are maintaining my energy, and focus, in an environment where the speed and energy is moving slow. I miss the hustle and bustle of New York City. When I lived there it challenged me. I’m learning to cultivate that same energy on my own. Nobody will work as hard as you for your own dreams, and I’m finally realizing that nobody owes me anything, but I owe myself everything. Thank you for all of the support, and love that I have received since I released my debut mixtape “Days In The Midwest” on SoundCloud, and my single “Carefree Black Boy” on Itunes. I am currently working on releasing more singles from my project, and music videos. I also have some performances that are coming up, and I will keep you guys updated. “The Universe has to move forward, pain and loss, they define us as much as happiness and love.”

My Big Epiphany At Age 26: Too Much Perfection Is A Mistake

As Chapter 25 comes to a close, Chapter 26 begins. That mid life crisis that people talk about getting by age 25, is now beginning to hit me at age 26 really hard. The moment I realized that I am an official adult didn’t quite hit me until a couple of days ago after my birthday, when I got the very adult wake up call of questioning everything I’ve been doing for 26 years, what I have accomplished so far, and what areas in my life that I am still growing.  One of my proudest accomplishments this year, was finally taking the very brave step to launch my music career, and then finally releasing my first album, Days In The Midwest, on August 26th. But of course just like any year it was met with me dealing with my demons, my insecurities, getting in my own way, and  essentially being my own worst enemy. Many of my performances this year I had recorded, but I hated the quality of the videos, or was not pleased with the way I looked, and sounded. My toxic obsession with perfection, and maintaining a certain image has been my biggest obstacle, and downfall as an artist, and on a personal level.

If there is one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that hard too much perfection is a mistake. I’ve learned to trust, and rely on myself, and the process, more than I rely on other people to help me get things done. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be anybody but myself to be successful. I’ve learned that opportunities seem to flow to me easily when I’m in alignment with myself. I’ve learned that hard times will always reveal true friends. I’ve learned that I am healed when I’m no longer mad at the pain, people, or problems that the Universe used to process me. Here’s to much more success, starting over, and substantial growth.

DBQ Magazine 2017 Fall Issue: The Love List “Our Pop Culture” Interview with David Bridgeforth →

DB: How would you describe your sound of music? QM: I would describe my sound of music as conscious R&B soul.

DB: what is the message you wish to convey with your songs? 

QM: I want people to be inspired to take on any obstacle that life has thrown them by tapping into their own inner God potential. Also my music is about complete self acceptance, and spiritual awakening, especially for black gay men. I think straight people have had this very flawed assumption that gay people can not be divine, or can’t be seen as holy beings. I want to change that. 

DB: who inspires you as a black gay young male artist?  

QM: As a young black gay male artist, I am mostly inspired by myself becuase I don’t see anyone in this music industry, really doing what I’m trying to do, or bring to the table. But I must say that I am a big fan of Beyonce, as well as inspired by her artistry, and work ethic. Just like she inspires, uplifts, and empowers women, I want to do the same for gay men. 

DM: When did you first know you wanted to sing, dance, and entertain? 

QM: I’ve always been very passionate about music, and performing arts since childhood, growing up singing in the church choir, and praise teams. However, it wasn’t until recently that I gained the confidence to actually pursue a career in music. I would always here that openly gay men could not be successful in the music industry. So I would say in my mid twenties, I realized that I was sleeping on myself, and sabatoging my talents, when I saw other queer artist of color, shattering those flawed perceptions, which leveled up my confidence. 

DB: What inspired your new EP “Days In The Midwest?” 

QM: My mixtape “Days In The Midwest🌵” is a window to my heart, and soul. It tells the story from start to finish, about my experience growing up as a gay black male in the Midwest, trying to survive in an environment where I don’t feel supported finding happiness, and manifesting my dreams. Aside from my sexuality, I wanted to pay tribute to my child hood, and growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s also inspired by 90’s music, which I grew up on, became influenced by, became influenced by, and has inspired my sound, and direction as an artist. 

DB: What kind of impact do you hope your music makes on your culture? 

QM: I want to leave my mark on the culture, in a spiritual way, and I hope that my music, will help other black gay men, rediscover their own spirituality, and strength, when they don’t always feel important to their communities.  I also want them to know that they are not alone. 

My debut mixtape Days In The Mid West is available on SoundCloud, and for download on DatPiff.com  

Get your copies of this issue of DBQ Magazine at  DBQMag.com