STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – JOSEPH DAILY AKA: AROGARD FLAMEWING
During a visit to MVM’s electronic music program at David Douglas High School (through the SUN Schools program), a quiet, seemingly shy, asked, “want to hear the song I am working on?”. I put on the headphones and was quickly moved by what I heard. Although MVM’s electronic music program had been running for nearly three months, something told me this young man had been working on music much longer than that.
Never one to brag, or elaborate, Joseph, astonishes nearly every person he meets. Not only is he a prolific electronic music composer (with three albums under his belt), he is a self-taught pianist and is close to finishing his first novel. At a recent end of school performance, I watched him quietly, almost unnoticed, walk onto the stage, sit down, and proceed to bring down the house while playing nothing but a bass guitar through a delay pedal. At a recent “Art as Social Practice” presentation, I listened to Joseph speak about his art and music and My Voice Music. I was moved as he said that programs like MVM help him to realize there are other people just like him and that he is not alone.” – Ian Mouser, Founder/Executive Director of My Voice Music
Listen to one of Arogard Flamewing’s songs here:
Below are some questions we had for Arogard Flamewing and his responses:
1. What type of music do you create? Do you play an instrument? If so what do you play?
“I create music that could be found in games and movies, as well as a wide variety that can be played on their own. I play electric bass and keyboard, planning to learn the harp.”
2. Why is music important to you?
“Music is important to because I have a talent to express my emotion and use it as an effective emotional and creative outlet. I view it as the career I strive toward as it’s what i enjoy and I’d like to be a little recognized on the side.”
3. What did it feel like the first time you heard a recording of your music on play back?
“The first time I heard a recording of my music was what set me straight on my goal as an independent musician. I enjoyed it, I felt accomplished, I felt a door opening in my life.”
4. What do you like most about being a part of My Voice Music?
“I like the feeling of being around others who share a common interest, it helps move the inspiration when I’m stuck or the like.”
5. How has being a part of My Voice Music helped you outside of music – in school, at home, etc.?
“Being a part of MVM has helped me in trying to get my name out there. Before I would have never thought of publishing or using social media platforms other than to talk to anyone but my closest friends.”
Joseph playing the bass at a recent MVM Student Showcase Concert
Joseph playing the bass at a recent MVM Student Showcase Concert
6. What is the most challenging thing for you in terms of your music and what is the best thing?
“The most challenging thing I think would be trying to find a genre I fit in because of how diverse I try to make my music. The best would be watching as others hear what I make and getting that praise or constructive criticism, honestly it’s that which keeps me going and striving to be better.”
7. What does music bring you and how do you feel when you play? Why do you play?
“Music brings me peace. I feel like all the stress and worries I have melt away when I got lost in mixing on the synthesizer or playing something. I mainly play as an outlet for creativity, but it’s also a stress reliever, a hobby, a passion and a career choice I’m pursuing avidly in hopes of becoming widely known.”
8. What do you hope people take away from your music when they hear it?
“I hope that they take an opportunity to relax or liven up from my music, to take a minute to listen to almost any genre that’s been touched.”