I want it to sound pretty, but the message is the most important to me.
U.G. Digital Mag: Fast forward a little bit to “Be Love”. That’s the first thing I see when I go to the site.
Maleke O’Ney: Yes, so for me, Be Love is a short statement, but very powerful. If you think about it, we all want to be loved. Just be it, and you won’t ever have to wonder if someone knows you love them, or you’ll never have to worry if something is done out of love.
U.G. Digital Mag: Your music really does something for me. I think it’s because I naturally look for so much out of musicians, and artists, and so many people that you remind me of. You’re definitely your own artist, and I think it’s great. Most people are trying to emulate. Your authenticity is great. Why do you think that your brand has caught on so quickly, because it usually takes time?
Maleke O’Ney: Because really, my goal was never to be famous. It’s not just for the moment. My artistry is not entertainment, although I am extremely entertaining (laughing). It is my gift to people to laugh, and to heal. To live and to be. I don’t think I was really OK with myself until 5 or 6 years ago. That’s when things started to really happen. When I just said, I’m going to be Maleke O’Ney, and I’m not going to attempt to appease anyone, I’m going to do what I’m here to do, and what I am supposed to be. That is when the universe opened up its blessings to me. This is how God made me. This is how I sound. This is how I look. I’m being my authentic self. You can’t deny the truth, and I believe I give the truth. It’s just a fact. I think that is why. I don’t want to sound like me me me either! I had an awesome team who have all helped and guided me in the right direction. I also have the help of God who has given me what I have.
U.G. Digital Mag: To have that spirituality and faith is amazing. I love to see artists who have arrived at the place you have. It’s an amazing feeling to be in that place. Even in my situation, it Took stepping out on a limb to really make things work and do what I love. The feeling, like I said, is amazing.
Maleke O’Ney: That’s what happens. A little faith voids a whole lot of fear. Fear is what keeps us from being who and what we are supposed to be. If we let go of fear, the universe is waiting. We hesitate because of that fear. With just a little bit of faith, you can propel to that next level. It’s so funny that you say that, because with what I do, you get to those points where you question is it really going to work. You find it within yourself to believe though because when you do, you know you’re going to be OK. It always works out.
U.G. Digital Mag: What do you feel like you want the world to receive from your artistry?
Maleke O’Ney: Oh wow, I want the world to see that I am an advocate for youth, and for art. I mentor struggling artists and writers. I want people to be in that place where they can look at themselves and be OK with who they are. So many kids grow up trying to be something they’re not, and so many adults are living double lives. We have to take step back and re-evaluate who we are. It’s like Michael used to say, take a look at the man in the mirror. Just worry about you, take care of you, and then go be the light for everyone else.
U.G. Digital Mag: What advice do you offer specifically to independent artists who are out there already, or trying to get established?
Maleke O’Ney: Don’t be a money chaser, because it will not work for you (laughing). I mean, it may work on some levels, but if you take your artistry for more than entertainment, you can’t just be a money chaser. Know the business because although is creative, and entertainment, you have to know it. It is a business, so learn as much as you can. Stay true to yourself. Some things will inevitably happen that you may not want to happen, so be flexible in that respect. Don’t give up.
U.G. Digital Mag: I love being able to give that same advice, even in terms of chasing money. Do something that you would be willing to do for free. The money will come when you’re good at what you do. How did you get to the point of joining your band?