“I was inspired by so many people who made it through struggle, forcing their way through uphill battles and handicaps to make it to the top of their goals.” –Decora
Following the Oscars and Spike Lee’s win for best adapted screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman,” today’s inspiration comes from an artist in which Mr. Lee sourced two songs from for his Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It” and is a friend of Sociality Squared’s: Decora.
For those who don’t know Decora, start by listening to Transcend. He describes his music as rap and electronic, but people who like different genres can find something to relate to. As the unofficial spokesperson for Newburgh and the Hudson Valley’s rising art scene, Decora is also known for his brand collaborations, poetry, and big ambitions. This year he’s dropping twelve albums – one a month.
When asked when he discovered this mode of expression, he replied, “I didn’t find poetry. Poetry and hip-hop found me.” Once that happened, there was no turning back as he explains, “I remember the first time I decided to switch over to a different form of art and I missed hip-hop so much, like it was a family member. That was the moment I knew it had to stay in my life forever.”
This past Friday, Decora threw a secret listening party at the World of McIntosh Townhouse in SoHo – the same space that was featured in a season of Mr. Robot and Beyonce’s Halo music video. The townhouse serves as a showroom for McIntosh, one of the best high-end audio amplification and speaker companies in the world. They hosted Decora and his family friends and music and entertainment industry colleagues in a memorable night Sociality Squared was humbled to be part of.
The party wasn’t just a celebration of five years of being an independent artist, it was also to capture the precipice of possibility that exists by working with Decora for the right agent or label who can help spread his music further.
He certainly puts himself out there in his music, on stage, and at his listening party. But it’s worth it as Decora explains, “It feels very vulnerable to share my music, which it should, because it’s very personal. But it feels good when someone can relate because it helps me realize that I’m not the only one.”
Decora shared not only his music, but also about his process and inspiration on Friday. One message that’s important to him is:
“Never give up. It is important that people realize that no matter what you do there will be highs and lows. Staying focused on the big picture goal is what’s going to help you to continue through those rainy days, and also help you to gain more leverage on the sunny days. It’s not easy being an independent artist, having a family, and being a part of the human experience yet that’s the beauty of it all. The easy things are not the things that bring the most satisfaction.”
Spike Lee and Decora met at Prince tribute festival, and Spike is one of Decora’s favorite artists who he’s worked with. Decora plans on working with him more as he feels that the more positive and good forces that can come together in our current political state, the better.
Thank you, Decora, for the inspiration. We’re excited to see this year and its possibilities unfold. Follow Decora on Instagram and check out his music by visiting his website: iamdecora.com.