Life & Work with Andrew Wilmot of Fort Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Wilmot.

Hi Andrew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music has been my thing since I was a kid. I’ve always gravitated toward deeper, darker subject matter, focusing intently on lyrics and their meaning. Pre-high school, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Deftones, and Pantera caught my ear because I loved the passion, anger, and honesty in the lyrics. In high school, I started listening primarily to hip-hop, and artists like the Wu-Tang Clan, Eyedea, Brother Ali, Canibal Ox, Zion I, Company Flow, Sage Francis, Aesop Rock, and others got my attention. They were talking about real human subject matter in an unpredictably synchopated style of poetry, and it really inspired me — I knew that was the style I wanted to explore. I was already writing poetry, and so it felt natural to start writing rap songs. I haven’t stopped since.

I’ve been honored to work with several local artists throughout the years. When I met Oscify, we really vibed and co-founded Magnificent Wingspan — a crew that to this day, I consider an extension of my family. There is no time that we aren’t working on new music, and it’s been that way for twenty-plus years. Our focus is love and belonging. Hip-hop is a gift for everyone to enjoy, and it brings me an incredible sense of fulfillment to participate in it. I’m looking forward to making this music until the day I die!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pursuing anything you love is all about navigating obstacles and challenges. We’ve played in empty venues, been dismissed, and overlooked. We’ve missed opportunities — we booked a couple of shows out of state, but the head gasket in our car blew out on the way. We never made it to the shows and had to sell the car for scrap to buy ourselves bus tickets back to Denver. I’ve had people laugh at me when I tell them I’m a rapper. Trolls online have told me to quit, and friends and family have told me my music isn’t marketable. These things are unpleasant, but they have no power over the sacred commitment I’ve made to myself — I will never stop creating.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work in Magnificent Wingspan and as a solo artist centers around lyrics. I love to explore all the things that make us human. I talk about pain, loss, hope, anger, joy, love, and everything in between. I often explore how mental illness and addiction impact our perception of ourselves and color our experience. Ultimately, my lyrics are motivated by a deep desire to understand myself and the world I live in. The dance of existence is the meaning behind my art.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
So many things make me happy! Music is at the top of this list without a doubt. It’s the great equalizer — when a great song comes on, everyone in the room becomes one — it’s absolute magic! My kids are my greatest teachers, and they’ve brought more happiness into my life than I could ever say. I find happiness in quiet moments, in spending time with my dog, and in writing/creating. I also find it in the details of a great story — a book, short story, or movie. I love analyzing characters and trying to understand what motivates them. Finally, the horror genre in general makes me happy. I’m a huge horror nerd — movies, literature, gothic poetry, art — it all makes me smile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allpoints000/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChQR4pFK0GsO4Us1ifUwJpw