Fenra Almighty

KM – Let our readers know where you’re from.

FA – Where I’m from? Man, I have roots all over the US. From east coast to west coast but, the only place I can actually call home is Virginia. Originally, I’m from Woodbridge, VA, that’s my hometown and that’s where my heart is; but, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I moved to Fredericksburg sometime between 2006 to 2007 with some family members.

KM – Being from Virginia how was it growing up in Fredericksburg?

FA – Fredericksburg was mad different from being in Woodbridge. Fredericksburg is sectioned off like you have majority being suburbs, a couple of rural areas, and a small part of it that is considered the “hood”. For me, I went from the hood to the suburbs once I moved down here and it was weird from me. I was different from all the other kids that where around the neighborhood I was living at. I was so use to being around a certain kind of people; that when I came down here I felt like an outsider. I adapted to a lot of my surrounds though. Most of my friends were just like me too. So, that made it easy for me but, you’ll never really get over that feeling of “not belonging”.

KM – We heard you started out doing poetry, what made you start rapping?

FA – One of my homies from back in Woodbridge told me that I should take some of the poems I wrote and put them over some beats. I tried it and it just felt natural. After that, 50 Cent’s movie “Get Rich or Die Tryin” came out and that really inspired me to actually persuade music professionally. I was in the 3rd grade when all of that happened. I didn’t start doing what I’m doing now until the 6th grade when I finally found someone to help me setup and record material.

KM – Did your family support you in pursuing your dream to do music?

FA – They saw it as more of a hobby keeping me out of trouble and a nice way to express myself. It took them awhile to get use to the fact that I want to make music for the rest of my life. They’re my family. They won’t be mad at whatever choices I make; they just want me to happy. When I started taking music seriously, they took it more seriously and so did everyone else. So in a sense, they did support me because making music is what makes me happy. Feel me?

KM – What does the name Fenra Almighty mean?

FA – I’m really big into mythology. At the time, I was into learning about the Norse Gods, you know like Odin and Thor. I was reading this section about “Ragnarok”. That was this epic battle between the gods. Loki had an son named “Fenrir” and was this monster wolf who tried to kill Odin. You can see where this all went. I like wolves, dope back story, and it’s original. I used to go by “Lyric” but, there’s like 10 thousand other people who go by the name “Lyric”. I needed something original and something I liked. I didn’t want to go by “Fenrir”; that’s hard to pronounce and not catchy enough. I played around with a bunch of different variations of the name and then, BOOM, Fenra was created. I got the “Ra” part from the Egyptian god “Ra”; he’s the god of the sun. Everything adds up when I explain it like this: Fenrir is the god of wolves and wolves love the moon. Ra is the god of the sun. The sun is day (or light) and the moon is night (or darkness). Fenra is the combination of both of these elements and will co-exist in the middle. I have always felt like I’ve been battling with the forces of good (right) and evil (wrong), so, that name fits me perfectly. I just added the “Almighty” part to give the name a god-like statue.

KM – Who where some of the artists who influenced you growing up?

FA – Tupac, OutKast (mostly Andre 3000), Eminem, Wu-tang, 50 Cent Snoop Dogg, Tech N9NE, The Beatles and etc. The list can go on and on. I was lucky enough to live in a house where there wasn’t just one type of music playing. My mom always kept different cultural music and items in the house. I learned a lot from experiencing different things.

KM – What do you bring different to the industry?

FA – I bring my own style and originally into the industry. For a long time, I tried to be like everyone else. Copying flows, doing covers to songs, and even dressing like my idols. Not everyone will openly admit that but, it’s true. Everyone does it and it was time for me to end the game of “Follow the Leader”. For the last couple of years, I think I can say I found myself as an artist. I’ve been experimenting with different sounds and working on my craft. I feel like all I need more is the opportunity to present itself and I will be successful.

KM – Do you have any projects coming out we need to be looking out for?

FA – Right now, I’m working on my album called “ARK”. It’s the first album I will putting out and with this new way of approaching tracks, I feel like I’ll see the results that I need to break into the industry. There isn’t an confirmed release date yet but, sometime in the summer, you can expect this album to be released. There’s just a lot of preparations to do first

KM – Where can someone find your music or follow you on social media?

FA – Here’ how they can follow me:

Official website: www.fenramusic.com

Twitter: @mgwolfgod

Instagram: @misguidedwolfgod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/misguidedwolfgod

Bandcamp: www.fenramusic.bandcamp.com - The Konnected Magazine

Check out the interview with Fenra Almighty exclusively on Skilly Magazine Online.

Skilly: Where did this all start? Tell us about your journey in the entertainment business.
Fenra Almighty: All this started when I was in 3rd grade and living in Woodbridge, Virginia. I started writing poetry first because I would always find poems on our desktop by my mom and would read some. I used to show all my friends what I would write and they liked what I had to say.

I wanted to really get into music once I saw Get Rich or Die Trying, but honestly, I can’t remember when I actually started to write and spit rhymes. I do remember when I actually hopped onto a mic and recorded for the first time. Those were the days of using a Rock Band microphone wrapped around a blade of a ceiling fan while using Virtual DJ.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for the young kids out there trying to do what you do?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this or you can’t do that. You’ll have a lot of people telling you that there is a certain way to do everything and that isn’t the case. Yes, there is a standard form for just about everything you learn about, but it’s not about doing what everyone else is doing. Just do whatever you feel is right.

What are some of the hardest challenges and tasks in your position?
Some of the hardest challenges that I face is trying to run an independent label, engineering all sessions, and just everyday life. Including myself, I have 2 other people who promptly say that are signed to my independent label Misguided Records.

We all engineer and produce our own music which is good because we work hard to accomplish goals and finish projects. Sooner or later, all the nights of staying up late and eating crappy food will start to take a toll on your body and mind state. It’s always good to take breaks and rest up a little.

We all know the entertainment business is very tough, but what do you find is the best way to promote and advertise your music?
I think one of the best ways to promote is to just have dedicated fans to your music and constantly connect with other musicians on tracks. The more people surrounding you with support, the better you feel about going out performing and sharing your music with strangers.

Tell us about your city. How are the artists and the fans?
I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This area has mixture of rural to suburban people and culture. There isn’t much here for hip-hop and rap. A lot people are claiming to be rappers. I understand you have to start somewhere, but they fail to realize that becoming an artist doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and practice. Years of trial and error. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to become a decent artist.

The people who claim to be fans are just as bad. Sure they can comment and say “they like it, this is a hit,” but why don’t you share too? That’s the support I need right now, but I do appreciate the comment.

Where do you see yourself a year from today?
I decided to go to school for engineering at Berklee College of Music. I have one more semester to go until I’m a certified engineer. After that, who knows? I could become the next Kanye and get myself one of those Kardashians or something. Or maybe I might produce music for the next big anime series to come out. The future is unknown, but I’ll be ready for it.

Who and what were your biggest inspirations? Who do you look up to in today’s world?
My mom and grandmother have been the biggest inspirations in my life. After them it’s Tupac, Andre 3000, Kanye West, and Will Smith. I do get really inspired from watching a lot of anime and cartoons too. I watch a lot of movies and just feel the need to make some really dope visuals with my music. For real, life is inspirational. Everything around you should just get you feeling the need to create something new.

How do you feel about the music coming out today? Do you like it?
Honestly, I don’t care too much for the mainstream music that’s coming out. There’s some songs that are dope, but most of them I do not like. I still have to listen to analyze the trends and see what the population is listening too. Really, I stick to the underground scene more. That’s where the soul of music is because everyone is hungry and just wants to get their name out there.

Where can we contact you and find you online?
Official Website: www.fenramusic.com | www.misguidedwolfgod.bandcamp.com/releases
YouTube: @misguidedwolfgod
Reverbnation: @misguidedwolfgod
Instagram: @misguidedwolfgod
Twitter: @mgwolfgod - Skilly Magazine

Fenra Almighty may not be a household name, but it is a name you won’t soon forget. Born Darren Washington, the Fredericksburg-based rapper has always been one to chase his dreams and let his outgoing personality shine. His passion for music actually began with an affinity for poetry that he used as an outlet to express his bottled up emotions. Acting upon a friend’s suggestion, Fenra decided to turn his poems into lyrics and discovering his passion for music.

From the rise of his newly found passion, Fenra poured all his time and dedication into the craft releasing a catalog of raw material and developing his unique sound. He’s also tapped into the production of music as well producing professional quality music from his home studio for his own projects as well as other artists under the indie label Misguided Records, formally known a Misguided Entertainment.

Although Fenra lives in a small town, he has not let the environment kill his music aspirations and uses his charisma and passion to make sure his talent rings through and beyond his small town. - RudeBoy Magazine