Raising the Volume--Cosmo

In Berkeley the other day, my friend and I met a young musician, an aspiring rap artist. I felt like this was a perfect opportunity to get some perspective on the music and what it means to those trying to save it today. I proceeded to ask for a quick interview and he agreed. I present to you, Cosmo.

Bio: Demetrius "Cosmo" Brown is a 22 year old musician and aspiring rap artist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, moving out into the Bay Area last year upon his decision to attend Berkeley School of Music. A young entrepreneur in upstarting his "Cosmic" line of clothing and expert studio technician, Cosmo has largely experienced success that he has personally produced. I had the outstanding opportunity to meet this young man and ask him a couple of questions about the Save the Music campaign.

Me: What does Music mean to you?

Cosmo: "Music to me is an opportunity. It's a chance to not only try something new, but become great at it. The real meaning of music for me is in its impact. It's in how many people I reach and how many ears listen to a track or mixtape of mine. I make music for myself, but I also make it for my family. I make it for my friends and for my community. Music to me is about making a difference, whichever way we choose to go about doing it."

Me: How crucial do you think music education is to the youth?

Cosmo: "As a child who had his share of difficulties growing up, music was my lifesaver. It wasn't my only option; I had choices. But, the consequences of some of those lifestyles were harsh enough to set me along the path I eventually walked, one of basement studios and early tracks riddled with feedback and background ambiance. Music is something that has grown alongside me, with time, and I know there will be kids 'round the world that are going to use Music in the same way I did. I only have gratitude for Music and what it has done for me so far, so I can only imagine it's potential with the next generation of youth."

Me: Why do you want to save the Music?

Cosmo: "I mean, I just want to enjoy Music. That's what it is there for; that's what is it meant for. And, should I ever need to save Music in ways other than proliferating it, I'll have to find a new hat to put on. But, I would want to save it because it's really the only thing I have left. And, I know there are plenty of other musicians and entertainers out there who are in similar positions. Music can't die on me.. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it."

Me: How do you plan to save the Music?

Cosmo: "I plan to save the music by making as much of it as I can, man. Music is not something that is meant to be tunnel-visioned or segregated. The beauty in music lies in its diversity, and the genius of its practicality despite such huge variability. The more music I can pump out to the crowd, the more noise I can make, the more change I can make, and the more impact I can produce, hopefully."

I want to give a huge shout-out to Cosmo and show some appreciation for participating in this and I hope that he has given you some insight, as he has me. Lookout for his upcoming mixtape later this Fall, titled "Planetary."

Raise the volume,

Will