Meet December Fades | artist, singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with December Fades and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi December Fades, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Being a musical artist has taught me so many things. One is definitely patience. Success for most people doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long, steady, steep uphill battle. I’m in for the long haul. Each time you feel like you made progress, you realize how much you don’t know and how much you need to improve. When times get tough I have to remind myself that there’s no growth without struggle, strife, and feeling uncomfortable. My love for music keeps me going. When I think about quitting, I’m quickly reminded that music is interwoven in my entire being. Music is everything. So I have to pick myself back up by my bootstraps and continue on… no matter what! I will succeed. My music speaks for itself.

There is so much growth that needs to happen before you’re really ready for success, at least for me anyway. It has taught me that taking the time to learn, improve, and grow in different aspects of music and everything involved in the industry is crucial to building a strong foundation to prepare for success.

Another is believing in yourself, in your art, and being true to yourself. Why should anyone else believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. You can’t please everyone. Trust me, I wish I could. But it’s just not possible. You can try, but you’ll end up resenting that person, their ideas, and yourself for going against your own judgement. I know what I like; I know what speaks my heart. Let your heart lead the way. Let the music lead the way. On the other hand, I also have to remember to surrender my ego and keep an open mind to opinions or suggestions from people that I really trust. Sometimes just a tiny suggestion like adding a shaker or taking out one note can really help the song feel complete.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other artists is my experience with so many sides of music: engineering, composing, songwriting, singing, producing, and playing piano, guitar, and drums. Each component has an influence on the other which allows me to create music that is sophisticated and engaging yet simple enough to sing along to. The combination of poetry, melody, musical and rhythmic textures gives my music a unique flavor. I strive to capture raw emotion and deliver intriguing, memorable, and meaningful music.

I’m excited about the “Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting” award I won from The Great American Song Contest for my latest single, “Say Their Names”. Judges praised the song for its “powerfully conveyed lyrical message, compelling poetic imagery, and skillfully devised melodic design.” They also said, “Expertly crafted wordplay captures the emotion behind the words and the dark yet beguiling musicality perfectly encompasses the idea behind the tragic premise. This is great songwriting.”

I’m also proud of my official music video “Crash and Burn”. It won “Best Music Video” from NYLA and Indie Film Night, as well as several special mentions and honorable mentions from multiple film fests. The Transparent Film Festival said, “Technically Flawless for a performance piece…”

I want everyone to know that I’ll be releasing several singles this year, as well as a new music video. With the help of my new sync agency, Accidental Entertainment, you might just hear one of my songs in a movie, tv show, or commercial! Thanks for your support!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite restaurants include Hugo’s, Miya Sushi, Aroma Cafe, and It’s Pho. Robina’s is a quaint family-owned hidden gem in North Hollywood with some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had. Assuming their original hours will return once things get back to normal, some excellent late night restaurants include Bossanova, Krua Thai, and Cactus Taquerias #1.

My favorite mom and pop coffee shop is Moby’s. If you’re looking for a coffee shop/restaurant with a larger menu and live music then Republic of Pie is a great place. Groundwork Coffee is another one to mention. They have their own line of organic coffee beans.

One of the most beautiful drives in America is Malibu Canyon! Everyone needs to experience this breathtaking drive and of course you have to check out Malibu beach. For a fun-filled day head over to Santa Monica Pier or Venice beach.

For music I would definitely suggest Hotel Cafe or Molly Malone’s. You’ll see some of the best upcoming artists. You never know who you’ll recognize! Once things get back to normal, be sure to check out Joel Eckels’s night, “Monday Monday at the Hotel Cafe”. It’s an acoustic showcase that brings in a whole community of up and coming singer-songwriters, musicians, and music lovers. Another great night that will hopefully return soon is Inflight Music Group’s “Writer’s Block” which is an acoustic showcase that features some of the best rising pop acts.

If you want excitement and fun you can’t go wrong with Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor.

One of my favorite things to do is to hike Fryman Canyon. It’s such an unexpected escape from the city. If you want to hike and get a beautiful view of the Los Angeles Skyline check out Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon.

My friend and neighbor actually owns Hollywood Bus Tours. For good fun and adventure I’d definitely recommend taking a tour to see all the Hollywood sites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I recently signed a sync-deal with Accidental Entertainment. Shoutout to Adam Moseley and the AE crew! Thanks for believing in me and my music. Here’s to our success and future together!

I’ve been an audio engineer at Hotel Cafe, Molly Malone’s, and the defunct Room 5 here in LA for years. Shoutout to the staff and to the countless amazing artists and musicians that graced those stages and continue to support those clubs and their communities. Mixing music for a living has shaped me as a songwriter and an artist. I’ve been exposed to the best of the best, which can certainly be intimidating, but it’s helped me learn what I like and don’t like and encouraged me to grow and find my authenticity.

Shoutout to Ari Herstand. He is brilliant and has helped bring knowledge, hope, and success to so many musicians and artists. I bought his book, read articles, and I’m taking a few courses. He puts out invaluable information for DIY musicians from a working musician that climbed his way from the bottom up.

Theresa June-Tao thank you for directing, starring in, and editing my music video! You did an amazing job.

There are too many people to list. Thank you to all my fans, friends, and family for supporting me and for seeing my potential!

I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Jacob Atmodjojo, the photographer of my featured photo. He lost his life to covid on April 13th, 2021. He was a talented musician, amazing photographer, and had a true artist’s soul. He will be missed but his passion will forever live on through his beautiful photography.

Website: http://decemberfades.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decemberfades/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decemberfades/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyzbIqhz2pqSaTzveiX_I_A

Other: https://vibe.to/decemberfades/spotify:auto https://www.bandsintown.com/a/12956874-december-fades https://decemberfades.bandcamp.com

Image Credits