Tragic Johnson has compiled an album that’s certain to get you through dark times. Eliminating variations of despair with optimistic messages, Maze The Soundtrack prepares others to weather the storm. By ensuring that brighter days are ahead, listeners are reminded of past trials and tribulations they’ve gotten through before.
The 12-track LP manifests abundance, serenity, and pure bliss for those who feel defeated. Maze The Soundtrack has features from S.E Anthony, PhylliseJade, theletterj, Kwasi, Jordan Curls, Bria Deshawn, SayRex, and Chimoe Griot. The album is accompanied by a film made with Beats By Dre from their black creator’s program.
In the words of Tragic Johnson, Maze The Soundtrack is “meant to have us look at mental healing as a more necessary part of the trauma recovery process.” Similarly, the LP carries three spoken word poems encouraging others to self-nurture. “Survivor’s Guilt” helps listeners feel less alone while battling depression by signifying the poet’s own experiences. “May tomorrow” is an affirmation of better days, while “Vow To Self” is a pledge to follow your heart.
Like the diverse messages, the production and deliveries follow suit. In essence, Maze The Soundtrack contains a myriad of passionate singing and conscious rapping. Sonically, the LP draws from live instrumentations, jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
He continues,
“This project is just an extra piece of therapy to go along with the film. The film is about this girl dealing with the psychological trauma of losing her father, so I wanted the music to reflect that emotional experience of coming to terms with death and coming out on the other side.”
Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to chat more with Tragic Johnson. Keep reading to learn more about his artistry, and be sure to stream his new project, Maze The Soundtrack:
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
Harlem, currently based in DC, attending Howard University
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
Tragic Johnson. Troy White. I got my artist name from a coach of mine when I used to play basketball. Because I wasn’t that good at it frankly and kept trying to make these cross-court passes. That time was also just really awkward for me as a kid, and about a year away from when I started to come into my own as a producer. So when it came time to pick a name, I wanted to turn the negative memories into something positive, I love flipping things so I thought my name should reflect the style I bring.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Emotive. My goal is to stretch sound & touch a place in your soul you didn’t even know existed. 4. What’s one reason you are passionate about music, and what inspires you? My inspiration definitely comes from chasing ghosts. My pops was in the industry, so his bar for what qualifies as music is super high, so I’m just always trying to amaze him, the people around me, and the greats no longer with us.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Stevie Wonder, Andre 3000, Old Kanye
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting. What inspired this project?
The project is called Maze the soundtrack. I wrote the film and produced the soundtrack with another Howard student, S.E Anthony. The project itself was inspired by the prompt of Afrofuturism.
The date that this project dropped, or is set to drop?
The film dropped on November 16th, and the soundtrack dropped on November 17th.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I honestly don’t know. I just want to keep creating in an impactful manner. Hopefully, my next project reflects that wish.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
Music can be therapeutic, but you need to go to therapy too.
