Learning the “Edmond Way”, an Interview with Mark Edmond
Mark Edmond has been relentless in his pursuit of quality, in both his life and in his music. In that pursuit of quality, Mark has experienced highs and lows, and has learned what it takes to carry on in the face of adversity. These lessons teach the importance of balance, and the purity of persistence.
In 2020, Mark Edmond released his debut project, If You Didn’t Know…, which was an early look at the artist’s talent and ambition. In 2022 Mark released the Edmond EP before following it up in 2023 with the Way EP. These projects displayed a progression in the artist’s creativity and vision. To complete the thematic trilogy of his previous two EP’s, Mark Edmond has now released Edmond Way, a ten track album that presents motivational messages, humorous punchlines, and deeply emotional insights to his life.
Photos via King’s Vision
Joe Reitan: The opening track offers a word of guidance to those who might be potentially lost in life. What does it mean to lead by example, using real life actions as examples?
Mark Edmond: Most people aren’t really listening, so I’m not going out of my way as much these days. They’ll agree with you, or act like they feel you, then, turn around, and go against everything you said, so you have to show them, and hopefully they’ll come around on their own, one day, or better yet, find their own way. Me, personally, that's all I can go off of, is real life, so if I ever come off as someone who thinks they know-it-all, it's only because I only speak on things that I've been through, or have knowledge of. I've been lost before, and that's not to say that I have it all figured out now, but I've learned a lot throughout the years, that I know, I'd appreciated if someone had told, or showed me earlier on, or even now, for that matter.
Joe Reitan: On the album you tackle the theme of persistence. Can you elaborate on what it is that keeps you persisting? How much of your persistence comes from within and how much is brought on by people around you?
Mark Edmond: I think in general, persistence plays a huge role in obtaining success, so you have to persist, and see things through. For me, it's wanting more, and better for myself, first and foremost, and then, so I can be in a position to help others as well. Some days, I might get a call, or a message that keeps me going, but naturally, I'm a self-starter, so in time, I'm usually able to pull from within myself.
Joe Reitan: Is there a song on Edmond Way that sticks out to you as a favorite? Have you ever received feedback or opinions on your music that impacted you in a significant way?
Mark Edmond: If I had to choose one, I'd have to say "Down Before" featuring Milan Parodie. Our history, the way it came together, the concept, and the beat, which was produced by Phatwave. And, of course, I've read messages, and been told things that would literally put me in a state of shock, like I can't believe someone took the time out to write, or say that about me, or my music. But, at the end of day, even if nobody gives me feedback, or their opinion, I know I’m putting out quality, and it’s real, so it's always good to feel that sense of reassurance that sometimes us artists, or humans might need from time to time.
Joe Reitan: “Down Before” tells a story that progresses verse by verse about getting over hurdles and redeeming yourself. How important is it to have faith in yourself and your own abilities?
Mark Edmond: Super important. You might have the greatest support system, but still, you never want to put yourself in a position where you're relying on one specific person, or group of people to make things happen for you, or be there for you on a daily basis. God forbid, they have their own things going on, and can’t come through, or be there for you the way you’d like them to.
Joe Reitan: This album challenges the rap genre over what topics it finds important. With the “Bitches in My Section (Interlude)”, you rap over a mainstream sounding trap-beat, while pointing out the need for substance and guidance. Why is it so important that substance is brought back to the genre?
Mark Edmond: It’s all about balance, and right now, substance is particularly missing, for the most part. At least on a mainstream level. And, if we're not giving them enough of it, how would we even know that's not what they want? Music is such an important part of many of our lives, so it'd be nice to hear more of it. Either way, that's not going to stop me from making the music I want to make, and being the change that I want to see. I know there’s someone out there who appreciates it, even if that someone is me.
Joe Reitan: What was the inspiration behind the story told in “What’s Best (For You)”?
Mark Edmond: Life, man. I know people personally going through those things, and of course, it is unfortunate, and sad to see, and hear. There's even bits in both of those scenarios that I can relate to as well being that I’ve dealt with depression before, while at low, and high points in life. My hope is that I can reach as many people as possible with that song, because it's all relatable if not to you, then to someone you know.
Joe Reitan: “Wish We Had More Time” covers a tragic and defining moment in your life. What is it like being that vulnerable on a track? Brechai brings a lot of soulfulness with her chorus -- is there a difference in the collaboration process when creating a track as emotional as this?
Mark Edmond: It's not the easiest thing to do, especially with a song like that, where you're not only telling your story, so you have family members who might hear it, and you don't really know where they're at in their grieving process, and what kind of impact hearing it might have on them, so it's a risk you take. There is a difference in the process, for example, I sent Brechai the beat, and both of my verses, but when finally linked up, we sat down, and talked for maybe an hour, or two about loss and grief before we even started working on the record. It's something that unfortunately, many of us can relate to.
Joe Reitan: “Better, Not Bitter Pt. 2” is filled with motivating messages, and in it you mention wanting to go on tour. Who are a few artists that would be on your dream tour performing with you?
Mark Edmond: That's a great question. Honestly, it'd be people who I have an actual relationship with, respect for, and a fan of their music, but let's keep it mainstream, so I don't miss anybody in particular. It'll probably change in the next 20 minutes, but right now I'll have to say, Me, Ludacris, Ja Rule, Scarface, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and OutKast on the first leg. Then, Me, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Usher, Chris Brown, and Destiny's Child on the second leg of the tour.
Joe Reitan: In “Edmond Prayer” you reference your previous musical alias, “Kash Flo”. What did that era of creation and self-discovery mean to you and where you’re at now?
Mark Edmond: You know what's funny, I'm not even sure how, or why I chose that name. I was a kid, who loved music, and picked up a new hobby. Even though I wasn't really taking music seriously at all back then, I think everything counts; all those songs I was writing and recording then, were molding me into the artist that I am today. It's all a part of the journey, so I try to embrace it all.
Throughout the years, it has been a pleasure and joy seeing the growth of Mark Edmond. This interview lived up to his trademark wisdom and optimism, and Edmond Way does not disappoint as a project.
