Hip-hop artist Sterling Duns wants to create good vibes in West Philadelphia.
The rapper, who is also in indie pop band Futurmama, is an up-and-coming West Philadelphia-based artist trying to turn his passion for music into a career.
The self-described “instrumentalist, poet, hip-hop artist, comedy improviser and astronaut enthusiast” is inspired by the positivity of West Philadelphia.
“I feel like there’s just a lot of music in Philadelphia in general, and it’s impossible not to be surrounded by a good music community,” Duns said. “West Philly is dope, there’s just so many unique, powerful, passionate, critical thinking, aware people in West Philly.”
Influenced by old school rappers like LL Cool J and poets including Robert Hayden and Rita Dove, Duns has released four mix tapes in the last year and frequently drops music videos on YouTube. His most recent music video “Walk It Off " debuted on March 26.
“A producer in New York sent me this beat, and I fell in love with it right away,” Duns said. “The song talks about the reasons we need to push each other to create good music.”
Duns first discovered his love for music while growing up in West Philadelphia, where he was constantly surrounded by music and learned to play the piano and violin. During his years at Dickinson College, he began refining his rapping skills during hour-long sessions. His experiences have fostered a lifelong passion for music.
“Music is ubiquitous, and I love the power that music has to be cross cultural and cross racial and cross religious,” Duns said. “I just feel blessed that music is my way to express myself.”
One way he expresses himself through his music is by talking about love.
“I write a lot about love — of course, it’s always a fun topic — humans have been talking about it forever,” Duns said.
He added that his music further dwells on “striving to be the change [he wants] to see in the world.”
“[It’s about] being true to yourself and what you believe in, calling people in instead of calling people out,” Duns said.
When not recording hip-hop, Duns practices and records with Futurmama. Duns said that the five-person band creates “beautiful funkiness” and is made up of “the most awesome people in the world.”
Futurmama’s goal is to use music as a vehicle of social change and recently performed at the Melodies Cafe in Ardmore, Pa. Duns’ favorite song by Futurmama is “Song for Liz,” which is based on a poem the group’s friend Liz gave them.
Duns works full time in admissions at a Philadelphia Quaker school despite his musical passions. Aside from music, Duns said that he also enjoys taking time each day to connect with the people around him.
“One of my favorite passions is getting deep and having honest conversations for at least 90 minutes each day,” he said. “I think we could all use just a little bit more real talk in our lives.”
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