Peek behind the scenes with Forest Blakk. We'll explore his journey, his music, and his thoughts on in-ear monitors. Fun fact: Forest was actually our very first client 15 years ago, so it only felt right to kick off our artist spotlight series with him!
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I grew up in a really rough and tough environment. More often than not, people like me don’t get to turn into much. I was one of the fortunate ones who found music, or maybe, better yet, music found me. I’d never found much affirmation in life until the time I played a song on a stage in front of a group of strangers. The moment they started clapping and cheering for me was the moment I knew that I wanted nothing else in life.Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
One of the most significant and impactful moments I’ve had on my musical journey was the time I played Red Rocks amphitheater, and at the end of my set, I had a standing ovation from 10,000 people. It was the most surreal venue married to the most surreal moment in my life. I’ve spent a lot of time pinching myself thinking I’ll wake up from this dream!What influences have shaped your style of music?
Songs and emotions! These are the influences that shape my style of music. I’ve always been fascinated with a song that can resonate with you at your core. I’m obsessed with the way you can pair emotions to sound and then have somebody halfway across the planet, who you don’t know, connect with it. At the end of the day, I’m a storyteller in constant search of those who love a good story.If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
I’m pretty obsessed with space in the cosmos… So I imagine if I had to create a soundtrack to any historical event it would be something related to that topic. Maybe the moon landing or landing a rover on Mars.If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
Without any doubt, Woodstock… the original of course. There are so many artists and songs that came from that one particular moment in time that have fundamentally shaped culture. To have seen any of them would’ve been incredible and inspiring!If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I would love the opportunity to collaborate with either Patrick Watson, Labrinth, Sia, or Hans Zimmer. I feel like these four artists in particular, really hit something at the core of my musicality. Though my music is different from theirs, there is a tapestry or fabric to their sound that resonates with mine. I feel like we all share a different corner of the same Muse.What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of fans reach out to tell me that my music has changed or even saved their lives. It’s something that I still don’t fully know how to respond to. What I do know is that it is an honor to even have a single fan. It is an incredibly powerful and sacred experience, knowing that something that you’ve created has touched someone’s life in such an impactful way.What made you choose Plunge Audio IEMs for your performances?
To be completely candid, I choose Plunge Audio because of… Simon! I’ve always believed that it’s less about the product that you’re buying, and more about the person who creates the product that you’re buying. In this case, I find myself incredibly fortunate that both parts of this are amazing. Simon has taken care of my ears since the start of my career. Getting to watch how much he genuinely enjoys seeing YOU have an unmatched audio experience, is like no other. Simply put, Simon cares! I got to be there at the very beginning of Plunge Audio. I got to try the earliest molds and technology that Simon had. And I’m happy to say that that continues right up till today. Plunge audio has traveled with me around the world playing everything from small bars to some of the biggest venues on the planet.
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
The single most important thing about choosing an IEM for my performances is clarity, depth, and warmth. I want to feel like I’m part of the concert and to do that I need to be able to hear and feel everything.What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
The best advice I can give another musician who is considering using IEMs for the first time would be to get their IEMs from Plunge Audio. Out of everything I have in my tool kit for my stage shows, my ears are the most important. Not only that, but I’ve used them to mix and reference tracks while on the road. Your ears are the single most important instrument you have, and anything less than perfection is not good enough.
