Felicity Interview
INTERVIEW: RASHID WILLIAMS (drummer of FELICITY)
When did you decide that a career in music was for you?
I decided a career in music was for me very early. Around 12 years old.
Who are your musical inspirations and why?
Phil Collins, Avenged Sevenfold, James Brown, Prince, and so many more.
Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?
1- In high school I was on the bowling team and considered trying to go pro. 2- I love cooking as much as I love playing drums.
3- I recently discovered that I love hiking.
What song of yours best describes you and why?
Lol- “God Mode” because this is my state of mind when Felicity is taking the stage. It’s God Mode or Go Home!
What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?
Best gig so far… Troubadour with Felicity opening for The Used. That show was the coolest because it was the beginning of the spaceship taking off. I knew in that moment that life was changing and joining Felicity was one of my best decisions.
If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?
The Sphere in Vegas because that fully immersive experience would make me feel like I’m being entertained while entertaining the crowd.
What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?
Best achievement- 2018 Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hip Hop/Funk Drummer of the Year. Future achievement- Accepting multiple Grammys with My Felicity brothers!!!!
Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?
What happens backstage, stays backstage!! Lol
What do you like best about being a musician and why?
I like the freedom to express myself the most, mainly because music is truly universal. This is one of the only industries where freedom of self expression is completely welcomed.
If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?
Sightseeing around the world.
What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it?
OutKast for sure. I got to see their last tour and have always loved their music, so that was a bucket list moment seeing them live.
What would your ideal festival line up be and why?
Outkast, Avenged Sevenfold, Bon Iver, Kendrick Lamar and Felicity (of course). Because I’d get to hear and perform with my favorites!
What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Best Advice- “When you stop loving it, quit!”
What things make you happy and what things annoy you?
Seeing others happy is what truly makes me happy. I’m annoyed by negativity of any form.
What things do you like to do when you are away from music?
REST and spend a time with family and friends.
Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?
Yes and No- I think it’s great to be able to gain more fans and expose more music lovers to our music but it can also give a false idea of reality. I also want the fans to come get to know the Real Felicity Live!
How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?
I think it’s very important but I also feel that your look should reflect the most honest version of yourself.
Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?
I have a few but my current favorite simply says “Freedom, Peace, Love”. It’s a reminder of what’s important. FELICITY tattoo loading…
If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?
Lol- For one day I’d shut down every government/political office. The people need a break.
What would your ideal day consist of?
Great food, great music, A packed arena of Felicity fans and unlimited Hennessy Lol.
If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?
One Thing I’d say-“Music is healing.”
How would you answer the question Who are Felicity and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?
Felicity is a group of guys whose common ground is the love of music. We believe not only in the band as a whole but we also believe in each other! We want our fans to feel our love for the craft and our passion in our music.
What was the first record or song you purchased and why?
Alien Ant Farm because I heard their MJ remake and had to have it lol.
What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?Only do it if you truly love it.
If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why? Phil Collins for sure! Even though he’s not fully doing music, I still think his musical perspective is invaluable.
If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?
“We Will Rock You” by Queen Lol. Everybody knows that song and it’s timeless.
What things make you uncomfortable?
Not much lol… but if I had to pick something I’d say… People who say they don’t listen to music. Yeah that’s weird.
If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?
I would probably talk mostly about my perspective on living in the current world. I feel like perspective is what we don’t talk about enough, so I would use a book opportunity to give mine.
What has the rest of the year got in store for you?
The rest of this year… Releasing more amazing Felicity songs for the music lovers and more touring!!!