Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Pascal Bokar of Afro Blue Grazz Band

August 11, 2020

Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Pascal Bokar of Afro Blue Grazz Band

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Pascal! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?
Pascal Bokar: It is both a mindset and being able to join networks of artists and people who can help you and give you guidance along the way.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is not an option?
PB: Take this time to practice and work on your craft.

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
PB: There is always a balance, but as long as you enjoy being out there and it is financially rewarding, you should do it.

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on

expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
PB: Absolutely, you always have to give your fan base what the fans expect and want and then throw in a little something new once in a while just for good measure.

CV: Do you find music, particularly your own music, as a means of relaxation? Does it have a calming effect on you? If not, where are you able to find peace when you need it?
PB: I try not to overly psycho analyze that kind of stuff. I prefer to let the creative progress do its thing. Creativity comes and goes just like the tide of the ocean.

CV: For you, is songwriting a matter of lyrics first or melody first? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
PB: It really varies. No rule, sometimes words first and other times melodies. But you have to keep doing it…that's how you get lucky.

CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...something that both the artist and listener can share?
PB: The delivery. How you express the song.

CV: With venues closed, artists and bands ordered to stay put and live shows and tours canceled world-wide due to COVID-19, do you feel the music industry as a whole will rebound? Does it have what it takes to rebuild itself and will that rebuilding process rely heavily on the fans championing its comeback?
PB: We'll be back. Music is life.

CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?
PB: Success is relative. It can never be the goal. The goal is to get your music to sound like what you hear in your head. If you can achieve that, you are there. Your success depends on the team that surrounds you, and their commitment to your craft and their belief in you.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?
PB: Right now we’re setting up next year's tour. I’m confident the band will be on fire. We can’t wait to be back on stage and meeting new fans and seeing familiar faces, too.

CV: Thank you again Pascal for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
PB: Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity and thank you for shining the light on all music genres and artists.

Check out Afro Blue Grazz Band at:
Official: https://afrobluegrazzpascalbokar.com/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.