Parlé Magazine recently had the good pleasure of speaking with the former NFL standout…
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this lead single, “7 DAYS” — Tell me about this track; how did it even come to fruition?
LARRENWONG: “7 Days” by Craig David has always been one of my favorite songs. I had an encounter with a lady friend of mine where our interaction went exactly how the hook goes, so it was the perfect inspiration. I replayed the guitar, and got my producer to make the beat. It was a very organic experience.
Parlé Mag: Of course “7 DAYS” comes courtesy of your EP, 4TH & LONG, which is of course a play on your NFL career. Talk to us about the title.
LARRENWONG: 4th & Long represents the next step in my journey as an artist. Football was a huge part of my life, and on this project I am just now revealing this part of my story. 4th and long is also the most critical situation in the game of football. That’s where I feel like I am in my career as an artist. The title was very fitting. And, there are 4 songs on the EP.
LARRENWONG 4th & Long Tracklisting
1. Intro
2. No Idea
3. Out The Frame
4. 7 Days
5. I’m Good Skit
6. Over
Parlé Mag: How then does 4TH & LONG either differ or compare to previous LARRENWONG efforts?
LARRENWONG: 4th & Long is my most collaborative release by far. This is the first project where from beginning to end I was intentional about wanting to put as many great minds on the music as possible. In addition, this project is my first time exposing other musical styles that I have in my tool belt.
Parlé Mag: As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
LARRENWONG: I draw inspiration from my life. I pay special attention to the things that have caught my attention throughout my life, and even til this day I am inspired by the things that jump out to me. Wherever that comes from.
LARRENWONG: My grandfather was a jazz musician by trade. My father is a DJ, and producer as well. I was brought into a musical family. I was exposed to a lot of music influence early. My grandfather used to just leave instruments around my house. And, I began playing the guitar in 6th grade. My father bought me production software in high school, and I’ve been addicted ever since.
Parlé Mag: Growing up in the South Bay; who do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
LARRENWONG: As I was growing up in the Bay Area, my strongest musical influences were the local rap scene, as well as pre-2006 R’n’B. That included Mac Dre, E-40, Iamsu!, P-Lo, Jay Anthony, Dom Kennedy, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Dwele, Anita Baker, Jodeci, to name a few.
Parlé Mag: That said, how do you classify your overall sound ?
LARRENWONG: I would classify my music as Black music first and foremost! But to be “genre” specific at the root of it, I make Blues music.
Parlé Mag: Career-wise, music took a backseat to sports, and you went on to play linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks— Share something personal about your time spent in the National Football League…
LARRENWONG: The NFL was an unforgettable experience. I learned many things, such as what it takes to be a professional at the highest level. I also learned the true reason why athletes and entertainers are rewarded so greatly.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
LARRENWONG: I want people to feel seen when they hear my music. A lot of my writing explores breaking cycles, personal growth, and the struggles that come with change. If someone hears my music and it helps them reflect on their own life—or even just makes them feel like they’re not alone—then I’ve done my job.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
LARRENWONG: If I could work with anyone, I would collaborate with DeVanté Swing. He’s made some of my favorite music, and is an overall alien.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
LARRENWONG: If I were to have my pick, I would want to perform at Madison Square Garden. My lineage from on my father’s side goes back to New York, so to play at such an iconic venue would be a dream.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
LARRENWONG: I have too many to list! I’d like to act in films / shows. I want to walk the runway for different brands. I have a few businesses I want to start. There’s many things.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
LARRENWONG: My biggest career moment would be going on tour with DaniLeigh in 2022. That was my first tour, and first experience seeing the impact my performance can have on people night after night.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
LARRENWONG: I would tell them to come into it with some money, and don’t just invest it into the music, invest in yourself as well.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, LARREN?
LARRENWONG: I’m still fulfilling my post release responsibilities. I have a press run in Atlanta soon to promote 4th & Long. After that, my team and I will be game planning on our next release!
Parlé Mag: Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
LARRENWONG: Many things in our lives that we know and love are only here because an individual believed the vision they had in their minds could be made a reality.
