The Consciousness of Wes Felton
“The artist’s role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely”, words by the great Amiri Baraka that we couldn’t help but think of while in the company of the multi-talented artist, Wes Felton. Consistently producing work like the recently released video “Malcolm Littles”, Wes Felton doesn’t disappoint with messages that push listeners to think.
With lyrics like, “say things with meaning, instead of flip-flopping with the seasons. I’m standing behind something that I believe in and that’s Hip Hop”, Washington DC native, Wes Felton, has proven his ability to be a true artist time and time again. And, recent album releases, “The Year of Return” and “Songs from My Antithesis Vault” are among the various talents that Wes Felton has shared with the world. He illustrates that the role of artist is something that he doesn’t take lightly. September Set was honored to have an opportunity to sit and chat with not only Wes Felton, the vocalist, painter, MC and actor, but ultimately Wes Felton, the father, teacher and friend.
Upon his arrival to a table in the dimly lit popular DC venue, one would not be aware of his credits that include well over 10 album releases, major music collaborations, prestigious Carnegie Mellon University training or his work with notable institutions like the Kennedy Center and Ford’s theater. His language was that of a single father concerned about his teenage son who lost track of time playing basketball in the park. It’s apparent that Wes values living a life rooted in a truth, which ultimately births an air of respect in whomever comes into contact with him.
Influenced by the essence of his father (a jazz musician), he aims to share his truth and teach along the way. Collaboration and transparency are two vehicles that Wes values on his journey. Growing up, Wes saw how his father collaborated with other artists, which influenced him to do the same. “Collaboration is an easy thing for me because I don’t have that ego to get in the way.” Thus, you can often find Wes working on stage with artists like Raheem DeVaughn in projects like “The CrossRhodes” or on film with a star-filled cast like recent release “Love Dot Com” where he found himself illustrating his method acting. Ultimately, he’s fulfilling his goal of being an example of the diversity that Black men encompass.
In addition, transparency is something that Wes doesn’t shy away from either. In fact, transparency is essential in the journey Wes’ chose being a father and wanting to control his narrative. He candidly shares how he, “always tries to be transparent to earn the respect of his son.” As a result, he unapologetically talks about the impact to his career being illustrated in a longer journey. “When you’re an artist that creates in a non-conventional/popular way, what you produce will catch on about 10 years later,” says Wes as he talks about choosing the long route.
We must applaud Wes not only for doing his best to juggle his job as a father and an artist, but, also for his comfort in taking the road less traveled and sharing his truth. Wes is gifted in his journey filled with art that taps into it all (culture, love, life, and politics), which he finds to be a form of self-care due to the outlet that it provides him. We thank Wes for sharing his truth. May he continue to inspire throughout his journey and raise the consciousness of many throughout the world.
To stay tuned in for upcoming events and performances by Wes Felton, check out the following:
Website: https://wesfelton.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @wesfeltondc
