When Heath240 dropped out of film school after a year, he couldn’t stand to watch movies for years after he left school. Fast forward to today, he is gearing up to release his single “Old News” on September 16 along with a self-directed visual. We recently had the opportunity to talk with him about why he dropped out of school, transitioning from movies to music and the inspiration behind “Old News”. Check out the interview below:

Introduce Yourself

Hey, I'm Heath240, the self-proclaimed Film School Drop Out turned musician.

You studied film your first year of school and “fell out of love with the craft”. What do you think contributed to you growing tired of the subject?

I honestly fell out of love with cinema because of the structure my schooling brought. I don't want to shit on the institution, but the College starts with an E and is in Boston (If you know, you know, haha), but many of the kids didn't even know [how] to work a camera. So I was confused about how they were even accepted, and I would think you had to have some film background to get in. The people were pretentious, and I didn't feel like I was learning anything I couldn't have taught myself. So, I felt like leaving would be my best bet.

How has your film background affected how you conceptualize and create your visuals?

It's taken time to understand the skillset from my past life is a significant help to my music career. I view my music videos as a way to create a world for myself. I've been releasing a trilogy of slasher-film-inspired music videos that follow the redemption arch of a pizza boy! Having a background in film helps me push for more ambitious visuals.

What caused you to transition from movies to music?

I liked the freedom of creativity when I made music; I felt creating film was very restricting at times. Music feels more of an expression as an individual while creating movies is more of an exercise of your ideas. I wanted to connect to people, and music seems the most impactful way to do so!

You credit artists such as Kanye, Tyler the Creator and Pharrell for influencing your music. What qualities do they have that you find inspiring?

I love that Kanye, Tyler, and Pharrell legitimately do anything they want. They're not just one-dimensional musicians; they make beats, create clothes, conceptualize their videos, and run successful businesses. That's the time I see myself on; I've already been producing some of my records, creating my music videos/directing them, and working on creating a creative agency to help smaller artists.

Congratulations on your latest single “Old News”. What was the inspiration behind the record?

The inspiration for “Old News” is my current girlfriend friend-zoning me, haha. When I started talking to her, I liked her a lot, but I was unsure about her feelings toward me. So I ended up not making my move and missing my opportunity. However, it's better late than never, and I shot my shot! Now I’m in a beautiful relationship with my best friend. It's a cool relationship to be in because it’s based off a solid friendship.

Tell us about the meaning of the title of your EP “I Love Watering Dead Flowers”.

The idea behind "I Love Watering Dead Flowers" is that I often find myself trying to put time and energy into dead relationships, watering dead flowers. I've found myself doing that with past partners, business relationships, and friendships. Me creating this EP is highlighting this tendency I have and has allowed me to move past it. It was a cathartic project for me to make!

What can fans expect from you next?

Fans can expect "I Love Watering Dead Flowers" by the end of the year, the third installment of the Bunny Killer Saga and a lot more music is on the way! So keep an eye out; there is a lot in the works these next months, and this is only the beginning!

Watch his latest video entitled “Old News” below:

Meet Film School Dropout Turned Musician, Heath240