#OnOurRadar: Meet Ace Henderson
via IG
Hailing from New York but currently residing in Raleigh, NC Ace Henderson is definitely one to watch. Ace is one that wears many hats: as an artist, producer, writer, and engineer he has been able to gain a solid fan base that anticipates his projects.
‘STUDY_ABROAD’ marks the first of four tracks that make up Ace’s forthcoming HOUSEWARMING_EP. Over the next 4 months, Ace will paint a picture to provide listeners with an intimate look into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that have kept him close to home, regardless of where he may be physically.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with him about his recording process, music inspirations, and much more.
Check out the full interview below:
What makes you Rare?
I’m not entirely sure, but I think it has everything to do with me being black lmao.
At what age did you tap into your creative endeavors?
Initially, I wasn’t too keen on speaking to people so, I picked up piano at like age 5 or 6. Since then, it’s been a gradual progression through visual art and other mediums, you know? Didn’t really think of making music until my last week of high school, and even still, I can’t say I was even thinking of it being a real thing for me. It’s been a revealing journey overall.
Who all did you work with on this project in regards to production?
Everything you hear is produced by the duo, FRGN-SPCMN, or my boy Chris. This is the first time I’ve really been able to just use the space and time around me, to be honest with the process. I think that freedom translates pretty well with these next records.
I know you mentioned that this project was inspired by life before responsibilities and having fun through chaos, as an adult, how have you been able to practice self-care?
Oh man, drinking a lot of water and meditating. I moved to the mountains and went back to school for a bit too. My brain doesn’t like to be idle, so I feel like it’s necessary to stay intentional with activity for myself. Staying immersed in this life, as a student, is the best way to take care of yourself — in my opinion.
How did the pandemic affect your recording process?
To be fair, I didn’t do a lot of recording during the pandemic because was my first time in like 2 years outside of the studio. It allowed me some rest so I could execute better. I was still traveling a bunch so I would record in my hotel and listen on the road. That’s my perfect process lol.
What’s your dream collaboration?
Me + money
You recently announced that you’ll be a part of Issa Rae’s writing camp, how did you feel when you received that news & what are you expecting to take away from that experience?
Not too high, not too low. I think I was out at the lake having a beer when I heard. Immediately I was like “damn I gotta get a haircut...” but it’s really an honor to have even been considered in this class of artists though — we don’t get opportunities like this very often and my whole purpose is to enjoy the moment, do good work and pay it forward. From the jump, I admire Issa Rae and her camp acknowledging the communal nature of art and the importance of fellowship and teamwork.
What is your ultimate goal? What’s next for you?
I would very much like a plaque or two for my family house. My folks sacrificed too much to not get one. What’s next is up to God for real — honestly, the journey in itself has been rewarding. It’s allowed me to connect with folks like you and RareRadar. We all linked at an uncertain time during the Panasonic (pandemic) but it’s exactly where we needed to be. That’s all I’m here for.