Your name and aesthetic carry a strong sense of mood how would you describe the themes that define your artistic identity?

I  am known by my stage name online as “Dark Joseph Ravine”. The main  themes that describes my artistic identity would be positive motivation  and self-care. Coming from a background of being bullied and belittled a  lot in my life, I try to use my talents as a way of boosting people who  are also going through a hard time. I want to make people feel like  they are not alone and that everyone struggles in life. 

What influences whether personal, cultural, or artistic have shaped your work the most?

Coming  from a background of bullying, belittlement, and developing depression  because of it have definitely shaped my work the most because I always  wish life can be better for people who struggle and go through hard  things in their lives. I hope my music and everything I have to offer  can make that difference.

How has being a Canadian artist impacted your opportunities, perspectives, or creative direction?

I  lived in Canada all my life so I cannot say that opportunities have  opened up for me, but I will say from my creation direction  and perspective, I always enjoy everything Canada has to offer people.  Specifically in my city, Toronto, I always feel like I am on an  adventure everyday which is a great feeling. One thing I love most about  my country is the multicultural people it has and learning about  everyone’s backgrounds from the countries they came from.

Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to completion?

When  it comes to talent, yes you want to impress people, but from my  perspective, you need to do something for the passion of loving it. Not  because you just want money and fame or are trying to look good. I  learned this the hard when owning a marketing and advertising agency  growing my social media pages through ads and being negatively  criticized for it because it was not like I had any reason to come out  to the public. When I started advertising my content more in a way where  I had a reason to come out like when I released my very first song,  “You are a Hero”, only then I had more positive feedback. That’s when I  learned you always must have a reason for everything you do and not just  seek for undo attention. This was my creative process from concept to  completion.

Many artists struggle with balancing authenticity and audience expectations how do you navigate that in your work?

Am  I ever glad you are bringing this up because yes authenticity is  absolutely important in every industry you are in. If you live the  truth, you will get ahead, if you lie, you will fail. Many celebrities  and influencers pretend to be the best on camera, and are not in real  life. Being the person I am, even though I am about helping others and  promoting positivity and kindness, I can have moments where I can  be negative towards others. I’m the kind of person that is what you see  is what you get, you see everything about me, good and bad. This is how I  stay truthful in my work. I will say this has worked very well for me  in my career.

What project or piece are you most proud of, and what makes it significant to you?

I  am definitely proud that I own my own marketing agency, Focus Five  Group, as well as sing at the same time because this gives me  an advantage to bring myself out to the public instead of depending on  others. Of course, my organic opportunities are limited, but the  fact that I have this freedom is a great feeling and makes me so proud.  It is very significant to me.

Looking ahead, what directions or ideas are you most excited to explore in your future work?

I  am definitely most excited about my songs I will be releasing in the  future and expanding my marketing and advertising agency further. I am  still hoping with everything that ends up finding its way to me that I  continue to be a good person, help others, and make a huge difference  with everything I have to offer.