Interview with singer, songwriter and producer Collin Troy de Larrew AKA Fugitive Moods. Over 20 years ago Collin Troy de Larrew began an incredible musical journey. From humble beginnings, he rose to write and produce multiple albums and tour across 2 continents.
Follow Fugitive Moods @fugitivemoods
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, Patina, Tangential
How did you get started in the business?
Dreaming as a teenager in the 90’s. I had no idea what I was doing, so naturally I started doing it. I thought that music could be my ticket to see the world, and in many ways it turned out that way.
How has this changed your life?
It took everything in one clear direction. All my free energy focused on music from then on. 20 years later I’m still here and even though I’m starting it all over again
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’m not comfortable with the word industry…or career for that matter. I think of those things more as community and lifestyle. Musicians, talent bookers, pr, etc…they’re my music community. The act of doing, performing, recording, creating is my lifestyle.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
sincere familiar stranger
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
No one in particular…I don’t think many of us choose to make music. I feel like music chooses us.
Do you play any instrument?
A bunch, but none very well. On my upcoming self-title album Fugitive Moods I would guess I personally played 10 to 12 instruments across the record.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I’m nervous right now haha. I’ve played thousands of shows and I still feel the nerves…something about that is so exhilarating.
Tell us about your new single “These Walls?”
Well, it’s the debut single as Fugitive Moods. It asks the question what would happen if we could see beyond the walls around us. We all have walls. Literal, emotional, national, metaphorical. The more walls that exist in our lives the more we distinguish differences, the more we distinguish differences the more separate things become, the more separate things become…you can see where I’m going with this. I’m simple asking what if we evaluated what those alls were and thought about seeing things differently. I honestly couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Performing. All the work, all the prep, when it all comes together on stage…that’s always amazing.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The one that really helped me most was The Richest Man In Babylon. The big revelation in that book is the pay yourself first idea…spoiler alert — it basically means save money and don’t spend it lol.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Wow that’s a huge question. Let me think…I would say that the biggest lesson is to accept times of challenge as opportunities for growth. Suffering is inevitable. Change is always painful and uncomfortable, so make sure that that discomfort and hurt manifests in something useful and beautiful.
How would your best friend describe you?
Handsome, charming, funny…did I mention handsome??
What’s next for Fugitive Moods in the last months of 2021?
Well now that “These Walls is out, we’re working on releasing another single before the end of the year and laying the runway for the full album to release early next year. Readers can get an exclusive free 3 song EP and get a sneak peak of more music at fugitivemoods.com
How would you explain your fashion style?
New Mexican High Desert Chic
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is the temporary state of joy that happens from time to time. It’s inevitably balanced by it’s equal and important twin sadness. I don’t personally strive to be happy (or sad for that matter) I work on allowing those feelings to exist as they are and enjoying the happiness while it lasts.
Best advice ever given?
Best advice I’ve ever given!? — Don’t listen to advice from me haha
Do you support any charity?
Definitely. I support many different charities and good causes in New Mexico. I’ve worked in and around non profits for years with music and otherwise.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I tend to take a long time to produce albums, so I expect I’ll be coming back here releasing the follow up to this one haha.
Where we can follow you?
The website fugitivemoods.com is best, but you can find me on the socials @fugitivemoods.
Book: Bless me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
Quote: “The tragic consequences of life can be overcome by the magical strength of the human heart.”
Photo Credit: Clark Conde
