Jazz composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Kamasi Washington is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, and he’s one of the headliners at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival. Patrick McNameeKingWashington: I can't say that I remember exactly when I started playing music, but I do remember what I felt when I started to love playing music. It felt like you've been speaking your whole life, but in a voice that doesn't feel like yours. Asked what advice he has for aspiring artists, Washington emphasizes that music requires balancing two distinct internal pursuits: expressing yourself and mastering the craft. Kamasi Washington is one of this year’s headliners at the Newport Jazz Festival running from July 31 to August 2nd.