How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

“Rob: Been listening to music for as long as I know, Michael Jackson and Elvis were the first, I think that started off the whole frontman thing haha! I’ve been playing with bands since I was 14, 15 years old. Rehearsing with different bands/musicians trying to find that connection, musically and personally. It took a long time but now I’ve got it.”

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

“I made a decisicon when I was young that this is what I want to do, I didn’t want to work 9-5 for the rest of my life and die. I wanted to be onstage, I wanted to make music and I wanted people to come to our shows and enjoy themselves. I’m achieving that one day at a time. Music is very personal to me, it’s what gets me up in the morning and its what sings me to sleep at night. If someone heard Lets Play God’s music and felt just a little of the way I feel about music, I can sleep at night. ”

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

“Thats a good question. Every artist is different aren’t they? I think each band should do what’s best for them, some bands are happy just to make music maybe do a few gigs, some bands think of it as a business. Not every band can be Metallica, but I’ve seen bands on independent labels tour the world.”

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

“Absolutely, through creating/releasing music or even just playing local gigs, even if it is just beer! Seriously though, if a band is looking to have a career in music, making money from it is so important. Working a normal job sometimes just isn’t enough, that’ll pay your bills yeah, but not what your passion calls for. You have to be smart and stand up for what you feel you deserve.”

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Promotion/Getting noticed.

Why:

“Everyones in a band now. Thats a good thing, and bad thing. Theres so much music out there, in the clubs, venues, and the internet. Why should anyone come see my band? That can be a little difficult. Chris, our bass player, he’s excellent at the promotion side of things, especially the internet, I kind of tag along, learning what I can, but I’m more of an old school guy, once I’m on the stage, I’ll give ‘em their moneys worth. ”

Solution:

“Just keep at it, honestly. Use everything that you can at your disposal, Audimated.com, thats free, upload your music there, promote that on Facebook, people will read it, people will listen, you just have to maybe remind them a few times! A lot of young musicians might read this and be horrified haha, it sounds quite negative, and there are a lot of obstacles, but there are many, many more moments where its all worth it!”

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

When you look at say, Pantera, Slipknot, those bands have had number one albums, and they’re as heavy as it gets, that’s really inspiring, its light at the end of the tunnel. Bands like Machine Head, who have just released quality music over the years, and are still going, touring with Metallica, Slayer it can be done!

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

“The industry seems to just want the ‘big hit’ single, not just in pop music, but in metal/rock as well nowadays. I miss the days of when albums were albums y’know? Led Zeppelin, my god, I don’t even watch their videos, anything, I love listening to their albums, start to finish. They made it that way, and thats how it should be listened to.”

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

We’re still trying to break out of the Glasgow scene, but as far as Glasgow goes, I’ve always had the best experiences at Glasgow Cathouse, it’s just a great venue, great atmosphere, and it draws the kind of crowd that, if the audience don’t like you, you’ll know it!

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

Word of mouth is so powerful. You can promote your band relentlessly, but if people come to see you, hear your cd, and they enjoy it, word spreads fast. Fans will happily pay a few pounds to buy your cd, for a ticket to your show, because they enjoy it. You times that by say a 100 capacity venue and thats a good start. Take care of your fans.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

“Can say nothing but thank you!

Our fanbase is growning daily, especially at gigs, we have fans come to every gig, and until they’d seen us, they’d never be seen dead at a Heavy Metal gig haha! People don’t need to be into the heavier side of music to appreciate our sound it seems, and that can only be good for music. So check us out on our radio on Audimated, Facebook, Reverbnation, Youtube, its all there!

Also thanks to Audimated for the interview and the exposure, beers are on us!”

www.youtube.com/letsplaygodband

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

E23: Actually music kind of caught my attention as a child probably about the age of 5, through hearing it on the radio and listening to my parents records. My parents had very eclectic music taste from classic rock to jazz, blues and R&B.

Radio Riot!: For me typical story my uncle was in a band and I used to be around when he played piano and I got hooked through watching him rehearse.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

E23: Well we believe there’s a lot of power in music. We’ve seen its influence both good and bad on so many ppl. U2 came here to Chicago a couple of years ago and the masses of people that came to see one band perform was incredible. When it was over everyone was on a musical high. That speaks volumes of the power in music. We love to see people unite and just have a good time so to be able to create music and the challenge that comes from trying to make a good song is a thrill to us. We are new to creating music we’ve got a looong way to go before we get some respect for our work but hopefully we’ll get there.

Radio Riot!: That’s the condensed answer by the way we can stay on that question for hours.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

Radio Riot!: I think it depends on what the artists are looking for. Record deals are cool in terms of getting promotional tools, getting quicker exposure and let’s not forget the money it takes to make that happen. If u fresh out ya mamma’s house with just a dream and a couple of dolla’s in your pocket a record deal can be very beneficial to you. Being independent usually means you have to take on the MASSIVE task of breaking into the business on your own, if you have the means to take on that task with no help from anyone then independent is always better.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

Radio Riot!: If you want to make a career at it then the obvious answer is money. There are some artists that just make music for a hobby so they might not be to concerned about compensation. We know its difficult in the era of free downloads to make a buck, but it’s only right that people should been given something for their time and effort. Now we can debate on how much they should receive but that’s another topic.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

“E23: PROMOTION WITH LITTLE TO NO MONEY!!!

Why:

Radio Riot!: Yeah getting heard or noticed. Technology has made it so much easier to get heard we can make a track here in Chicago and post it on Audimated and the whole world can hear it, but the down side is there’s millions of others with their hands up saying “hey check me out to”. So its easier for us to be accessible but the trade off is there’s more competition. That’s why a service like Audimated is so valuable to people like us with a non-existing budget, so props to you guys for this service. If we ever make it big we’ll be sure an give something back to you.

Solution:

Radio Riot!: Just to keep at it, E is more so into the social web sites than me he gets the Twitter, Facebook and Audimated accounts. I more old school when it comes to this stuff so I just follow his lead on that one.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

E23: We have so many for time sake I think Riot and I can both agree on any major hip hop producers in the 90′s Teddy Riley, Timbaland who’s under rated by the way look what he did for Justin Timberlake gave him one of the biggest hits of the decade. We both are big fans of Pharrell cause of the passion he has for music. I mean we can tell for him its music 1st any everything else is secondary. Somebody asked Pharrell who he would like to work with he didn’t give the name of a Pop artist he said Carly Simon. Now how many brothers today even heard of Carly Simon.

Radio Riot!: The N.E.R.D. stuff is hot also

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

E23:That they all say independent is better, but thats only after they’ve made millions of dollars worldwide. Once they go independent they don’t have the same hurdles that people without a name would have.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

“E23: I’d rather go with the $50,000 cause isn’t advance just a nicer way to say loan?
Radio Riot!: Yeah I thought I heard the advance money has to be paid back? I think I would go for which ever is the least amount of headache in the end. I got this peeve about debt, I’ve seen some drastic things being done just so people can try and get out of debt so to make a choice that can possibly put you in a situation where you owe, might not be to smart.
E23: Trying to pay back $300,000 with this economy and gas being what it is…
Radio Riot!: But that’s only if we had the choice the reality is a lot of times you don’t have that choice, so let’s be clear if all you got is that advance, take it and just be wise with the decisions made on how you use the money.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

E23: I would like to see the industry focus more on artist longevity instead of 1 or 2 albums and your gone. Also not build so much hype on gimmicks, hot abs, and overall controversy. That’s good for the entertainment aspect but that should take a backseat to the music.
Radio Riot!: Yeah and to E’s point we just saw this thing about Chris Brown and Rihanna thing being brought up again. Come on now those things are distractions that overshadow the art. So what you will get is a new generation of artist who will focus more on getting a career surrounding hype and BS instead of music which takes away from the quality.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

E23: One of the things Riot! and I talk about is how important fans are. With no fans your pretty much making music for your ears only. When I was in H.S. that’s how we heard about a lot of new stuff through word of mouth. We also talk about the consolidation of radio stations across the country and how hard it to get your music heard if your not on the major players playlist, well this is where the fans come in. With their support they can promote you better than the radio stations.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry?

E23: I like my ipod so I might be biased but I haven’t noticed any negatives that they’ve brought to the industry. They’ve definitely changed the game a bit but I can’t say its been negative.

Radio Riot!: I agree the music industry’s problem ain’t Apple somebody was asleep at the wheel and the internet came in a caught the industry off guard and instead of embracing the technology they tried to fight it and it didn’t work. Apple is doing what the music industry should have been doing 15 or 20yrs ago. You got the old guys in suits not being innovative or creative enough to know how to keep their heads above water. E also mentioned the radio consolidation earlier thats got a part in this as well. I can go on for hours about this subject, but no I don’t think Apple has had a negative effect on the industry.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

E23: Our fanbase is just getting established but the ones we have just stay with us we’re still learning and we got a long way to go. Please know that any beats we put out it’s from the heart its not a gimmick, its passion and we really are trying to get better we are our biggest critics. We can’t sing or rap otherwise we’d give you some vocals. Anybody that would like to use our beats please hit us up at Audimated.

Radio Riot!: Let me add if your looking for the same sound that’s on the radio we might not suit you to well. I mean we don’t sound all that innovative but there’s a certain sound to our stuff.

E23: Yeah Sounds 4 Da Masses. Also Thanks again to Audimated for giving us nobody’s a hand in promotion and a voice. Mad Props to Lucas Sommer!!!

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

“From About The Age Of 6, I Started Listening To Music. Among My Early Influences Were A Lot Of My Moms Records. Marvin Gaye And Curtis Mayfield Were Always On Heavy Rotation On Car Journeys, While Artists Like Isaac Hayes, Barry White And Luther Vandross Got Sessioned On The Family Stereo.

Bitten By The Mosquito, I Went On To Get A Drum Machine. A Local Radio Station Allowed Me To Play My Records And My Own Interpretation Of Hip Hop Beats. This Was The First Proper Exposure To Hip-Hop And Proved To Be A Real Influence. The Way The Beats Were Made From Other Samples Grabbed My Attention.

Inspired By These Albums And Pete Rock’s “”Mecca and the Soul Brother / Soul Survivor”", I Went On To Get My First Set Of Decks. Nothing Special By A Long Shot A Couple Of Sketchy Belt Drives With No Height Adjust, Rubbish Pitch Sliders, A Mixer With The Stiffest Fader And Real Thick Carpet Like Slipmats! Finally I Could Manipulate And Contort Sounds To A Degree Although Any Scratching And Beat Making Was Almost Totally Impossible Due To The Platters Being Like See-Saws.”

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

I Love Music So Much, Thats Why I’m Still Producing.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

Both Could Be A Good Idea, So It Depends On How Your Goals Look Like. I’m More On The Independent Way, But I Also Know Artists Who Got Record Deals And They Still Do What They Want To Do.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Right Now, Planing To Go The States And Do My Best For The Red Bull Big Tune Beat-Battles And The Project With Smiffn Wessun.

Why:

We All Need Competition, It’s A Good Way To Learn And Improve Your Skills About Your Equipment And Music.

Solution:

Hard Work Pays Off!

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

Definitely J Dilla, Pete Rock And Marvin Gaye. I Like The Souly Vibe They Have And Had In Their Music That Influenced Me Alot. Thats Why Im Still Digging Records And Trying To Chop Those Old Black Vinyls Into Gold.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

Being Independent Is My Solution, I Still Have My Hands On My Music And No Manager Or Label Boss. And Of Course My Music Is Free And I Can Go In Every Direction, Without Looking To Market I Should Fit In.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

Thanks To All Supporters, Music Lovers And Especially MC Hollow, Brice, Kwoda, Epsilon Project And Smiffn Wessun.

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

When I was 9, a cute Japanese girl lived next door. I used to go over to her house and play quite often. Her father owned what I think was an Atari ST and a crappy Casio keyboard hooked up via MIDI. We used to write ridiculous songs on that set up… I don’t think I ever stopped.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

Music defines me. I’ve never imagined myself not writing and producing.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

It really depends on the artist. I think with the industry having changed so much in the past 10 years, it’s become a whole new playground for indie artists. It’s exciting for us at the same time because with the recent technological advancements, we can finally afford to produce decent quality music on a relatively low budget. The challenge is getting your music out after it’s done…and I feel that audimated will play a critical role to help achieve that for many artists. At the end of the day, it’s all about getting your music out to the fans.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

Fortune and fame is always good, but I don’t think artists are looking for that (maybe it’s just me?). I love making music. All I would like is to be self-sustaining with my music – basically, to be able to cover for costs. If my fans enjoy my work enough to keep me going, I really can’t ask for anything more.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

I think the biggest thing is getting the word out that your music is out there.

Why:

I had zero responses for 2 weeks on my first album: überwunder. When the first sale happened after that, I was overjoyed. The thing is, I spent a lot of time and effort (and resources) to promote my work.

Solution:

I took various approaches, including the obvious like writing to music blogs, leveraging friends, and utilizing social networks. The less obvious methods included asking local video game stores to play my music..and sweet talking a local coffee shop owner to have my work on display in her store.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

BT, Imogen Heap, Trifonic…because of their amazing work and the way they reach out to their fans. It’s all about the connection. It’s very personal and heartfelt.

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

Well, for me it’s like they’ve earned their independence. Good for them..but then, as the artists grow, they’ll probably be starting labels of their own. It’s a cycle.. and a fact of life.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

The latter. Again, it’s about music being part of who I am. I would like to have enough resources and incentives to keep producing new work. A lump sum is good if money is your goal, but compensation for your music that can be put towards future projects sounds perfect.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

I think the industry’s taken it’s medicine and is in the process of getting better, albeit a tiny bit at a time. Good music will always be valued by the listeners. We just need to keep our integrity as artists and produce quality work.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

Pirate radio stations, webcasts, fashion shows.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

The fans’ influence is HUGE. Audimated’s model allows for fans to be influential “prosumers” that can directly impact the indie artist. Some artists will benefit a lot from this…and some won’t. I hope the niche will thrive on Audimated as well.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry?

I feel that Apple is a positive influence because they introduced a highly disruptive model (digital distribution) and was successful with it, changing the opinions of many in the industry.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

“Thanks to all of you, I know my music has a global reach and I am very thankful that so many of you have listened to my work from all over the world. I wish I could speak all your languages to say Thank You!

I’ll always be writing and producing so please check in with me on twitter @uberlab and facebook.

Love & Respect,

~ Leo”

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

All three members of Center Drive began playing music when they were between the ages of 7 and 13. The members were exposed to late sixties/early seventies rock and pop artists like the Monkees, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

The members of Center Drive find music to be a good escape from stresses of everyday life. They also enjoy creating music and the opportunity to perform their original songs for others.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

Artists should do what works best for them.Labels can provide artists exposure that would be difficult for them to achieve on their own but labels can also remove some of the creative control an artist has over their music.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

Artists should be compensated for sales of their songs and for their live performances and for the use of their songs.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Getting exposure to a large enough audience and building a loyal following.

Why:

Commercial radio typically does not play music by unsigned artists and internet music sites are very fragmented and there are too many of them to try to have your music played on all of them.

Solution:

More centralized internet music sites that promote independent artists and better ways of tracking and contacting fans of the artist’s music.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Rolling Stones and others like them who focussed on creating good songs and not how they would be categorized.

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

That artists with an established fan base can make far more money and retain all of their creative control by releasing their music independently. And that major labels are quickly becoming irrelevant.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

50,000/yr. It would be more stable and long term with less pressure to produce an instant hit or be dropped.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

Let the fans decide what they want rather than force feed what the industry thinks they should want. Use technology to expose artists to more people.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

The Vic Theatre, The Elbo Room, The Congress Theatre all in Chicago

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

Fans act as promoters of artists they are passionate about and can expose their friends and acquaintances to them especially through social media sites. They can also act as distributors by selling their favorite artists music through their own web sites as long as the artist is also compensated for the sale of their music.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry

Apple has changed music from an album oriented format back to a singles oriented which is good and bad. Albums were created as one piece of art and intended to be listened to in their entirety. It also allows more independent artists a way to sell their music to a large scale audience which is very positive.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

Thank you for your support. You Rock!

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

I got the idea to do instrumental music from my love of bands like Ratatat, Japandi, Goblin, and so forth. One day i saw Ratatat live at my favorite venue, and i thought, if two guys can put on such an epic show, why can’t I?

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

The love of making the music itself! Also, i want to score films at some point and tour full time, if we can. It’s all about doing what you love, and getting the music out to as many people as possible, screw the money.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

A little of both. Get a good record deal. The shameful thing about the industry is it ended up becoming a business, and it’s now run by business men who hate music. You surely want a savvy business man to be on the monetary end of your band’s music but you want the creative control, the power to manage yourself, or have a manager that’s not on the label’s team, and most importantly a good booking agent. Although if you’re rich, and know people at EMI, or Universal, there’s no need to sign with anyone, start a label, get distro from them, and call it a day.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

With the same love that goes into writing it. People who listen should voice their love for the music, their enjoyment, how it inspires and pleases them. Really to me, shows are the only facet of the band i’m looking to make money off of, and shirts i guess, but that money will go back into making more shirts. With me, this first pressing of our Album we got, i’m spending every penny on more pressings, we’re not selling music, we’re selling the experience of seeing us play it, and having that connection with us at a show. Once we’re at that point where people want pictures with us or signatures on things, i’ll make sure everyone who wants a pic or signature, gets one.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Getting signed. That’s really it.

Why:

It’s a tough world, and people don’t want to hear new and interesting things. (Unless it’s James Blake’s over hyped “dub-pop”) but even that’s not new. When it comes down to making genuinely good music, the label won’t consider the creativity, the merit, the work and skill that went into the songs, they’ll just look at “how well will this sell.”

Solution:

Start your own label. Or just raise your bands worth, through endorsements, placements, reviews, acclaim. Get that shit recognized, and people will recognize. Like Kanye Said, “50 told me go ahead switch the style up, If they hate then let em hate and watch the money pile up.”

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

Ratatat, because they’re label mates with Radiohead, The White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, and yet they’re an indie force of nature. They’ve got a booking agent, and that’s about it. They run their production, their engineering, their music. That’s essentially who i’d like to emulate. Them and Kanye West, who owns his own label and controls every facet of his music and it’s release.

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

That no matter whether it’s Geffen or Epitaph, Weezer sucks. It’s not about your label, it’s about your deal to me. I’ll stick to an unknown indie label for life if we have a good deal and a great booking agent, but conversely i’d also stick to a major for life if they didn’t keep us on the back burner like some of the best acts currently signed to Major Labels, but not in the public eye.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

Oh man, i’ll take 50,000 a year. Why? Why would you ever take an advance?! They’re all recoup-able, and personally I’d never willingly step into a $300,000 debt.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

It can stop signing rehashes of older, and sometimes better music. We don’t need Lady Gaga, we don’t need DeadMau5, we don’t need any more shit that’s been done before. We need exciting new and skillful music. Obviously bands that do it better than their influences are fine and dandy, but no more recreations of things the particular artist happened to listen to when they were kids.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

The ones that don’t suck.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

They buy it! Without them, what good is the distribution. They stop the record from sitting on tons of dusty shelves.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry

iTunes is full of Fascism. Apple however, is what most studios use to record with, and on. Unless your Steve Albini or some other Epic purist like Jack White, and have an all Analog Tape Studio, there’s no getting around needing a Mac Tower with Logic, Reasons, and or Protools.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

Truth, Sam, Saliska and Taisha of course, Diego and The Tillmanator. I apologize for anyone i forgot.

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

Since I can remember I wanted to play guitar. My parents were very supportive and my dad is a big fan of blues and rock so I guess up growing up with him around made me a music fan. Since before high school I already started making music and when I was 16 I decided to form a band. I just wanted to have people around me that were not all about modern and fame. We were all fans of hardcore music and decided to make something similar.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

Everyday inspiration, people, need for change… When I walk it has rhythm; I always have some melody going on in my head. I simply have to make music. It’s a necessity.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

That depends on artist’s goals. At present time being signed by a record company usually turns you into jester so to speak. You need to do whatever crowd wants. Record labels force you to put your pride and personality aside and make music that is like fast food; easy selling ,unhealthy and soon-to-be-forgotten experience. They just want to make money on your hard work and then put you aside before you get to be expensive. But if you just want to make music for money than it’s not bad career.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

I guess best way to compensate for the hard work is to buy the albums and go to concerts. There’s nothing more or less. Artist gives you spiritual guidance of sort. And best way to repay is to make him know he is heard and understood. And what’s better way than honoring him buy getting an album?

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

There are not much opportunities to get heard and until you get your music and your message to some people that don’t know you personally you can’t make a breakthrough. I guess that’s the biggest challenge; to struggle through the see of failures.

Why:

Since nowadays internet is available to everyone, people’s minds are easily getting saturated. Lot of people are trying to get attention be it music or some other kind of entertainment. That makes it real hard for an independent artist to get attention. If you are a regular guy with a band you certainly don’t have enough money to make good marketing on TV or radio.

Solution:

I don’t know if there is a solution to that. Simply people have lost the way in music. Both artists and listeners. Artists just want their 5 minutes of fame no matter what , and people just want something that fits their ‘trip’ at the moment. When I was a kid we used to collect and trade tapes and CDs, listen to music together and just enjoy it. Now people just go to the internet, download discography, find out ‘everything’ about artist on Wikipedia and than talk about it for few days like they are lifelong fans of the band and then they drop it. Somehow it everything has less meaning to this new generations.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

My role models are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and David Gilmour. They are the reason I began playing guitar. And of course we are influenced a lot by Biohazard and SlipKnot. Simply we like the attitude and rhythm Biohazard has and we like madness that SlipKnot created.

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

They have a lot more freedom and they don’t get the pressure that they had while being on a record label.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

I don’t care as long as I get paid enough to keep making music. I guess I would rather like to be paid 50k a year but I just don’t like the fact that I have to sell my music myself. It’s just like going through the street and yelling at people:”I’m good! Come , buy my music!” But it’s better to be independent nowadays.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

I think music industry is doing just fine. Only thing that should be improved is criteria by which they choose what will be put to mainstream. I mean MTV in the last 10 years? Come on! I haven’t heard a single song with something epic or powerful or mellow or anything. They proved that there are lot of people in the world that just listen to whatever is ‘in’. If you ask me I would shoot these people. But good thing that no one asks me.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

It doesn’t matter as long as there are people who want to listen and have a good time.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

Every fan you get is another word spread about your band. So of course I believe fans actually multiply the sales!

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry?

I don’t know. Somehow all that stuff about selling music that way annoys me. On the other hand it keeps the art alive. I can’t make up my mind about it.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans

Prepare for revolution.

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How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

If I had to choose a start I would have to say early in life. I always had a unconditional love for music when I was in 5th grade I wrote out Tupac’s Me Against The World album word for word. I wanted to know it in and out and also be able to study the way a song was made and how to affect the people the way he was affecting me with his lyrics. I didn’t have the confidence to write my own lyrics until my friend Richard brought it up because his older brother rapped so he wanted to start a group. It was Richard and myself and I wrote my first rap to “Only You Remix” by 112 ft. Biggie and Mase and once I seen the reaction I got from my peers I was addicted and it took off from there.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

There are a few things that make me continue to write and record. I would have to say first I do it for me there was a time in my life where all I had to relate to was music because I felt like I had nobody in a physical form. I lost my father in ’96 I was eleven and I had never lost anyone this close so it really hit me hard especially with it being so sudden. Music was literally a savior it gave me something to still have hope for and helped me overcome a pain that I didn’t know I could get through. Fortunately my mother always believed in me from the first time I told her and her encouragement kept me practicing and honing my skills because I ultimately wanted to make her and my father proud and be a reflection of the lessons they instilled in me. I also feel like it is my responsibility to make music with a message that can uplift the people and inspire society. That’s the reason me and my brother Foxx 1 started ILL-NOIS it stands for Intelligent Lyrical Legends Neglecting Oppression and Inspiring Society. We want to enlighten and uplift our communities and eventually our society as a whole. We always planned to reach and influence the masses through the music that we make.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

The question of independent versus the majors I used to think that to stay true to yourself and be rapper you have to go independent because it seemed like the majors were so corrupt. If you were not making trendy music or fitting there mold of a rapper it seemed you were never gonna make it, but the recent success of J Cole makes me think it may be possible to achieve major label success and still make music with a powerful message. The way the game is seeming to go now it looks like you have to start independent and build your brand and following yourself before a label will think about backing you. That can be a big positive because if your doing your music the way you want and that’s what the people are supporting they may have that much more belief in your product and will let you have more creative control. When you look at an artist like Wiz Khalifa he built his brand within himself and gained a following then the labels started backing him. Even if he was already signed a while ago the fact that the label would mimic that strategy of independent to major to push their already signed artist should speak volumes for how effective that strategy is.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

My first compensation comes from the people and their appreciation for my music, but we all obviously want to get paid. While album sales aren’t the best the money from the shows and tours can not only support more than one family, but also provide a more personal relationship with fans and builds a connection that just hearing an album doesn’t give you as a listener.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

One of my first challenges was getting shows. I didn’t know the first thing about how to get myself to be considered for shows. So my first show was in Chicago and I had 5 minutes I was opening up for an artist’s mixtape release party. From there a friend of mine at my job, Luke Bassuener, who performs around the Madison area, got me my next three shows at Cafe Momar and a spot called the Project Lodge. I had three forty-five minute sets and it was an amazing feeling to rock those stages.

Why:

It was difficult because I was unknown and I had no knowledge on how to present myself or my music. I didn’t know how important a cover and artwork is so I was passing out burned CD’s to no avail because they weren’t being presented right. I was sending emails to venues with nothing on my resume, no music distributed that would build a following and fill a venue and no one in the city to back me. I was hoping they would hear the music, like it and give me a show but unfortunately its not that easy.

Solution:

Once I figured out how to put a product together I had the tracks for my mixtape Humble Beginning done and my guy Corey did the cover for me. I went to this meeting they were having here in Madison, WI for the Madison Hip-Hop Awards and gave them all a copy of the CD. I expressed my interest in performing and about a week or so later I got in contact with Shah from Top of the Map Entertainment and he added me on the bill for two of the benefit shows for the awards. From there other artist were contacting me to perform with them on their shows and other promoters started to contact me as well. I ended up making some great relationships and started to surround myself with people with a lot of knowledge about the business and influence in the city.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

There are a lot of artist who influenced me and still play a big part on the way I make music. To name a few Tupac, Nas, Common, KRS-One, Lupe Fiasco, Eminem, Joe Budden, and most recently J Cole. The reason J Cole influences me so heavily is because I feel like his upbringing was similar to mine as far as music goes. I was in the 9th grade writing raps thinking one day I would make it and be respected throughout the world as a great emcee. Writing with a different perception of the environment I grew up in and the things I’ve seen and heard growing up. Listening to his music gives a glimpse of his insight on certain situations you find yourself in as a young black male and he speaks on those things candidly and inspires me to do the same as an artist with a responsibility to society. Tupac is at the top of the list though because he started it all the way he crafted his music and appealed to the masses all the while educating and pushing for a better community. The way Tupac became more of a leader with his music to where he could have really united people for a greater cause all because of music reminds me of the burden of influence when I make mine. I learned from him not to take this gift for granted and also not to limit the potential or the ability of what great music can do.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

I would much rather have $50.000 yearly selling my music independently. First of all, a record deal advance to my understanding you have to payback and it would come with a lot more than money because when you take an advance you become an investment for the label. When you work independently you make less money but you have more control over your music and your image. With independence you put more of your own money into your work but when you sell it you see a bigger piece of the profit. I also believe its more longevity in independence when you have music the people will support they will come to your shows and buy your albums, which in turn won’t shift too much from your origin because you don’t have the pressure to make a certain type of song or follow the latest trend.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

The industry will improve when artists like XV, Kendrick Lamar, Poe Picasso, Blu, and myself amongst others start really taking off and getting some light shined upon us. Then the world can see what we are bringing to the table and have another side of Hip-Hop to see. All of these new artists are bringing something different and unique to the table that we haven’t seen before or in a long time and I think its time for it to come back around to the lyrics. That’s not to say there aren’t artist in the spotlight preserving Hip-Hop because there are a lot of artist in the game influencing me still, but the time has come for something new and fresh to be heard and I feel like the upcoming talent today is filling that gap.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

I’m grateful to have been able to perform at all of them but some of my favorites would be The High Noon out here in Madison, WI, they always show a lot of love and I love the idea of having been on the same stage as some of best local talent as well as the latest nationwide talent. It is also one of the premier spots to perform at in Madison for any genre of music so to be able to rock that stage is always a blessing. Even though they closed down, Cafe Momar will always be one of my favorite spots to perform at simply because my first show there was only me and everyone was rocking with me. It really gave me the confidence to keep pushing and perfecting that aspect of being an entertainer. Another one of my favorites would have to be the one I had in Chicago recently I was part of a Saturday Night Pheature event thrown by local rapper P1. The setting was different because there was no stage and the crowd formed a semi circle and I was in the front of it. I think it provided a closer feel to the artist and a deeper connection to the music because they were able to see the passion in my face as I was pouring my heart into my performance. I think it made some people notice it who otherwise wouldn’t have if they weren’t that close at the show.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

I think the fans, or as I like to call them believers, have the biggest influence on sales because they can eventually be the reason you blow up or make that move to the next level and be international. The more people you can get to believe in you and support your music will show a label that you are a marketable artist and not only do you have good music but you have a product they can sell. As far as distribution word of mouth can be the best form of promotion sometimes. I know that as a listener I like to put my friends on to the latest music especially if its someone I’m really feeling. Sometimes I wouldn’t even like the artist myself but I would put someone I think would feel them on anyway. So you never know the power of having your music spread simply of the few people you may reach on facebook or twitter and then having them share it amongst their own circles.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry

From where I see it any way that an artist can post his music and get some form of compensation is a great thing. The fact that you can not only generate revenue for your music and get something back for the money you put into it, but you can also have a record of how much you sold and who is buying it so you can better define who your market is. I still see how some people see it as a negative because it does rob the average listener of having to go and buy their favorite artist’s CD which in turn puts a lot of the Mom and Pop stores that were supporting local artists as well were being put out of business. While it closed one door for local artist it opened another in which artists can reach the nation even the world with their music and still get paid for their work.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans

I have to first give a lot of love to all of those who believed in me from the start my Mom, my brother Shaun, and everyone in my family. My partner in ILL-NOIS Foxx 1, my guy JR, and my family at Lo Lyfe Productionz Nichi, Young Ali, Vickie Secretz, and all the talent they got over there. Most definitely my Madison family Corey T, Luke, Jasmine, Tiaisha, Erica, Mark da Future, A Prophet, and all my family at Street Fire my Madison family are some of my truest believers. I gotta send a shout-out to MC Starr from The Fall Guys most definitely, he was the first to put me on one of his tracks and he also pointed me in the right direction as far as breaking into the hip-hop scene in Madison. My homie Chaos New Money from Deck Ent., DLO from the group dumate, my guy David Spittel who is making a lot of moves on the promoter side and putting together some quality shows. I have to give a shout-out to Gary Knowledge one of the most influential people out here and I’m grateful to be able to gain as much knowledge from him as I can. To everyone else that believes in me thank you all I truly appreciate it.

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How did you get your start in music?

We started as die hard fans of rock/blues/and of course the king of music Heavy Metal!! We decided to make a band that has a fuse of influences, but keep the back bone Metal.

What makes you continue to make music?

We continue to make music because it’s the only thing that drives us, life is full of routines and tasks that take away from what life should be; which is the freedom to do what you feel you were put here to do. With out music it would be a dull place and it’s the only thing we’ve ever been good at hahaha.

Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?

We think it just depends on the person or band, I know for us we would like to have the backing of a label, but to also have full creative freedom. We can say that we would not sign a record deal if it meant we would lose the core of why we started in the first place.

How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?

We know now it’s pretty difficult to make a good living from CD sales alone. We believe artists should make their money from doing what we love! HITTING THE ROAD AND PLAYING LIVE FOR THE LOVE OF PLAYING! Merchandise is fine in it’s own respect,but most of the revenue should be from live shows.

What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?

Gaining the amount of exposure needed to go viral, we want people to know who we are and what we are about!

Why:

Maybe we just aren’t on the internet enough to know the do’s and don’ts

Solution:

Still banging our heads together to create new ways to spread the word of WOE!

What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician? #2:
Getting more good looking broads to listen to metal!

Why:

If we were fans of Lord of the Rings we’d go to a convention, not dodge trolls at live shows hahaha!

Solution:

Wear more banana hammocks on stage! Woooohooo!

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How did you get your start in music?

I got my start in music when my dad took me to take some piano lessons when I was about 5. I was also in the choir in elementary school, and then I played the trumpet for about 3 years in middle and high school bands. Around these times when i was 15 or so, I started making beats. When I turned 19 I decided to take the production to another level, so I attended Recording Arts Of Canada and earned my sound and music recording diploma, and that’s when my whole life changed!!!

What makes you continue to make music?

The passion and love that I have for music is what truly keeps me striving to make more music. Also, everything in life motivates me to make music, like my experiences, my relationships, my future goals, etc. At the end of the day it’s the love that I have for it that keeps me going, if this isn’t the reason that any producer/artist/musician is doing it, then they’re wasting their time!!

Do you think that artists should stay independent or try to get a record deal?

I honestly think that artists should stay independent, but at the same time, depending on their situation a record deal might just work for them. It really comes down to the artist themselves; everyone is different and has different visions. Overall, I believe that going the independent route is better in the long run, because you get to keep most of the rights and royalties (or all) depending on the deal, and also get to make all the decisions, rather than having a label controls all the musical and financial decisions.

How do you think artists should be compensated for their music?

I think artists should be compensated for their music in many ways. From what I know artists get paid through mechanical royalties, sync royalties, performance royalties, which cover cd sales, ringtones, performances, radio and tv airplay, etc. Nowadays it’s so easy to steal a song off the internet without anybody knowing, so the industry or websites should automatically pay artists and producers for every time a song is downloaded, whether legally or illegally!

What is a challenge you have faced as an independent musician?

One challenge is the promotion, and all the work and time put into it to get a mass audience around the world to know about what you’re doing.

Why:

It’s a challenge because it takes up time and effort to actually promote the music and the movement without a major label’s support behind you.

Solution:

I take this into consideration and know that it takes a team to become successful, so I help out family, friends and artists in return for their time to help promote my music in whatever way. At the same time, I also promote my music on different websites, whenever I can. However, my goal is to one day have a promotion team and a management team to take care of all that, so I can just focus on the creative side of the music.

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