Exposed Vocals Interviews Kold-Blooded
An avid music collector, his influences and styles range across multiple genres, but he has an affinity for Midwest and Dirty South music.
Because of this, some have compared him to his obvious influences: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, E-40, Twista, and in more recent years in some cases Eminem or Yelawolf.Recording music independently since 14 years old, Kold-Blooded has over 15 mix tapes of material floating around in either Cassette, CD, or MP3 form, before finally landing and starting over on Soundcloud.com‘s streaming service in 2011.
This year, Kold-Blooded has recently been making some noise along with the other members of legendary producer JGRXXN’s “SCHEMAPOSSE” collective, who have already dropped 9 well received mix tapes, with more videos and shows on the way.
He is also a member of BAZZ MAFIA, an independent music team, created by Mr. Sisco and Buddah Jones, two brothers from Detroit (one also a member of SCHEMAPOSSE), who have produced for several of the old and new artist rising in the underground scene.
Last July, he released his latest effort entitled: “TSUKUYOMI”, a concept album, based on a character from the anime “Naruto” and the Japanese Shinto God of the moon, is an 11-song “soundtrack” of sorts, featuring some collaborations and production from some of the more recent and well known names in the underground, accompanied by a slew of cover art provided by his own wife.
His latest single “Nothin’ 2 Lose” features legendary rapper Layzie Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Exposed Vocals:
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Kold-Blooded:
I was born in Irvine, CA, was raised in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sherman Oaks and North Hollywood areas, and spent the rest of my life in Las Vegas. My parents were involved in Rock music (my Father played guitar) and my Grandparents were into Country. I first heard Hip Hop and Rap when I was about 5 or 6 from my neighbors older brother. It was a tape from N.W.A.. I was hooked. It was so different from what I was used to, I instantly stopped asking for toys and kept asking for blank tapes and a stereo so I could record songs off the radio. By age 11 it became a goal of mine to be able to become like my influences, and express my thoughts and opinions over hard hitting beats, while at the same time delivering simple or complex rhyme patterns, which are either random, literal, fictional, conceptual, or may even contain subliminal messages.
Exposed Vocals:
How did you come up with the name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Kold-Blooded:
it has a few meanings actually. I didn’t have many “white” friends growing up, so when I began to show friends and other kids at school that I rapped, several reactions resulted in the statement “he’s cold” or “that’s the coldest white boy I ever heard rap” or something along those lines. Ironically, during my teenage years, it took on a second meaning. Its my reflection of how everyone treats me. At the time I felt lonely, alone, rejected and excluded, and eventually took it on as my alias. I have spelled it with a “K” and a “-” (hyphen) since 8th grade in order to separate my name from any imposters.
Exposed Vocals:
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Kold-Blooded:
I owe everything to online sharing. It helped me make money when I was broke. Its helped me discover my favorite artists previously unreleased or early works. I’ve built several lifelong friendships and associates online due to music, and Yes all of my music is free.
Exposed Vocals:
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Kold-Blooded:
Research and Networking. Conversation goes a long way. You have to build strong relationships with people who have the same goals as yourself, who are willing to discuss ideas, and stay focused during the hard times. Bit I’m just speaking from the small experience I do have, I’m still learning everyday.
Exposed Vocals:
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Kold-Blooded:
I smoke a lot of fuckin weed. If not, my mind is running at mach speed. I have a really good memory which is like an overflowing book with pages falling out of it. Its filled with notes, lists, lyrics, rhymes, memories and experiences. When I write, I prefer to be in a state of meditation and deep focus and or isolation. But it depends on my mood and the concept of the song. I also tend to not listen to any rap for short periods of time before working on my own stuff.
Exposed Vocals:
Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Kold-Blooded:
Everything is pretty much on Soundcloud.com, BandCamp and YouTube.
Just lookup: Kold-Blooded, JGRXXN, or ThePhonkShop.
Soundcloud.com/
Exposed Vocals:
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Kold-Blooded:
Id move to Japan and take language classes. I would buy my wife a place so she wouldn’t have to worry about rent anymore. I’d pay back all my debts and/or anybody who’s ever helped me in times of need. A huge chunk of it would be to make sure that SCHEMAPOSSE and Bazz Mafia have everything we need to keep pushing this movement. The rest I would use for weed investments and/or to support other artists/producers.
Exposed Vocals:
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Kold-Blooded:
Just release it and share it. The rest is up to the fans IMO. Forcing people to listen never works.
Exposed Vocals:
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Kold-Blooded:
I actually have a lot on my plate rn. I have a solo EP on the way called “6 Reasons”, I have a mixtape called “FaceKloud” which is a small continuation of my last tape “Tsukuyomi”, but its also like a compilation featuring several artists I’ve met on “Face”book and Sound”cloud”. I have a project called “Sin City Schema” which is a tape that will be added to all year featuring SchemaPosse artists and production. Also be on the lookout for new projects from SchemaPosse and a Bazz Mafia tape later this year.
Exposed Vocals:
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Kold-Blooded:
I’d probably still be a writer, or something involved in video gaming or computers.
Exposed Vocals:
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Kold-Blooded:
Sacrifice. You have to make time to do what you want to do. Everything else is just excuses. Shit happens, not everything goes according to plan. Never get comfortable.
Exposed Vocals:
What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Kold-Blooded:
more music, more videos and more shows. You can currently catch me performing in select cities along side my brothers JGRXXN and SCHEMAPOSSE. Were planning a summer tour as well.
A huge S/O goes to everyone online who’s ever worked with me. I look forward to proving the haters wrong. There’s enough out here for everyone.