Exposed Vocals Interviews YAdontPLay

My name is YAdontPLay. Im from Memphis TN. and i’ve been songwriting since i was 10. I used to just sing but somewhere in between my transition from Junior high to High school i shifted into another state of talent. Hence the singing and rapping i do now. Growing up i pretty much listened to everything. From rock, to hip hop, to jazz, to blues, to funk.Anything you could name i had heard alot of it once before. I believe that’s why i have such a love for music in general. Plus, its never hard to just rock out to some 3 days grace or some Plain white T’s.I make my music to open everyone’s mind to the possibilities of life. Peace, Love and Happiness.With this shift in consciousness its important to push peace, love and happiness to eachother to move forward. This music is a gateway to that. So imma keep grooving till we all lovin each other.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

YAdontPLay: I grew up in Memphis. When I was 10 i performed in my school’s talent show and killed it. Every girl in the crowd was screaming and i was smiling from cheek to cheek. I won first place and from that point on i started song writing. I listened to a lot of genres of music growing up. The first taste of rap i listened to was Kendrick Lamar with Overly Dedicated. That pushed me more into the real of rap. On through high school i gained to skill of producing, only because i really wanted to do that too so i put a lot of time and effort into making the best beats possible. My homies critiqued to hell outta me. I got better over time and now im here. I feel blessed.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

YAdontPLay: Well, im an Aries. I believe that the ram represents being hard headed and having the stubbornness to chase your dreams and do what you want. YA stands for Young Aries. the don’t play part has a lot to do with my work ethic. I try my best to do my best with everything i do. I believe in the motto Work Hard and You Ascend Higher. The phrase WHAYAH means that. i scream it at the top of my lungs every now and again in my music.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

YAdontPLay: Its a new age my friend. The underground is getting stronger by the minute. All my music is free, and i have an intent of it staying that way. I just want the people to get the message, and groove to that. Fame and fortune are things that make us complacent. Its always good to help  save money too. I believe in that foreal.

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?

YAdontPLay: I say put your best foot forward and make the best music possible. Once people see you and hear you and talk to you and receive your personality they’ll either hate you or love you. If your music’s good they’ll definitely love you.  Your next job is to BE YOU! at ALL times! Don’t put on a show for these folks out here. Let the music be your show.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

YAdontPLay: i really just sit and analyze the way the music makes me feel. Vibrations are huge in the factor of how i’m gonna put my voice down. Once i get my vibe, i’m in the zone. My pen wont stop moving till i reach the end. Most of the time i let life throw itself at me and that gives me inspiration.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

YAdontPLay: I’m on soundcloud, youtube, and reverbnation. You can also download my first project College Days: Back to Myself on DatPiff.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

YAdontPLay:I’d go to Japan for 2 months, meet Masashi Kishimoto. Then go to Jamaica.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

YAdontPLay: Usually just releasing it and promoting it on my social media outlets like instagram, twitter and facebook. This has been the best thing for me so far. I get more and more people to groove wit me everyday.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

YAdontPLay: In April, im bringing my Galaxy over. PSG28. Its gonna be groovy, wavy, insightful. And full of soul.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

YAdontPLay: Probably dead. Music saved my life. Went through a lot of shit as a kid. But the lord gave me something to fool around with and i fell in love with it.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

YAdontPLay: Bro when i tell you being an artist and being in college is hard. I missed two midterms to perform in the GET Money Stop Hatin tour in Austin TX. I don’t regret it though at all. The people loved me there and i loved it there too.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

YAdontPLay: A new groove made to keep us up. Its a lot of indie artist coming. Stay tuned. I’m not the only kid doin it for my c