Exposed Vocals Interviews Benkasso
| Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Benkasso: I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of ten I picked up a trumpet and played for over ten years. Around 16, I always would tell friends I’d really like to start producing music but I never had the resources. After realizing at 22 in college that teaching kids just wasn’t my passion, I came home and honed in on that passion and decided to start producing. A year later in 2014 I felt like there was a void in rap so I started rapping.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it? Benkasso: I originally used to go by Pikasso beats which I didn’t really feel was original. I always felt “Ben” could be a good simple (easy to remember name) that could stick if I ever decided to be an emcee, so I combined the two & Benkasso is basically the artist & producer altogether. Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why? Benkasso: I think streaming is the most popular form of listening to music today. We are in an age where the CD is becoming the modern day 8 track, and fast. I’ve put out every project I’ve ever released free. Not rushing to an album yet but it’s definitely in my head. 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? Benkasso: Treat every show like there’s 50 thousand people watching, no matter the literal amount. Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process? Benkasso: Whether it’s creating a project or making a song it’s all about the title with me. Once I know the title, it’s easier to create the rest (kind of like a book). It just all flows out mentally from there Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?Benkasso: Benkasso.net My music is available on soundcloud or audiomack Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it? Benkasso: First things first I couldn’t take a year away from music. I think most people agree that staying “on” is harder than getting on so if I catch a big check or a big break it’s time to kick the work up a notch and grind even harder. Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about? Benkasso: I will be releasing Hard as Hell 2 this summer. It will feature production from Myself, the Monsta, and Nard & B.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? Benkasso: Since I’ve been involved with something musically my whole life that’s tough to answer. I love movies so probably something to do with movie editing or directing.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life? Benkasso: My philosophy is always music comes first cause it’s deeper than making songs. It helps my mood, helps me stay positive and gives me something to look forward to every day. I do the 9 to 5 when possible but I understand no job really cares about your dream the way you do.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016? Benkasso: The next level of rap music. |