Exposed Vocals Interviews Slictop

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

 

Slictop: I was born in Illinois that’s where my family comes from and where most still reside and when my dad joined the navy we moved around a little bit throughout the state but by the time i was in the 4th grade my parents were divorced and my mom moved to the Hampton Roads Tidewater area in Virginia aka the 757. That’s really where my story begins. I’ve always ha music in my family my mom used to tell me about how my grandma is the cousin to the Staple singers, the group that sang Ill Take You There.She’d say how they would come to family get together’s and sing and all. My dad played guitar ,my mom and grandma were both choir teachers for the church at certain points so music has always been in my family roots. It wasn’t what made me become a artist but when will i put my talent for music to use.And my brothers an I have been doing that since childhood recording on radio cassettes.

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

 

Slictop: Ha that’s kind of a inside joke with my brothers. Slictop was coined by my oldest brother ,who taught me how to write music and always thinks im up to something (being sly,slick). In a certain Guy Richie movie there’s a crime boss name Bricktop and he always had two big bodyguards and my brothers would joke around and say I was him because of my mannerisms and i was always first to initiate a move or activity. So Bricktop became Slictop.

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

 

Slictop: Online music sharing changed the game man. And yeah I don’t mind giving or releasing music for free because I know it could be really beneficial for the creator and consumer or fans in different ways. I know as a fan of certain artist i love when i can get cool tracks for free. Nobody is obligated to buy music.

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?

Slictop: Yeah getting gigs, that can be tough starting out but what i learned is you just have to connect with people , online and in person. Find the scene or people that have your same interest. Goto shows and try to connect as an artist and supporter and talk to people. People like the club manager or artist that just performed or a promoter. Closed mouths dont get fed. And the same goes with airplay but you might have to go online in some situations.

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

 

Slictop: Experiences really or just a creative idea. I might see something happen or be involved and its usually in hindsight. Like dang thats crazy shake my head hah then i might think of a line or two about the situation and build on the subject or what i’m trying to say or explain.

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

 

Slictop: Yeah Slictop.com and wavycoyotez.club thats my crew’s website. I use every platform available its crazy how many there are but when i first starting out online Twitter and Hulkshare were very helpful.

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

 

Slictop: Hmm I’d have to say buy a nice house big enough for me and my family but economical for my pockets haha. Invest in something to keep money flowing and coming back resiually ,  buy something nice for myself,then continue to focus on what i love and that’s music.

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

 

Slictop: Online music sharing ha. Twitter Facebook Instagram submitting to willing websites. There’s multiple ways you can promote your music.

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

 

Slictop: Yes i do have singles out now in stores and on free stream apps and my follow up EP The Sativa 2. You can expect that in the Summer.

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

 

Slictop: Id probably be back in Retail as a sales associate going back to school for Business Administrations. Or trying to start my own business or clothing line. I used to work at the Oceanfront at a beach store printing shirts and selling clothes and all.

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

 

Slictop: As a artist your a business and brand so you have to have your business hours, and that’s how I do it. Certain time when I can I will be committed to the music in full and that could be a full weekend or two days depending on what i have to complete or handle.

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

 

Slictop: A lot of music , like a lot that is for sure ha ha.I’ve been producing for locals and other indie artists and I’ve been planning for a long time and mapping out how i need to move about the music world. I know more and have a little more so now i can a lot more just check up one me with a Google search.