Exposed Vocals Interviews Donzell of Y.S.O.S ENT
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Donzell: I was born in Hawthorne California and moved to Las Vegas at a very young age. Since the day I was born I’ve always been surrounded by music somewhat forcing it upon me and making me mentally want to do it for a living. Growing up I was always rapping whatever song came on the radio word for word never missing a beat. My parents use to look back in the seat and just sit and wonder how I was doing it at such a young age. Then in middle school there was this huge poetry project that I had to do in English class that gave me the push and motivation I needed to go and chase my dream. Finally, in high school I began writing music and filling up composition notebooks left and right taking me about 2 months to fill an entire composition filled with lyrics that I wrote. So after graduation I knew that’s what my calling was and it was it,e to start learning how to make money off of it.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Donzell: I decided to use my a regular name as my artist name due to the fact that so many people make music under a name that doesn’t really exist. Sort of hard to explain. But I chose my regular name because throughout everything I’ve accomplished with my music it was all done by me. And I feel it’s more personal and real when you don’t have a stage name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Donzell: Online music sharing has really changed the game in a lot of ways when it comes to the music industry and music in general. I feel it’s a great tool that every artist should use because unlike the old days when you had to try and get on the radio or try and get your demos too major label companies now you can post it straight to the web and own 100% of the rights to the work you have created if you buy the exclusive price from whatever producer you go to for beats. I have my music on YouTube under YouTube.com/ysos96 so I’m not sure if that’s considered giving it away for free but I give people the option to buy it. I don’t force them to buy it. That’s how you find out who your real fans are and who really appreciates what you do.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local sbands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Donzell: First tip would definitely be don’t get discouraged no matter what happens or what people say when it comes to creating music some will never understand how much really goes into it. So no matter what if one person or if a million people say they don’t like your music keep making more and creating your own sound. I haven’t currently played at any gigs but there is a lot of free radio stations you can submit your music too that people don’t realize is out there. And last but not least my tip to everyone would be do not sign to anyone until you have read the complete details on what your singing for. You must do your research for any company or anyone offering you a deal.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Donzell: All of my inspiration comes from within. It’s almost like a spiritual feeling when I write because I feel closer to my past self and future self. Usually when I write the night before I meditate then wake up drink some coffee and let the creativity flow from within. Sometimes I like to write in the closet as I’m recording and just go from there. But usually nine times out of 10 I have my full song written before I even step into the closet to record because I honestly can say I write music 40% of my day even when I have work I make time to write by working harder and finishing so I have extra time.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Donzell: At the moment I currently do not have a band website but a very good friend of mine Olliver Carrington is working on one right now. He has his own music blog called Mind Drip where my music is featured along with other artist. You can check it out at MindDrip.com it’s very professional and easy to navigate through for all the latest music that is released and some old school as well. I use a lot of the online platforms for instance: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Snachat.
Facebook.com/ysos96
Twitter.com/VoiceOfZell
YouTube.com/ysos96
Snapchat:Zell96
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Donzell: If I had half a million dollars and a year off I’d probably make half a million more dollars and never have to work again. First things first definitely giving my parents half of it. The other half would be used to promote my music and buy a new car and my first apartment then I’d pay the rent for 3 years and make as much music as I can to add to my catalog on iTunes. And whatever is left I’d just put it in my savings account and have a back up emergency fund for whatever may pop up through the years.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Donzell: I found a few ways to promote my music through websites and through my social media accounts. Since majority of my followers and fan base are my friends right now and people I’ve grown up with its easier to use my social media sites for all of my promotion.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Donzell: I’m currently waiting for the confirmation for my Debut EP titled Y.S.O.S. On iTunes, Spotify, Google Play & Amazon Music. It has 6 songs on it and my song boss moves will be on there as well which is already out in iTunes stores now.
Boss Moves – Single by Donzell
https://itun.es/us/w0Qucb
The other 5 songs on the EP were all written by me but the producers on there are: ShadGotBeatz, Saavane & Canis Major.
But the Y.S.O.S. EP will be out soon make sure you go buy it when it is released. Follow me on Twitter for the release. Twitter.com/VoiceOfZell
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Donzell: If I weren’t making music I honestly don’t know what I would be doing with my life. That’s the best answer I can give you.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Donzell: Juggling the rest of my responsibilities are fairly easy because I record mix and master 90% of my work from home. So when I get off work I go straight to recording or writing my next song or working on my next project. Which is currently My first Album
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Donzell: Fans should look forward to my first album being recorded, mixed, mastered, and written all by me in 2016. Only thing I won’t be creating on my first album will be the beats. But my beat selection process will be based off of Saavane’s catalog. So make sure you follow me on all social media sites that you have to stay updated. And there will be a lot of music videos coming out soon.