Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
DJ Fern: I was told about Exposed Vocals by a few fans on twitter. I chose to check it out and from all I have read and seen I would refer anyone to sign up.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
DJ Fern: I was born in Puerto Rico on April 3rd but raised out in Jersey City N.J since August 1986 by my mother along side my 2 other brothers. As far back as I can remember I’ve always had a love for music. While growing up I was always fascinated by all types of music and tried to emulate some artist such as Michael Jackson, and moving to the sounds of Rob Bases classic hit “IT TAKES TWO”. In the mid 90s, I was finally able to experiment with music using my friends Gemini 12 second sampler and a tape deck plus MTV music generator game that I used with my Play Station. Later on I teamed up with A local group called at the time “Disciples of Sounds” where they taught me how to use sound modules, samplers, turn tables, reel to reel, vocoders, etc. from their home based recording studio. As time progressed my skills grew but life at times can give you obstacles that I couldn’t surpass. After losing my father in 2010, I went threw some emotional times and to this day at times I still shed a tear for a man I miss and love so much. But I’ve chosen to continue on my love of music by bringing the world a fresh new sound and the hopes that I can create for all music enjoyment that will stay with everyone forever.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
DJ Fern: Well actually the name I used “FERN” is short for “Fernando” cause growing up seemed like everyone had a hard time to say my real name “Ferdinand” and since growing up their was always a Fernando around and they where all called or named “Nando” everyone always called me FERN for short and as a joke I always said it meant “Fantastic Erotic Romantic Never-ending!”
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
DJ Fern: Music is something that should be shared with the world cause it’s a form of art and should never be held back from the world to see what was created by listening and being transported to another level. I always give music away, but at times I do charge not much but just enough to try to get funds to continue to create my art and be able to share with the world.
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?
DJ Fern: My advice to all is go out there and just do it. Seriously just do it! You are your own worst critic and if you keep always blaming others or making excuses for your current situation at the end of it all, the only reason why you are where you are is cause you chose and let yourself to be their. Don’t have money for promotions, Facebook is free so is Twitter, Myspace, Exposed Vocals, Instagram, etc… I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you truly want to do anything in this world and you love it, then their shouldn’t be any reason bigger then your dream and always know that its never to late to start living your dream.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
LOL, Who doesn’t? Mistakes happen to all of us, its part of life what you do when it occurs is what separates you from the rest, never let a mistake stop a performance this is why practicing your craft every day even if for an hour helps with those “Happy Little Accidents” like “Bob Ross” used to always say on his art show that I grew up watching as a child on PBS.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
DJ Fern: I haven’t toured as of yet but when I do ill keep you guys posted.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
DJ Fern: My inspiration comes from everyday life incidents; I take all the negative parts of my day and use it to create a story infused with the happiest moments of that same day.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
DJ Fern: As of right now I’m using Reverbnation.com/djfernnj to share my music but it can also be found on itunes, google play, rhapsody, all over the internet actually along with mixtapes over at coast2coastmixtapedjs.com.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
DJ Fern: Hmmm… guess my kids nursery rhyme songs that I have that at times in my car I hook up my ipod and blast their songs, sometimes I even forget that songs are on and drive playing those songs without them lol.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
DJ Fern: Half a million? Are you offering? Lol well I would definitely invest most of it on real estate so that I could have residual income and be able to create in one of those properties a full size studio so that I could work on music always and never have to worry bout financing any project I might half. And a year off? I wish, I would spend more time mastering every aspect of my craft by going to networking events and finding a mentor so that I may learn even more and become even greater contributor to the art of music creation.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
DJ Fern: My goal is to own my own studio so I don’t have to pay to used it when ever I need to mix my trax or used another sound module. As of right now I’m currently using Qx49 controller, macbook pro 15 inch, Ipad, Ableton live, Fl Studio, Cubase and izotone.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
DJ Fern: I was using Facebook adds, Tweets and instagram along side reverbnation promo packages and plus also email blasts. Nothing compares to the power of social networking, face to face marketing is great specially in NYC but with such a low budget rather online for now until I can go back to street promotion.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
DJ Fern: Seriously.. Wow so many people id love to perform with since I love music so much. I guess top of my head would love to perform with Mindful Innovations. He has a great style with trance music.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
DJ Fern: Well I’m planning on releasing an album later on this year, is behind schedule due to my old team I had. Now I’ve met new people with the same goals as mine that is to create an unforgettable music experience that will last a lifetime. I’m also hoping to collaborate on someone’s project, cause I’m always looking to expand my horizon and skills.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
DJ Fern: If I wasn’t making music I would be doing some type of art whether digital or traditional since I love art and all aspects of it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
DJ Fern: My first album I ever bought, believe it or not was Biggies first album. I bought 4 of them 2 to scratch with and 2 as back up. Fell in love with the beats on that album.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
DJ Fern: Its hard actually, but I’ve found that sleeping 5 hours instead of 7 is ok. I can always take a nap during the day so makes up at least an hour so I get my 6 daily hours but I make sure I work on music at least 1 hour a day no matter what. Even if its researching something no less then 1 hour a day but on my days off.. I usually work on music the entire day. Working on music is what keeps me sane its therapeutic.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
DJ Fern: More music, Shows, website and even better music experience!
