Exposed Vocals Interviews 501MAXX
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
501MAXX: I was born in Jacksonville, Ar and as a toddler up until 7 I had lived in Forrest City, Ar. At 7 my father died and we moved to N. Little Rock, Ar. I grew up in a rough neighborhood called MacAlmont, a small town of N. Little Rock which is known as the Nawf Side or On Da Nawf. After my mom died at 14 I was going from school to school and went to more than 5 major high schools in Central Arkansas and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. During my time in Dallas I had met so many people that work in the music industry on the underground and major level, and as I networked and honed my skill I had to put my best foot forward and break into the hip hop/rap music industry.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
501MAXX: My birth name is Max so you know my artist stage name had to have something to do with that. As I was networking in my younger years and studying the game on how to approach the industry the best way, I had went through a number of stage names I had thought of using. My first choice was Max Prime, but I went with 501MAXX because of one of my closest friends that is an artist (KushGang Jose) encouraged me to start being serious about this music and he had said 501MAXX one day and I was like that’s it!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
501MAXX: I feel sharing music online had brought the world to artist and listeners fingertips. Instead of waiting to hear it on the radio or having to go buy it from a record store like we used to, it’s easy to find a multitude of various music from all over the world on the Internet. I always give my music away for free…I have my new music on iTunes though I still give physical CDs that I pay for to people all over my city and even in other states like Dallas. I would mail anyone a physical cd if they wanted or even email!
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?
501MAXX: For any artist out there that really want to succeed in this music industry they should know it takes hard work and determination. If you are just starting out seriously thinks about a professional sound or close as you can possiblly get to industry standard professional sound. Pro Studios. Procrastionation will get you no where. If your music is nice and people like it, with the right ambition people will notice…good music is hard to deny!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
501MAXX: Sometimes when I hear a instrumental I like I instantly hear a hook or melody in my head that fits with it and I know is going to be good. Other times I may have listened to the beat so many times and not came up with anything, but when I get in a zone I may get an idea I go back and crush it! I usually come up with the hook or melody first. I maticously write the verses and other aspects of the song down to the adlibs. I freestyle sometimes as well and when I come up with something I try to remimber it or write it down.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
501MAXX: I have profiles on many music websites on the Internet. Numberonemusic.com/501MAXX1soundcloud.com/501MAXX Also find and add me on Spotify! I also use other social sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, & Tumbler. @501MAXX snapchat: Official501MAXX
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
501MAXX: First I’d buy a big house for my family that is young and not so well off. I’d have a studio in there for sure. I’d start a non-proffit organization and use a portion of the 1/2 million to put into that. The rest I’d put into the my music and other businesses!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
501MAXX: I do the gritty ground work and every aspect of my promotion. I’m always brainstorming and researching the music industry. Finding out new ways to promote are always helpful and add to your inventory/arsenal! I also use digital distribution services so that my music is on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Amazon and more!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
501MAXX: I’ve recently released a radio single with national recording artist known as WIDEFRAME. It is on the 2 main urban FM radio stations in my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. I have another upcomming single with national recordig artist Tko Capone that has had many songs with international superstar Riff Raff! My Album is on the way and set to be released in August 2016! To he announced soon!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
501MAXX: If I wasn’t making music I’d still be trying to run the streets selling drugs and getting in trouble with the law. With music I am able to “stay out of the way” or stay out of trouble because any of my free time is taken up by my my music.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
501MAXX: Well my music is my number one priority other than eating and keeping the lights on! The passion and ambition for my music outweighs any other wants. The only way I can handle this music and my everyday responsibilities is only if I hustle! Legit!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
501MAXX: Look forward to more music and the upcomming album from 501MAXX! Jus search 501MAXX!