Exposed Vocals Interviews A.T.

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

A.T.:

Wow, my story. I’m originally from New Jersey. I grew up in East Orange and Newark, NJ. I have always been surrounded by music while I was growing up. My mother was a singer and my dad also loved to partake in the festivities. My dad, mom, cousins and uncles were always harmonizing some song from their era.

 

I’ve always had a connection with the art, I guess because it is a language that speaks to everyone. When I reached the 5th grade, my mom enrolled me in the Newark Boys Chorus School. There, we learned music theory and performed all over the world. From New York City to Alabama, Princeton and NJ to Prague, we were left our mark on the world. I grew very fond of the orchestra during this time and being exposed to it has greatly influenced my compositions and the direction in which I have gone musically.

 

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

 

A.T.:

Well this is probably one of the easier questions to answer. The “A” and the “T” are my first and middle initials and “Brown” is my last name. I’m not sure what really inspired me to use it this way. My dad used to call me A.B., so maybe that had something to do with it.

 

Our company name is another story. The term “Qdash” is a term used in ancient times by our Creator. He used it to refer to His people as well as His Name or His House, etc. In its origin, it simply means “separate or to be set apart” or made special in a sense. An “Oeuvre” is the works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively. In my case, it’s the works of a composer. That’s what I enjoy doing.

 

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

A.T.:

 

Online sharing can be an incredible tool for independent artists. I have many arrangements online that can be downloaded for free or listened to in places such as

YouTube (Qdash Oeuvre) or Soundcloud.

 

 

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?

A.T.:

In my field it is extremely challenging to get your stuff heard by the right people. I would just strongly encourage anyone hoping to write original scores for films to find their voice and perfect it. Then, put it in as many places as possible for everyone to hear. Do not sell yourself short. If you have talent, it will be noticed and you will get your opportunity in time if you continue your pursuit.

The industry as a whole is very competitive, so one must find their own voice.

 

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

A.T.:

Most of my inspiration comes from life experiences. I always say to my wife, my pieces are more like my diary. One day people may hear them and understand, maybe because it may trigger an emotion that they have felt or are currently feeling. Obviously composers like James Horner, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, James Newton-Howard and so many other great composers have left their mark on my works. If only I could thank them all personally for their work.

 

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

A.T.: We actually do have a website and it is www.qdash.one. But I place my pieces on YouTube, Reverbnation as well as Soundcloud. Platforms like Veoh also have some of my previous film works uploaded there.

 

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

A.T.: That’s an interesting question. I would probably pay off the little debt that I have and put much of it away for my children. I would then try to find some way to help someone somewhere in the world. I understand what it feels like to not have enough of something and it presents many challenges. We are currently in a circumstance where, if only we had enough resources, our lives would be much different.

 

We traveled to Jordan to serve as volunteers and quickly realized that our sponsor had not been honest regarding our accommodations. So we had to leave the camp due to lack of running water, electricity and other serious reasons and find housing for us and our children in this foreign land. Long story short, we have been stuck here every since without any rights to anything all while simultaneously trying to find a way back home to the US.

 

So, how would I spend it today? I would get out of here before this entire region becomes inflamed.

 

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

A.T.: Under the circumstances, I am obliged to utilize the most affordable [free] methods of promotion. YouTube, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, Social Media, etc. Because we are here, most of our resources go to trying to live, but if we are able to return home, we would be able to operate our business fully without any of the current constraints and obstacles.

 

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

A.T.:

Well, my main priority today is getting back to the US. Although I continue to write and compose with the little resources I have available here, everything done is to help us get back home, to help us get back to family and friends.

 

On another note though, several people who have heard of our situation have strongly suggested that we make a movie about it. So I guess we’ll just see what happens! If we get out of here, maybe we’ll have to do a follow-up interview to bring you up to date J

 

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

A.T.: If I weren’t making music, I would probably be in some remote region of the world trying to figure out how I could help someone who does not have access to the help they need. There are so many people in the world who struggle with the many things that people in the West take for granted. It would be great to spend time helping and learning from each other. It is my philosophy that if everyone helped someone, no one would need help. But of course, that is not the world we live in today. I guess I’m a hopeless optimistic.

 

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

A.T.: Wow responsibilities eh? Did I happen to mention my wife and I have six children? You can probably imagine what a day in our life is like, especially under these conditions we’re currently enduring. Somehow, with help from the One who is giving us all life and breath, we manage to survive and stay safe and fed. It is an extremely daunting task because here, there are little resources and opportunities in our industries.

 

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

A.T.: Pray we get home! 🙂 In the meantime, I will continue composing emotional and epic tunes to help you get through your day or whatever you’re going through. Keep listening and allow me to compose the soundtrack to your life in 2016.