Exposed Vocals Interviews Artist_LR

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

 

 

I am constantly on the search for different platforms for my music to reach the masses, so I recently released a song entitled: Been Through and shared it via Twitter (@Artist_LR) and Exposed Vocals caught wind of it and reached out to me. Naturally I was ecstatic and explored what you all were about and followed suit with how I could take advantage of this great opportunity. Hence, Here I am. LOL!

 

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

 

 

I grew up in South Florida and always indulged in music privately but actually decided to pursue it as a career when I attended school in Boston Mass and Albany State University. 

An artist chooses to become such once they realize the talent that is given to us and how can we translate that talent into a message toward the individuals of the world to convey our thoughts and actions. The reason I became an artist is of course the financial gains but I wanted to do more as a being and be ultimately heard on a platform of recognition and respect. So I feel music and being a musical artist opens that door and allows one to create, innovate and build up others-whether it be having fun or important messages through creative word play and clever punchlines.

 

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

 

 

The name Artist_LR is a name that displays professionalism and longevity. The LR is actually not an acronym but if insisted on a meaning it would stand as initials for my first name and that of my mother’s. My logo incorporates growth, change, and progress all necessary in order to continue forward and not stay stagnant.

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

 

 

Online music sharing is vital this day and age for the simple fact that now is the era of it. As an artist you must always be aware of current trends and ways of society, especially when it comes to dissemination of the craft you love to make. I have given away a lot of free music because of the fact that it is a way of getting known and peers to get to learn you as an artist. Free music also proves as a marketing strategy to release or give something away to eventually lure the market into something else (to Buy) to always balance out and show your fans appreciation. (I give you this and this for free and n return I can expect this.)

Free music is also branding, marketing, and advertising all in one of what you actually stand for, so yea it’s very important and a part of the indie climb!

 

 

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?

 

I can tell many artist this as a pro or novice. Be yourself. That is THE ONLY advantage any of us have in any field; the moment you start to stray away from your objective or purpose of something you started you get lost in following that trend or burn out trying to maintain what you aren’t. So that advice is probably the most vital of all!

Gigs will come as you progress your career, if your any good they will start to come to you but you should always perform for practice and perfection but once they come your material and catalog better be ready!

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

 

Mistakes are always made and as an artist let alone performer you can only do one thing. Move On and keep going. No one in the crowd knows what your presenting before you take the stage so the best thing to do is keep going and make it seem as part of your act. Practice always makes perfect and it is the only way one can correct mistakes, nervousness, and clarity. 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 

 

I havent toured as of yet but I sure do plan on doing so and when I get some interesting stories I sure would love to share! LOL…

 

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

 

 

I usually gather material for my songs from any and everywhere. My experiences, other experiences, personal relationships, world events, social issues all play a role in my writing process. I come up with a theme for a song or hook on what I want to get across but usually I structure verses first and start producing (building the beat) around a concept then start writing the rest of my verses and hook to the beat I made from the emotion(s) depicted through my thoughts. After this process I hit the studio and lay down what I’ve contemplated- get it mixed and mastered then deliver to my deserving fans/peers. Then repeat the cycle!

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

 

 

I do have an online platform at www.theartistlr.com and my music/material can be found on 

Soundcloud-Artist_LR

Soundclick- TheProducerW (Beats)

Datpiff- Dedicated Fate by Artist_LR

Bandcamp- Artist_LR (Artistlr.bandcamp.com)

Twitter: @Artist_LR

IG: @Artist_LR

Tumblr: @Artist_LR

Facebook: Artist_LR

Amongst others but those are my most utilized. LOL!

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

 

I wouldn’t say the songs found on my playlists are embarrassing but more of a surprise that I would be listening to but everything on my playlists are my choice(s) and on there for a reason. 

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

 

 

Well, first thing would be investing. Investing in myself and other business ventures to flip that cash into more and make my money work for itself. A lot of our youth and generation do not understand that concept and should be stressed as building wealth not riches and assets not liabilities. Then everything after that would go to the care of my immediate family and circles and of course community charities. (As I do currently work in youth mentorship.) Everything after that can be used to enjoy life and pursue desires. 

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

 

As of right now I have to get my hands on that new iMac 1tb 27 inch to enhance my productions, a new keyboard(roli), and mlc machine to enhance my overall sound. 

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

 

 

Ways I promote my music vary from altering platforms, there is always social media, word of mouth, and propaganda means that serve this specific purpose but I try to stay abreast on different means and opportunities and dabble in a bit of all of them. During shows or performances I always promote myself and tell fans/peers where and how I can be found so they too can follow me and know of upcoming projects etc. as well.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

 

I would love to perform in New York City (Madison Square Garden) because of its rap heavyweight standards and would love to perform with my personal rap icon J.Cole. I think he is a great inspiration and I aspire to be at his level of recognition someday even on his label if that would ever present itself to me. 

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

 

 

I would like to pump up my new project entitled: Music&ALL of which does not have a drop date yet but it looks like I will be finished with it entirely in mid May and it’ll be ready to go! The single “Been Through” is one of the jewels I recently released off of this street album. My last project I grew form was entitled Dedicated Fate and can be found on Datpiff.com. 

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

 

 

If I weren’t doing music I’d be in the same profession I’m in right now (youth development.) Giving back is always a great feeling and shows the capacity of an individuals will towards others. 

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

 

I actually can’t remember buying my first album but I have a lot of memories of the back in the day hits and power house music rap groups such as CashMoney, NoLimit, Terror Squad, Murder Inc. etc. It brings back fond memories of what and how the music created used to be. 

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

 

 

The rest of my responsibilities have to find it’s way around my music. One has to separate the two lives to the best of their abilities and make necessary sacrifices to pursue what you want as your desire and passion. If you aren’t willing to first put your priorities ahead of yourself then you aren’t actually in tune with your personal self or set goals.  

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

 

 

You can definitely expect to hear more from Artist_LR in 2016 with some quality tracks disseminated on multiple platforms!