BlaZin, a hip hop recording artist born in Kansas, raised in Oakland California and lived throughout the Midwest. Being a long time fan of music, began writing and recording at 16. Releasing numerous mixtapes since 2006 and his first Ep “Exxclusive” in 2015, BlaZin has been known for his witty wordplay and catchy songs. His single “White tee and Nikes” received local radio play a week after it’s release. With his new ep “This is 2 Exxclusive” and a few mixtapes slated for summer release, BlaZin looks to take summer sixteen by storm. Look up!
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
BlaZin: I was born in Kansas, raised throughout there and Oakland California. Ive been a Long time fan of music. I was able to see and live in different cultures and my mom always recorded new music from the radio on cassette tapes and vcr’d all the music shows that came on tv.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
BlaZin: I was formally known as Lil Dizzy, for my use of so many metaphors. I was recording in 2006 and my engineer at the time stopped the recording and told me “This is hot, I’m changing your name to BlaZin”. Been keeping it hot ever since.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
BlaZin: As a upcoming independent artist the music sharing platforms are great tools to get your music heard. All my music I’ve released has been free because it’s important to build a fan base and show my fans the world my first official release would be paying for.
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?
BlaZin: Artist’s looking to perform at gigs and get airplay, the major key is networking thought your own city and using your resources. Everybody knows somebody, be that somebody everybody knows.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
BlaZin: The only mistake I make sometimes while performing is not taking a breath at the right time and running short of breath. Im turnt up when I perform so I have to remember to breathe haha.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
BlaZin: I’ve only performed locally but I’m looking to start booking shows nationwide real soon.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
BlaZin: The main inspiration for my songwriting comes from life experiences. Finding production is the first step towards what the vibe of what I feel like creating. I make sure it’s catchy, with some lyricism mixed with a little wordplay.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
BlaZin: The main platform I’ve been using to release my music is soundcloud. https://m.soundcloud.com/lildi
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
BlaZin: I wouldn’t say embarrassing songs but it’s songs like Lil Wayne “Da da da”, Major Lazer “Lean on” but every blue moon I might turn on a contemporary station on my rhapsody.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
BlaZin: Aw man just know that your about to get a fire album from me and not to long after it’s release ill have a tour planned and ready to rock out with every fan or whoever’s watching.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
BlaZin: The only upgrade preparing to happen is the addition of fruity loops but I currently use pro tools.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Artist: Using social media is a quick way to let it be known you have music out, but word of mouth is the best way to get people to actually listen to your music
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
BlaZin: I think it would be dope to have Prince playing the guitar while im performing a song ft Travis Scott. Prince had everybody in attendance locked in to the full show and putting up a amazing performance. Travis Scott brings a crazy amount of energy to his shows and getting a chance to turn up and tear down the stage and rock the crowd would be unforgettable
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
BlaZin: Right at the moment I’m working on a mixtape and a follow up EP to my 2015 EP “Exxclusive” called “Too Exxclusive”. Looking to release both around fall.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
BlaZin: Making sure I stay constructive, working on art like drawings. And probably playing too much PlayStation.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
BlaZin: The first album I bought was The Dynasty: Roc La Familia from Jay-Z back in 8th grade. I was already a big fan of music and mom bought everything current so I saved my lawnmower funds and knew it was time I bought an album.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
BlaZin: Major key alert is staying focused! I can’t stress that enough. Know what your goals are for your music. Understand all the responsibilities that you need to make sure is taken care of and you’ll know what to do from there.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Artist: New music, mixtapes, interviews, songs on the radio, shows in every city real soon!
