Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
[C3]: Power to you for having me! Well I grew up in a small town called New Kent, VA most people have never even heard of it lol one time someone thought it was a developing country the way i explained it but it is definitely a place I can call home. I know this is that cliche saying but music truly is my calling in life. I think the moment where it all kind of sunk in was when I was like 5 or 6 and I bought MJ’s Thriller and I loved every song but it was something so mystical about that damn “Human Nature”. I used to take off CD covers and stick a piece of paper with my name in it with a picture i drew haha. My family used to throw these like singing parties right before Apollo and Soul Train came on. Me and my sisters always used to compete lol. Oh that’s another thing music just runs in my family blood too. Like i said before I didn’t really choose it. As time went on I went into talent shows and THEATRE which truly changed my life I have traveled all over because of it but I think i got to the point in my life where i had to realign my deeper purpose in life that sparked from such a young age. I didn’t see myself auditioning for roles and shows as my ultimate end-goal I wanted to be the Creator.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
[C3]: Well my full name is Curtis Corneilius Charity that’s where the C3 comes from. Funny thing is though my math teacher called me C cubed and i guess it just kinda stuck with me over time. I don’t consider it any kind of alter ego or anything cause that’s just silly to me.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
[C3]: To be honest when i first got into this business of music thing I was very protective of my work for various reasons public opinion, copyright, perfection ect. but now as I’m growing I fully understand that this whole internet world it’s a must as an artist hate or love it. As of now I have not sold my music for profit and willing give it away i think right now it’s about exposure and the market is over-saturated so unless you can pull those kinds of mainstream strings you really are doing yourself a disservice by putting an emphasis on pocket change. My whole realm is focused on the aspect of live performances. You have to have to come to one of my shows no one out there is doing what i do and I can promise you that!
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?
[C3]: Me? Tips? But whom am I sir? Just messing. First and foremost I say study the damn business and explore all of your rights as an artist. With that information you can come up with realistic strategies for yourself. Know the ins and outs of terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and streaming. Understand the structure of the businesses. When it comes to gigs it all comes down to one word…Networking. But really that’s everything isn’t it? Support your local scene wholeheartedly and dive in it will all fall into place over time.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
[C3]: All the damn time man, really it depends on the venue and the audience. Sometimes you can start over if the vibe is off sometimes you can’t depending on tracks or if its a live band. Ultimately keep it as professional as possible and if there is a problem fix immediately and end that shit with a bang. Also I try not to take myself to seriously if you have a gift you are obviously up there for a reason so at the end of thine day make sure your having fun along with the fans. It’s about energy! Never lose that!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
[C3]: As a solo artist not yet that’s coming very soon wink wink. I did tour for a professional theatre company Theatre IV back in Va. We were just your average theatre geeks. I do emphasize the average though.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
[C3]: Its a Spiritual thing I can tell you that. The music starts everything off never the lyrics and even if i express words early in the process its the melody that inspires them. Typically ill write with my piano or my producers give me something weird. That’s another thing for me too it HAS to be weirdly creative but it HAS to respect the craft.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
[C3]: Of course check out c3musiq.com that’s the main hub but i love what I call the big 5 Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud. Just type in C3 Musiq you’ll find me.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
[C3]: ….Cheetah Girls….
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
[C3]: Oh wow! I wish! Can I get the money now and tell you about it later haha? First I’m throwing half of that money in Google gotta invest. Then tend to my family make sure we are well off, lead a legacy because we really started from the bottom.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
[C3]: Just my basic mic, cpu, preamp, and my Magical Keytar! Love Studio One, FL, and Ignite. Would love to get more into Protools and Ableton. Of course i will need to upgrade in the future but I plan to build slowly and grow in the craft of engineering as well. I am truly the definition of the struggling artist but love the experimentation my home setup allows. I like to keep my more experimental projects at home and the commercial side in the professional studio.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
[C3]: Again it all goes back to networking. Getting the right motivated people behind you to push your brand to your ever developing fan-base. I think of it as almost creating your own cult-like movement. My best method will always be live shows it is where things begin and end in this culture of music.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
[C3]: In this order Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson and Madonna. In my opinion they are the greatest pioneers of contemporary music performance with all respect to their inspirations James Brown Donna Summer Jimi Hendrix the list goes on. I would love to perform at Wembley or the Superbowl most definitely. Or maybe just a house show with them that’d be dope as hell.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
[C3]: The video for Crazi’ will be released mid November and then i shall move on to The Chronicles of C3 fully produced at Track Meet Studios in Richmond, VA. It shall be grand sir imagine if Lady Gaga and Kanye had a love child…
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
[C3]: I would probably be like a spiritual guru or monk. Or a superhero.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
[C3]: I talked about that Thriller album of MJ’s man. It was breathtaking such a spiritual connection that I didn’t really fully understand until i was older. I still have that CD gold plated with the interviews and demos. Human Nature won’t play.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
[C3]: It’s not easy I mean I am not at the level where it is out of control but life is so fast paced that you can get wrapped up in your own little world sometimes but you do have to listen to that voice in your head that tells you to truly appreciate those little moments with people dear to your heart.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
[C3]: The Chronicles of C3 will be a musical series that will reflect on my life and yours in of course fictional perspectives but It is going to grow deeper over time. I want to really push the boundary on mainstream ideals and constructs and challenge the intellects and hearts of the listeners. All while entertaining the hell out of you!
