Exposed Vocals Interviews ‘Devious’

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

I was born in Los Angeles California, south central to be exact. But by age 3 my aunt moved me 2hours away from the city life, to  rialto ca. Which is considered the “IE”.  From there i wound up moving to Barstow CA with my mom, where I was pretty muched raised. Despite moving from the big city. I was still introduced to the gang life which ultimately landed me in prison back in forth for a total of five years. But, i took the good with the bad and used all that extra time i had on my hands to master my craft. Ive been singing/rapping since age 6. And i have always wanted to persue music. So I decided to put that life behind me and become an artist.

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

The name devious was actually “Lil devious” at first.  My big brother was big devious from our hood the “eastside rydaz” that i wanted to be a part of.  So I was jumped in and that became my name. I decided to stick wit the same name as a artist because it became a symbol of never forgetting where I came from.

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

 

I think online music sharing is a great way for independent artist to expand there fan base and market there music more freely without having to worry about some label trying to get over on them. And yes I give my music away for free sometimes. I think its the best way to show your fans u appreciate all the support. And also stay relevant!

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?

The advice I would give to any new artist looking to get gigs or air play. Is to stay focused on your craft and doing what u love. Always put new music out and network wit the right people. And In due time u will eventually reach yo goals.

 

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

Ive made a few minor mistakes. but then again who hasn’t? Everybody makes mistakes during performances. The key is to not let the crowd see u sweat or seem nervous. U have to keep the show going and give the fans what they paid for and came to see.

 

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

I haven’t been on tour yet. But the way things are starting to shape up. I should be on tour in the near future. And I can’t wait. I really looking forward to that.

 

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

When songwriting or producing a song. Inspiration can come from a lot of places.  For me it might be a old school track that I heard earlier that day that I wanna remake. or I can be in a club banger type of mood. So it varies. I like all types of music so my inspiration can come from anywhere

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

 

my website is under construction at the moment. But in the mean time I use the various social media outlets such as Instagram, Facebook, ect. To share my music and connect with my fans.

 

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

 

I don’t think I have any embarrassing songs on my mp3 player. I think my playlist is pretty cool.

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

To be honest. I would probably take majority of the money and put it towards studio equipment and a marketing budget for the next project. And with the time off probably record as many songs as possible.

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

I always plan to upgrade all my software & equipment. its the best way to come up with fresh new ideas. Right now I wok wit logic pro x for my beat production and pro tools 10 for my recording and editing.

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

Well, me myself. I mix the old wit the new. And by that I mean. I think its best to hit the streets and connect wit the people when promoting and also use the available outlets online such as tunecore, and social media.

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

That’s easy. I would perform with Micheal Jackson, at Madison square garden. And why? Its Micheal jackson! The greatest entertainer of all time!

 

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

I have a new project called “Late nights early mornings” that is scheduled to drop this upcoming June. We don’t have a solid date yet. but we just released our first song & visual for the project, titled ” s.m.b” and we’ve been getting back a lot of good reviews.

 

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

 

If I wasn’t making music. I would probably be back on the block trying to make it out the only way I know how to.

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

I sure do. Its was 50 cent the massacre. And around that time everything he was talking about on the album I could relate to.

 

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

Well I have no kids. So that gives me more time than most people have to focus on there careers. But overall I make time for what’s important. I try to keep my priorities in tact while still balancing my music. Its hard. But nobody said it would be easy.

 

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

My fans should look forward to a lot of good music, future shows, music videos, meet and greets and last but not least my new project dropping in June!