Exposed Vocals Interviews Dolla Sign

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

Dolla Sign : Im from Norristown Pa. This is a small outside of Philly. Coming up in Norristown I had struggles and that motivated my music. I started out using music as a outlet but once people saw the talent in me I started to see it in myself. When I was young I use to just freestyle on the block fornmy boys. I met some people that were more focused on really making music and had the studio set up and that changed my life. From there i can say I became an artist and started dedicating my time, money, and energy into my music.

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

Dolla Sign: I got my stage name from my street name. When i was young a friend started calling me Dolla Bill. At the age of 13 I was known for making money so it became my name. It later turned to Dolla Sign. My street name Dolla. Money always had a big impact on my life. Not having it then getting it I seen that money could change my situation so I dedicated my life to making money.

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

Dolla Sign: I think this whole new era of music is different. Some ways its easier to distribute and to connect with the fans. I like that part i can post a song up and it go viral immediately.  With this online age things can spread quick. My first mixtape is online for free. I also put music on my soundcloud. I sell hard copies of my music. My next mixtaoe will be available online for purchase but eventually I will make it available for free. I think music is life and somethings you cant lut a price on, but this is a business and people should get paid for their talents.

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?

Dolla Sign: One thing I can say about music is never stop creating. Never stop producing, stay consistent. At first you might not get the love, the plays, the attention you want, but if you want it enough you will do what it takes to get there. Most important is invest. You must invest in yourself. Not jus studio time and videos which is important but invest in opportunities invest in building your brand. The more you work for yourself the less you will need to work for somebody else. Adapting and being versitile means a lot. Times change music changes styles change. You always want to remain yourself and true to your music but keep up with the times. Be the trend dont follownthe trend. Thats how artist like Jay-z, Fabolous, and Jadakiss stay relevant.

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

Dolla Sign: Most of my inspiration comes from life, what ever is my situation at the time.  Putting my reality in my music is just being true to myself and my fans. Most of my inspiration comes from the beats to be honest. Thats why producers even though dont get as much love are one of the most important pieces in the music making process. I start out looking for beats. When one cstches my attention or fits my mood i start to visualize. The beats tale me to a place then its my job to use my words to take the listeners to that place.

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

Dolla Sign: Working on my website now its under construction will be coming soon. I connect with all my fans via social media. Ig: Dollasign600 Twitter: Dollasign100 Facebook: Dolla Sign. I use youtube, soundcloud, and datpiff to post my music. My next mixtape will be on Spotify, Apple Music, and other websites.

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

Dolla Sign: To be honest I never take off of music. But I would use this time and money to invest in myself more and start new business ventures. As muchas I love music im a businessman. I want to ve successful in all lanes. I have a clothing line I would probably start up a few stores in big cities.

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

Dolla Sign: Promotion is everything and everythi g I do is from the muscle first and for most. I self promote heavy online and in the streets. Networking is also promotion. I also have paid promoters at times the right promoter in the right area can be benificial. I think you have to self promote and network and the same time. If you have real talent people will support you.

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

Dolla Sign: Im working on my new project “All About A Dolla Vol 2”. Vol 1 was my first project  put a lot into it and it was classic. This time around im working with a new studio getting better sound quality which os a big help and motivation. I released a few singles on my soundcloud but most of my mixtape will be new fresh music. Im working on a few visuals now that will drop this summer along with the mixtape. Im doing a lot of shows in different areas follow my networks to stay posted. This next project will be special.

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

Dolla Sign: To be honest I might be dead or in jail if it wasnt for music. I can really say music changed my life and my outlook on life. Music is life. But on a positive note I be a businessman still, young entrepreneur on the rise.

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

Dolla Sign: I like this question because this is one most people do think of. It takes a lot to maintain you life and do music sometimes one can out weigh the other. I just have to stay focused on whats important sometimes I have to take a break and do what I have to do. Im always writing and thinking bout music so it never really stops.

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

Dolla Sign: Be on the look for that “All About A Dolla Vol 2”  Definitely be on the look for me in a city newr you. My new single “Blessings” is out now soon to be everywhere.