Exposed Vocals Interviews Maverick

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

My name is Kyle Spaulding (Maverick), I’m an 18 year old currently residing in New York. I have always loved to rap/sing along to music. One day I tried it myself and I recorded a song in March of 2015, but never got seriously into my music until months later, when my dog passed away and I tore my ACL which ended my senior season right after it started. While rehabbing, I had nothing to do, so I turned fully to music as a coping mechanism.

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

The name Maverick was the name of my German Shepherd who was apart of my life for as long as I can remember. Him and I had established a bond like none other, and when he was put to sleep in my arms, it really took a toll on me mentally. When I first had the idea of making my stage name Maverick I was unsure, until I looked up the definition, which states a Maverick is an original and a non-conformist. That’s when I knew the name fit me perfect for both reasons.

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

I thought about online music sharing because almost everyone has access to the Internet and music. I felt it is one of the best ways to promote your music and be heard by hundreds of people. I have given my music away for free, simply for promotion, and to try and be heard by more and more people.

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?

To anyone trying to make their passion of music their career, make the music you want to make, don’t make the music you think people want to hear. You have to be yourself and remain yourself, you will have a hollow career if you have to project an image of yourself to be what you think people would like for you to be. Do not give up either, it’s a grind. This isn’t the lottery where you just get lucky and you’re at the top. Real success takes immense time and effort on your part.

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

I gather all my inspiration from literally anything at all that I see or hear throughout any part of my life. However, sometimes inspiration simply comes to me from the music itself. My song writing process is actually quite sporadic and random. I can write a full song in an hour, or bits and pierces of a song over several days, or in a day if I hear the right instrumental.

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

I currently do not have a website to myself, but I have several online platforms such as Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat all @mavii_mavv and a SoundCloud where a majority of my uploading takes place. https://soundcloud.com/maverick-415546433/heating-up-1 I also have a second Instagram account @kylespaulding2 which has more of my music on it as well.

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

Given that amount of money I would use what I needed to further my music career. I would purchase upgraded equipment if need be, be able to pay for features with other rappers/musicians that would help elevate my following, for producers to make me beats, ect. I would also purchase apparel to help promote the music and make some income.

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

I stumble on certain ways to promote my music online at different times and give them a shot. However, what works best for me is a combination of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Soundcloud to promote my music.

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

I am currently in the process of recording a mixtape. Just in general I plan on being me and making the music I feel inclined to make. I’m going to keep uploading music, and improving my craft.

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

If I wasn’t making music, wow, I actually couldn’t even imagine doing that. Honestly, music has always always been a huge part of my life. If I wasn’t making music, I’d say, I’d be putting myself in a position to make music.

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

It’s hard at times, I don’t have a set formula that works, because life doesn’t work like that. Often times stuff gets in the way of my music because this isn’t my career yet. Therefore I have a lot of other responsibilities to take care of, but I always find a way to make it work. I always will find time to write and record.

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

Simply stated, new music and consistent improvement on my part. I look to learn with every song and get better and better each time I touch the microphone. Also fans, can expect some type of Maverick T-shirt or hat in the near future.