Exposed Vocals Interviews N3NA
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
N3NA: Well I’m in my mid 20’s. I grew up in Ghana West Africa. I’ve always been a lover of arts. I started writing poetry at a very young age. After my college education I decided music was what I wanted to do. And I’ve been working towards that ever since.
Exposed Vocals: How did U come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
N3NA: The name is an acronym that means Not Everyone Not Anyone… The E is written as “3” to represent one of the letters in the indigenous “Akan” language, and serves as a guide as to how the name is pronounced. The name literally explains itself. Not Everyone, Not Anyone can do the kind of things I do. I’m a rare talent.
Exposed Vocals: What do You think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? why?
N3NA: I think online music sharing is the new age. It gives artists an opportunity to share their music with people from different backgrounds, regions and races. The whole essence of music is to bridge the gap between people by using the art form, and it’s doing exactly that.
My music is always free. I believe as a new artist, the inspiration should be about getting to as many people as possible and not about making money. I have to pay my dues to the fans, before trying to make money of the craft.
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?
N3NA: Work hard, work extra hard to make sure your music is top quality. And tap into the power of social media to push your music. It’s a digital age, be abreast with time or get left behind.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather song writing inspiration? What is your usual song writing process?
N3NA: That’s a very interesting one. I don’t have a process. Music is all around us. As soon as I see something that tickles my intellect or have a feeling, I try to put it in writing. I’m always with my pad or phone everywhere. So as soon as something happens I just start to type or write it down. I write best when I’m relaxed or when I have a calming scene to look at. Possibly a green garden or abstract art.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
N3NA: My website is currently under construction, management is taking care of that. I like to share music on my soundcloud and spread the word via Twitter. Streaming isn’t a very appealing form to people in West Africa, so I’m still looking at other ways. My music is also available on music download sites such as urban roll. My soundcloud is;
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
N3NA: Half a million is an awful lot of money. I’d definitely invest the chunk of it into a studio. So I could record in convenience and also help me promote other young artists I work with. I’d probably save a hundred thousand down for graduate school too. As much as the music is everything for me, I’d like to go back to school when the funds and time allow it.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
N3NA: I’ll keep saying this. Social media presence is everything. It’s the most effective way to reach listeners and it definitely works for me..
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects you want to talk about?
N3NA: I’m currently in the studio working on new material. Fans should definitely expect some new music coming through soon. The N3NA E.P will be released later this fall….
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
N3NA: Law school. If I wasn’t doing music I’d probably be in law school, almost graduating by now.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
N3NA: Hardwork. Lots of hardwork and dedication. I’m very dedicated and make sure my priorities show. Music trumps everything and I treat it as such.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
N3NA: I still believe I’m yet to get my best work out, so they should expect a lot of experimentation with my sound. Improving the production work is also something I’m striving to achieve. I still believe I am the best rapper in West Africa, shade thrown to nobody. Currently I’m making music my people can relate and dance to, buh it’s all about getting the message across, irrespective of the genre.
Don’t forget to check the soundcloud
and follow me @theN3NA on Twitter.