Exposed Vocals Interviews Rawskillz
Raw was born in Dallas,TX in the neighborhood of Oakcliff. Raw was drawn like so many before him by the allure of the streets. Even with venturing in a career of boxing couldn’t overcome the temptations of the streets. “I never wanted to be a gangsta,” he says. “Sometimes your environment can make you guilty by association”. As time progressed on Raw realized he had an ear for music. Unfortunately with no financial backing and no knowledge of the music industry it was just another wild dream. At the age of 20 Raw put his dream on hold and joined the United States Navy. Stationed in Chicago, IL then Norfolk, VA he found himself concentrating more on his military career than on his music. Awakened by Scareface cd “My Balls My Word” inspired him to pick up the pen. “Man all I would do is freestyle no pen no paper just dome bustin’.” He replies. It was then that Raw knew he had a love for music. Being from Dallas though a lot of peopled doubted Raw because the only place in Texas that was making noise was Houston. While in Chicago Raw hooked up with his cousin Mark who opened his ears to versatility. After being stationed in Chicago for a year Raw was transferred to Norfolk, VA. It wasn’t until then that he gained the name Raw from his lyrical content by his partner in crime Lil-Woe (aka Cornell Harrison) from the Big Easy (New Orleans, LA). The two hooked up and started the label Out Tha Gutta Records and worked on projects together. Then it came time for Raw to leave Virginia. After a three-year sea tour Raw was back in Dallas with a new attitude and skills to show off. With the drive and the heart to make it happen Raw hooked up with Million Record’s C.E.O. Frank Needles in the later part of 2002. “Needles and Moink made me a monster,” he says. Meanwhile the 28- year old has plenty to keep him busy, including running his own record label (OTG FAM) and being a father to his three children. “When I was young the opportunity to make music and record a song wasn’t as accessible like it is now,” Raw recalls. “It’s like everybody and their mommy has a home studio. Still I consider that a blessing because it makes it that easier to be heard and brings you closer to your dream.”
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Dallas, TX. I’ve always had a passion for music. I us to watch older kids on the block rap.so I studied them.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
my partners in the Navy gave me that name because of how I flowed. so it stuck with me.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I dig online music sharing and I give away free music at times just to help build a buzz
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?
Never give up no matter how long it takes.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
it’s crazy my songs come to me in my dreams some I remember. I’ve even woken up out m sleep to write a song I was performing in my dream.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
yes I do. I use sites like facebook, soundcloud, twitter and reverbnation.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
investing in different avenues to generate more income
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I use to just email blast and post it online. now I go through a grip of djs. I had to go back to the heart of being broke in.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
yeap. I got a new song that’s about to hit this summer called “Beat Buddys” it a banger.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
probably making a career out of the Navy
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I make my family first and do as much music as I can in my free time
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
a lot of hot music and videos. you will be seeing a lot of me.