Exposed Vocals Interviews Rohan Iz Abstract
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand in a suburb called Manurewa. Growing up there was ruff, but if I hadn’t I’m not entirely sure I would have found a love for HipHop let alone be rapping.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Rohan Iz Abstract: To be honest I have been through so many name iv lost count. Rohan is my first name and the rest is self-explanatory. Really I just wanted to use my real name, I struggled to fit into a name that was more of a gimmick.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I give all my music away for free, I feel like even if you sell music people will always find it for free anyway. Online sharing is a great way to network but definitely requires a team, currently I do everything myself.
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?
Rohan Iz Abstract: Keep making music, keep promoting yourselfs and have patience. Never stop working.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Rohan Iz Abstract: In the early stages writing for me was easy but these days I tend to struggle a bit more now that in conscious of what I want to say, who I am as a person and the light I want shining on me.
It depends on the subject matter, some songs take days or weeks to write and others can take a few hours. I gather inspiration for just being out in the world.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Rohan Iz Abstract: Even though iv been making music since I can remember I am only making my debut to the world recently, I’m currently on Twitter, FB and Soundcloud. I have a music video releasing in a week and a bunch more music after that so Im excited to see the fruits of my labour.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I could buy a ton more studio equipment and lock myself in a room and letting in people who are contributing to the album I could record. That’s pretty much what I do already.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I am a very introverted/reclusive kind of person so I almost have to force myself to share my music online, but to make a career out of music it is necessary to do so. I like to use Soundcloud, twitter and Youtube.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Rohan Iz Abstract: The Odd Ones video comes out this week and I have a debut Ep releasing end of may. There will be videos and new music on my Soundcloud in-between now and then as well.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I have worked almost every job you can imagine; carpentry, landscaping, warehousing.. I hated every one of them, for me its music or nothing, I really have no plan B.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Rohan Iz Abstract: Haha well I quit my day job and make music full time now, its not easy. I have almost cut off everyone from my life, socializing too much held me back for so many years so it was a logical thing for me to do. I pretty much don’t leave the house, speak to anyone or sleep. if I’m not writing music I’m listening to music, watching documentary’s on musicians or reading about marketing strategies.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Rohan Iz Abstract: I have a lot of music along with music videos being released this year, I’m just going ride this year out releasing new music ad see where it takes me.