Exposed Vocals Interviews Styles

Styles: I heard about Exposed Vocals through Twitter. Once I saw the website I had to sign up. It gives so many artist good exposure.

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

Styles: I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. The home of the great OG David Banner. Since a youngster I had love for music. Whether singing or rapping at the lunch table or a local party. In early 2004 I decided to become an artist professionally.

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

Styles: The name Styles came from my good friend Q-Dog. It was given to me because I could do a lot of stuff in many different ways. Everybody liked it and the nickname stuck.

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

Styles: I love online music sharing. The Internet is full of ways for me to connect with potential fans. I give my music away free through sound cloud. When you have a good product it’s ok to give back.

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?

Styles: Create your own buzz is the best advice I can give. So many people want to hand a DJ or another artist their music. Sad to say very few people listen that way. However word of mouth works wonders. Talent shows are always good for exposure but paid gigs come when you are in demand. So create a buzz!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Styles: I’m human so of course I make mistakes on stage. One time I gave the DJ the wrong tracks of mine to play. So I rocked the show with the songs he played instead of stopping the show. If you mess up keep going! Most of the time the audience won’t catch it. Two main rules: avoid falling on stage and please please DON’T EVER DROP THE MIC!!!

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Styles: Right now I’m not touring. I’m actually in the lab everyday working on my solo project. Like the ladies say don’t kiss and tell. As for me what happens on the road stays on the road.

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

Styles: I gather inspiration through my own life experiences. This keeps me with an overflow of material. As for my songwriting I must sit down and listen to the beat several times. By doing this I try to become the beat. I’m listening to the drums, melody etc. I freestyle or sing over the beat and the rest is history. Scarface once said the first couple of words he say are crucial to his songwriting. I feel the same way! Start strong and finish strong!

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

Styles: You can find me on Exposed Vocals of course, Reverbnation, Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, and Facebook. Website is coming soon!

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Styles: Now that’s funny! I can’t think of any embarrassing songs on my MP3. I will say I listen to all genres of music. If I can vibe to it I’m jammin it!

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

Styles: I would spend time investing and creating more lucrative opportunities. I’m not big on fancy watches and stuff. I’m trying to create wealth to out last my lifetime (legacy).

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

Styles: In addition to networking with people face to face. I now heavily use social media. It’s amazing the reviews and feedback you get online. Of course their are many trolls but the good honest feedback out ways the trolls any day.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Styles: I would love to perform in Brazil. It seems like a fun and energetic place. I wish I could perform with the great Pimp C. Next to 2 Pac he was one of the realist in the game to me.

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

Styles: Be on the look out for my two new music videos “Chemistry” and “No Apologies”. Likewise I am working on The Struggle Is Real vol. 2 and my solo EP.

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

Styles: Honestly I would be a motivational speaker. Kinda like ETthehiphoppreacher! I just love inspiration and motivation to succeed. It drives me! Helping someone else achieve their dreams would make me happy.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Styles: I believe the first album I bought was TRU or Ice Cream man. My dad drove me to Bee Bop and let me buy what I wanted with the money I earned.

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

Styles: My work ethic is vicious. Every time I hit the studio I must knock out at least five songs. However trying to keep balance is the hardest thing for me to do. I’m just not there yet. I may need a personal assistant to help me with this one.

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

Styles: This year you will hear real music coming back to the surface. With Styles leading the charge. Clip up Mississippi!