Exposed Vocals Interviews THE DON

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

 

THE DON: I heard about “Exposed Vocals” through the words of some friends of mine. I decided to sign up when I realized the amount of great opportunities the company has to offer.

 

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

 

THE DON: As an artist I’m an inspirational rapper who grew up on the outskirts of Detroit in a city called Redford where I had lived for about seven years, then after my families divorce we began to bounce around from city to city in search of new jobs and a safe place to live. After years of physical abuse by my father, I began to reach out to my friends in search of help. After doing so, I realized there were other people out there who had it as bad or even worse than me; therefore I realized my purpose in life, which was to help people who are struggling. I discovered my passion for music through my talks I’d have with my friends as I began to become wittier in speaking to them by using other people’s song lyrics to describe a situation or a feeling of mine. I realized I was capable of writing my own lyrics to inspire people, like music had done for me. Music is my expression of what feelings sound like and ultimately became my release of this message I have to share.

 

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

 

THE DON: I came up with that name after years of people saying my real name “Sheldon” incorrectly. My inspiration came from the fact that its unique like my real name and it is used in the spelling of my real name. All my friends have called me this since the age of sixteen so it was established for me. “The Don” means to be well off or rich in ways.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

THE DON: Online music sharing is a tool of the century! Its amazing in every way regarding how much easier its become to allow someone’s voice like mine to be shared. Unfortunately, I do give away my music for free regarding the fact that at this point in time it’s my job to be exposed first, then I can seek payment for songs in the near future.

 

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?

 

THE DON: My advice to any other artist striving for attention is to seek exposure through their social media accounts such as Soundcloud, Instagram, and Twitter in which I’ve had my best luck with. Also keep an open mind when it comes to meeting people, in this industry its not about how much you know, but more about who you know. Connections are everything and can be made by simply saying hello.

 

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

 

THE DON: We are all human therefore mistakes will be made as part of this ever lasting learning process although its not about the mistake you’ve made, its about how you handle the mistake. I handle my mistakes by simply covering them up as I continue in my song with more lyrics or a sudden pause to create more hype then come back in very strong. If you play it off cool, it will look completely normal. Most times the audience won’t catch your mistake, only you do.

 

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

 

THE DON: As of now I do not tour, but plan too in the near future to better promote myself as an artist.

 

 

 

 

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

 

THE DON: My main plan of action to gain Inspiration for my song writing is for me to go to the local malls to people watch. I’m a very deep thinker, so it gives me insight as to why people act as they do or listen to certain things on a daily basis. If something is bothering me or enlightening me it is very easy for me to portray those feelings through my songwriting. Also meeting new people and hearing their stories helps my creativity, as I understand other people’s point of views.

 

 

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

 

THE DON: Currently I do not have a website although I do plan to create one in the near future. The platforms in which I’m using to promote myself now are Soundcloud, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

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

 

THE DON: The songs in which are embarrassing to me are called “Can’t Explain It” which is one of my first songs I’ve ever created, and it wasn’t that great, especially with all the progress I’ve made now. I didn’t know what I was doing but in time I’ve understood myself more as I develop my own style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

THE DON: I would use the time and money to first make sure my family is set with all their needs. Then I would participate in giving back to the world by donating money to charities and open up my own music school for rap of all kinds. It will allow for people of all ages to learn the basics of music and how to rap. Since I would get the money from the lottery, I’d have the opportunity to give lessons for free to individuals who show the potential but don’t have the finances. Everyone deserves to have a chance to reach his or her dream.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

THE DON: I plan to get a brand new pair of RKR ROKIT 5 G3 2-way monitor speakers. Right now I’m working with a Yetti Blue Pro microphone with a Vox Guard and a pop filter. Along with a M-AUDIO MIDI interface. I have an M-AUDIO electric piano to create beats and a MASCHINE MIKRO beat pad for making beats as well. I have my very own studio in my basement that consists of four walls of beds to allow for soundproofing and a SONY sound system. For headphones I have a pair of SMS-Audio and a pair of Bose.

 

 

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

 

THE DON: I promote my music through social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and SoundCloud. Also I make helping signs that I post in surrounding cities with my link on it to follow me too. The way in which I found that works the best for me is SoundCloud along with using its feature like pay to promote for more crowd access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

THE DON: If I could perform anywhere it would be at the Masonic Temple in Detroit Michigan. It would be an honor to perform where I’ve seen many amazing shows, and where all the greats have. The artist in whom I’d want to perform with would be Eminem, indefinitely. The reason why I picked him is because of the fact that he’s so iconic in the music industry regarding his sense of style which I feel would compliment my style of music very well. At times he was the only one there for me and I’ve looked up to him since I was young. There is no bigger inspiration to me than him and it would be a dream come true.

 

 

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

 

THE DON: A new upcoming project of mine is a song based on a true story about myself, at ages 7, 10, 15 and 21. It shows my point of view as I dealt with physical and mental abuse from my father. The song is called ‘Abusive Cycles,’ and I get very deep about my past as I recall incidents that I went through, and the mental trauma I experienced everyday.

 

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

 

THE DON: If I weren’t doing music, I’d become a motivational speaker to those in need. I love to talk to anyone about anything on their mind, and I’m always there to help my friends and family when they need me.

 

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

 

THE DON: The first album I ever bought was G-EAZY’s first album he had ever released in 2013. I was shocked to myself that it was the first album I ever bought, because I loved music since I can remember. But I was more than excited to finally listen to it and gain some insight as to the amount of work and dedication this life takes.

 

 

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

 

THE DON: I’ve learned to stop wishing and simply start doing. I understand that time will pass no matter what, but its what you do in that time that counts. I work in the day and then all night I’m creating dreams for myself. I do what I have to do and I stay motivated because I’m doing everything to help myself in the long run. My main source of motivation stems from the fact that at this time in my life I’m not where I want to be.

 

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

 

THE DON: My fans should expect the release of my first ever EP along with many new singles and shows to attend regarding my performances. Some songs to watch out for are ‘Abusive Cycles,’ ‘A Bit Different’ and ‘Dream on Dreamer.’ This is my year; so get ready because there is a lot to come.

Soundcloud.com/thedon/learning-about-you