Exposed Vocals Interviews Train

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, now a resident of Phoenix, AZ, Train’s sound is heavily influenced both by his native West Coast roots as well as the dirty south. After relocating to Spokane, Train quickly found himself recruited to Royal Flush Productions by the late Dilemma.  While with Royal Flush, he released a mix-tape in 2012, Slurricane Rossi, and his first full length studio album in early 2013, Back to the Baysics.  Since moving to Phoenix, Train has been apart of Valley Fever Records, though that partnership has since dissolved after his brief incarceration, and Train is following the path of one of his inspirations, independent legend Jay Tee, and starting his own label, Royal Flush Recordz.  In July of 2015, Train had his biggest international hit to date, “Shine” (Feat. Young Dru).  Train has 4 confirmed releases in 2016, including his 2nd studio album, “Story Of A Bay Boy”. His other three releases will be available on his website, ThaTrain.com, for free download.

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

 I’m originally born in Vallejo,CA. I still rep the whole area. The Bay Area, specifically Vallejo, have had major hitters come out and do something. So i grew up where you have three ways of life; drugs, pimping or music.

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

  I didn’t even come up with it to be honest. An artist I was working with, back in ’08 or so, called me up one day and started calling me Train. He said that with me he’s unstoppable like a Train.

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

I mean it is what it is. I’m from the Napster generation, so I understand that it’s going to happen. It’s a matter of cashing in when you can though. I do give some music away for free, it’s gives me a way to promote with to fans without having having to spend a marketing campaign. Generate and keep interest.

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?

 I do that all the time. I love helping artist. This business is all about connections and relationship. Make as many connections you can and build strong relationships, even if you don’t need that certain service right then and there!

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

 

 We all do. I just act like nothing happened, keep going.

 

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

I haven’t in a while. My label is actually looking into sending it’s artist out on a state tour with a few out of state touches. I love tour life, it’s a grind but it’s an experience like no other!

 

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

 I have to play a beat and if I’m feeling that certain mood, I’ll start free styling in my head then just start coming up with random bars, then tie them together.

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

 

I do. www.ThaTrain.com  I’m on all major media platforms, Youtube, iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud etc.

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

 90s music for sure haha. It’s awesomely terrible.

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

 I would make an album honestly. With a strong marketing campaign. Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

well right now I’m working with Logic Pro x. studios should always be looking to upgrade and if they aren’t in some sort of way, then they holding themselves back.

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

 

I promote in any way I can. I wouldn’t say one way or another works best. It depends on that specific demographic and song that I’m marketing.

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

I would want to perform in Vallejo, CA with Mac Dre. Being from the area, growing up listening him, it would be fun and amazing to perform once with Dre.

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

 

 I just dropped “Story Of A Bay Boy” on March 15th. It’s available everywhere. I’m also working on 2 mixtape and another album to release this year. Everything will be available on my website www.ThaTrain.com.

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

If I wasn’t in music then I would be involved in sports. I’m a huge sports fan.

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

My very first cassette was Richie Rich – “Seasoned Veteran”. I don’t remember anything about it other then playing it. That was many moons ago.

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

 

To me it’s all the same. Music is my responsibility as well as the business aspect of it. Mainly my responsibilities are divided up into how important they are financially.

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

Man, I dropped two mixtapes and an album in the first quarter. Now I’m looking at two more releases in the 4th quarter as well as my label will be putting out about 5 other releases this year.