Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Vander: I first heard of Exposed Vocals when I was followed by the Twitter account, then I decided to look at the site which eventually led me to signing up.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Vander: Well my story begins in a small town in New Jersey, its where I’ve lived my whole life. I grew up with my mom and older brother. He was involved in sports, I had talents elsewhere such as music. I played sports here and there but music was something that just connected with me. I started playing drums at a young age and it helped me a lot to understand the way music is created. One of my biggest dreams was to be an artist. I loved to perform, sing and rap. And I guess it just kinda stuck.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Vander: I got the name Vander from my real name Nevander. People like to call me Vander and plus, the name is unique just like my music. I guess you can say my mom gave me that name, thanks mom.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Vander: I don’t necessarily have a view on online sharing but I do think it is a good way for artists like myself to be heard and to been shown to the world. And some music should be free, keeps the fans happy.
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?
Vander: I used to think that music wouldn’t work for me, and at times I really gave up on it. But I was always drawn back to it because music is my passion and I never wanted to give up on something I cared about, so my advice is to never be discouraged, believe in what you’re saying and most of all believe in what you’re doing. Get yourself out there, be heard!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Vander: I haven’t had the luxury of performing yet, but I image that I would not handle that well. Or maybe I’d try to play it off like nothing happened. Which ever comes first. I do mess up a lot when recording, but you just gotta keep doing it, yanno?
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Vander: I also have not toured yet but I can’t wait too. Trust me there will be plenty of stories to tell.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Vander: Inspiration can be drawn from anything. Life inspires me. It really is what inspires you at that moment. I could be at home watching a movie and feeling great then write a deep a song about life. Or I put on a beat, light the L and let my mind tell me what the song will be.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Vander: I mainly use SoundCloud and I recently stopped posting on my YouTube account. So a lot of the new music is on my SoundCloud and a lot of the old beginner songs you will find on YouTube.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Vander: Lady Gaga
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Vander: I would take a trip to Cali, why? Women Weed Weather.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Vander: From one bedroom recording room to the other bedroom recording. But, yes eventually I’ll be in professional studios recording hits.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Vander: My friends and my supporters. they are with me every step of the way.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Vander: Oh man that has to be Kanye! And where? My high school to show my teachers that I became somebody they thought I wouldn’t.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Vander: Uhhh, I am working on little project that people might see by the end of summer…
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Vander: Nothing, that’s why I do it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Vander: Eminem. Encore was the first album that I purchased. With those headphones on you tell me what was going on through your head. But to answer the question, that’s when I really fell in love with hip hop and different artists. Everyone was unique in their own way, with their own craft to the music they produced. Don’t even get me started on Big and Pac. Lyrics and Content matter!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Vander: Well since it’s the summer my focus is 100% on music. I start school in the fall, so we’ll see when that time comes.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Vander: A big, fun, good year of good music.
