Quanstar is an American indie hip hop artist, filmmaker, and writer from Atlanta via Compton, Ca. He is most known for his wordplay, live shows, and DIY attitude.
Since 2001, he’s built a career on drive and work ethic that’s led to over 1000 international tour dates, 15 albums, a comic series, book, documentary, and a feature film.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Compton in the 80’s and early 90’s when shit was a little crazy. I started rhyming when I was 8 or 9. I started battling about 12. I didn’t decide to do this professionally until I was about 25.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
My middle name is Da’Quan, so people have always called me Quan as long as I remembered. In college, a friend of mine used to always say that I walked around like I’m a star. So she started calling me Quanstar. I thought it was a nice name so I kept it.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Music sharing is a hustle if you look at it from a monetary stance; however, if you look deeper you can see the value. For example, Spotify and Pandora has artist dashboards that allow you to see all kinds of analytics on who’s streaming your music. A lot of my touring is built around where people are streaming me.
Early on I used to give music away, but I don’t recommend artists to do that. What I’ve found out over my 17+ years in the game is that people that like my performance will pay for the music, and people that want the music for free don’t value my profession. So, even if I give it to them, they aren’t going to bump it like that. Plus, I got a family to feed. Giving shit away is the same as taking food out of my sons’ mouths.
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?
Be professional at all times. When booking shows and contacting press, think elevator pitch. Know the difference between the people that buy your music and those that you want to like it. It’s okay to fuck up,and do something wrong. Thinking outside of the box is a good thing. Be true to yourself, and don’t give up.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I make them all of the time, but I rehearse a lot. So, I’m able to keep the beat and pace, and get back on. The audience doesn’t really know or pay attention if you don’t panic.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Touring is my bread and butter. Been doing it for 17 years. The most interesting thing about this last tour is the audiences response to my new songs. My new project with LexZyne Productions is called Rebuilding Greenwood. It’s all about Black empowerment and achievement. I have a song called Black Money, and it’s interesting to see a room with a healthy amount white folks singing the hook.
Also, the last time I played Ireland, there were these ladies in the audience that were around 55 or 60 rocking to my show. They bought 6 albums from me.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
It varies. I have a hard drive full of beats that I go through periodically.Sometimes I get inspired while going through that. Other times, I read about something in the newspaper, or have a conversation with someone. There’s really no definite process.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yes, my website is www.quanstarmusic.com. You can also find my music at www.quanstar.bandcamp.com and all online retail and streaming services.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Lol. I love Hall and Oates and Phil Collins. That’s about as embarrassing as my music tastes will get.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I’d use $100 thousand of it to market my film, and put together a marketing team that is solely contracted to me for a year. I’d buy some land in Vermont to sit on, pay off my student loans, and stash the rest with for my kids.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I’m simple and a cheapskate. I still record on audacity with a blue mic in a closet. Lol. My engineers hate me.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Touring is always the best promotion for me.I print fliers and posters for most shows. I also do social media ads, even though Facebook seems like it’s a hustle. I use email.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I’d probably play The Hollywood Bowl with Black Thought and Pharoahe Monch. I’ve always been fascinated by it, and they are my G.O.A.T.S.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Rebuilding Greenwood just dropped in February. I have two new videos for that coming out this Summer. I’m playing China in September. I’ve been working a feature film for that last six years that wrote and produced called They Told Me This Would Sell. It’ll be out next year some time. I have three other albums on deck waiting their turn. Plus, I’m writing another book.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
It’s hard to say. Music is the only thing that’s ever motivated me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My cousin bought me LL Cool J’s Radio for my seventh birthday. It was the greatest thing I’d ever heard. That album is so damn classic.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Scheduling. My Google Calendar and Google Keep are essential. I’d be lost without them.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2018?
Much of the same – innovation, creativity, and passion.
