Courtney Quintae Martin (born April 2, 1997), know by stage name C.Vibez, is an aspiring American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Courtney was born in Jackson, Ms but grew up in Yazoo, Ms where he found his interest in music, and later relocated to Gulfport, Ms. At age 10 Courtney found an interest in music after listening to music created by a relative, and later that day sat down and wrote 10 pages of rap lyrics. By age 13 Courtney had grown to love music, and after the passing of the late Michael Jackson who Courtney took a huge interest in, inspired him to learn more about instruments, vocal harmonies, and presence in recordings. Upon moving to Gulfport to begin his first year of high school Courtney took an intended break from music after once used resources became unavailable. Entering 10 grade is when Courtney regained his interest in music, and started recording freestyles with his close friend Marquain Lowry (D.Mike) on his iPhone 4s uploading them to soundcloud. By 11 grade Courtney purchased his first recording mic, and soon after other equipment to record his first song. Carrying on to his senior year of high school and now college Courtney has recorded nearly 500 songs over half never released, and has produced over 700 tracks including music for others. Courtney is now co-founder of VibeNation local city music chapter in Gulfport, Ms, which he records and produces for.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
C.Vibez: I was born in Jackson, Ms, grew up in Yazoo, Ms and then moved back and forward to Gulfport, Ms. Music started at a young age for me, probably around age 10 I actually took an interest in Rap. By age 14 my passion for music expanded past just hiphop. The disappointment in current music and the obsession with great artist like Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, and etc pushed me into wanting to create music.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
C.Vibez: I struggled for a long time with choosing a name, because your name has to fit you and express who you are as an artist. So I can up with C.Vibez. C– meaning Courtney which I my first name, and VIBEZ- meaning I have no specific style of music or sound.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
C.Vibez: I believe that online sharing of music is a very important part of the music world today, becase the internet has become huge part of everyday life, and it’s a way to reach millions with your music.
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?
C.Vibez: Just keep at whatever it is that you’re pursuing, and never give up. Also, never lose hope/ faith in yourself because no one wants to see your dreams come true more than you do. Lastly, ALWAYS be yourself, you’re what makes you special love who god made you out to be.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
C.Vibez: Here’s the thing with mistakes.. A lot of people downplay mistakes, and over think everysituation trying to avoid mistakes which can cause more the wanted. Mistakes are a good thing actually… When I’m in the studio and I’m recording or producing instrumentals we make vocal and note mistakes thatactually sound good and end up keeping them. Even when on stage during a live performance mistakes can be covered up by just having fun.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
C.Vibez: I haven’t been on any tours yet, but hopefully in the future that would be great.!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
C.Vibez: I don’t have a songwriting process, because there isn’t a set time that I write. Good songs lyricsor melodies can hit me anytime. I try to always stay prepared by keeping my phone charged so I can either voice memo it or type the lyrics I notepad.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
C.Vibez: I actually have an artist webpage that I’m currently creating, It should be up and running in less than a month.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
C.Vibez: I don’t believe that any song is to be considered embarrassing. I think songs are all unique in the way they are created and can teach you creative innovative ways to create a track.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
C.Vibez: If I was giving a half a million dollars I would use it all towards my career as an artist. I would pay to have my own studio designed in my favor and to help promote my music.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
C.Vibez: At this moment I have no planned studio upgrades except maybe new wall decorationsposters, acoustic wall soundproofing and lights. & camera equipment.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
C.Vibez: Finding new people to network and connect with. Internet is always a plus, but I like actually meeting people and actually seeing their reaction and feeling their energy.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
C.Vibez: It’s always been my dream to perform in New York City on New Year’s Eve, and if I had to choose any artists to perform with it would have to be Biggie Smalls, Tupac, and Michael Jackson.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
C.Vibez: I’m currently working on a new mixtape “Late Night Hour”. This mixtape is gonna be different from any other prior because it’s gonna focus on a more smooth, emotional and dark sound.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
C.Vibez: Probably drawing because I’m very artistic or playing basketball in college.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
C.Vibez: The 1st album I ever purchased was Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album. What was going through my mind? I couldn’t wait to get home and hang it on my wall because it’s the biggest selling album of all time, and it has ture classics like Billie Jean, Beat It, Pyt, Baby Be Mine, and Thriller.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
C.Vibez: I don’t juggle music and responsibilities because juggling makes you choose between the two. I always find a way to combine the two because music can make things more interesting and run it’s course moresmoothly.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
C.Vibez: Umm, more music, videos, shows, artist discoveries, and hopefully record deals.
