Exposed Vocals just Interviewed reNeGada and got to the bottom of that name!
So tell me, what’s with the name? How’d you decide on that?
-reNeGade is a word that contains both the letters “N” and “G” in. We struggled for a long while to find a word that is definitive of our style and who we are – that contained both those letters. Nicky is known as “The N” and me, Gerhard, as “The G” ‘reNeGade’ was the word that eventually came to us in a night of inspiration. This was also the same night that we created our very first single – Look@Me.
The name is a representation of our defiance against the ‘average’ lifestyle and our decision to make a living with our music instead of finding average jobs and living an average life.
Why did you decide to get into making music?
-We are both from musical backgrounds. Nicky is an excellent guitar player with more than ten years of clasical training. He is also a vocal coach so that helps a lot with our vocals and recordings. I have been taking singing lessons from the age of 7 and also have more than 10 years classical piano training.
When we first started dating, he had already started using music creation software. The night we created “Look@Me” was actually the first time that we realised we could actually consider making music together. Since then, we spend every spare minute working on our music and promoting it in as many ways as we can. Nicky does the composition and production of the music, as well as vocals on the songs. Whilst I compose the lyrics and lead in the vocal areas.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
-Nicky is very influenced by heavy metal performers like Cradle of Filth and Otep. He is also very inspired by various mainstream electronic and dubstep music. He tends to pay closer attention to the technicality in the composition of the songs as well as the technical prowess.
I am more inspired by pop music as the lyrics are my forte. People like Lady Gaga and P!nk inspire a lot of my lyrics but I would class Gwen Stefani as my musical inspiration.
If you could perform with anyone (Dead or Alive) who would it be? Why?
-Nicky’s choice would be Showtek – without a doubt. He has been an avid fan for years and he draws a lot of inspiration for his own production from their music.
My choice would be Gwen Stefani. I believe that she is the greatest pop musician of our time and that only a person with true vision can create music like she does.
How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you sign up?
-I was on the lookout for ways to promote our music and posted some of it on twitter. Randy sent us a tweet back with a link to the website and I loved what there was on offer. I told Nicky that I was uploading Viral and Lazer_Crime to the website. He was skeptical at first but after the 1500th view on the site, he was more than happy with my decision. Exposed Vocal has given us an amazing platform on which to promote our music and we are truly grateful.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing/performing/producing?
-We enjoy clubbing. We like getting out and meeting new people and have found that many valuable connections can be made in the clubbing scene. We have scored many performances thanks to the hobby. We also enjoy discovering new music and helping out people who are talented to get some recognition as we know how difficult that can be. Other than that we usually spend our time reading and or writing.
What embarrassing songs might we find on your MP3 Player? Don’t be shy!
-Boomkat – The Reckoning
-Lemonade Mouth – Somebody
-Aqua
-OLDIES
* lol
What was the first record you purchased? How old were you?
-Bizarely, both our firsts was The Black Eyed Peas – Elephunk. That was Way back in 2003.
Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you
-Let’s get two things straight – we’re not. We are actually partners. We try to do as much as we can for gay rights activism and also try to show who we are with pride.
If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?
-Nicky – Metal as a lead vocalist.
-Gerhard – Rap and Hip Hop
If you were given $500,000 to invest in your music, how would you spend it?
-On the recording, production and distribution of a studio album.
Where could we find your music?
-YouTube, Exposed Vocals and pretty much any other music sharing site that you could imagine!
How do you go about promoting your music? What media platforms show the best results?
-We post our music on various platforms, but in terms of views – ExposedVocals kicks ass.
What is your 5 year goal?
-Hmmmm… We are exceptionally ambitious and motivated, if we are to state each and every one of them – we are going to need a LOT more time! To sum up our goals – we aim to not just reach success in electronic music as a possible career and lifestyle, we also aim to grow. To learn and to enjoy the journey. Music is about adventure, not just the destination.
Any Record Labels that you are the most interested in? Why?
-Interscope – They are an established and well known record label. Under their guidance I believe we could be a successful performing act.
So, let’s switch gears a bit… What type of microphone do you use?
-Actually for Lazer_Crime and Viral we used…. A webcam mic.
Where do all the ideas behind your content come from?
-Whatever we think has the potential to become a catchy song! Music is limitless.
What would be the biggest benefit towards your music at this current stage?
-A STUDIO!!!!!! A proper recording studio would be the ultimate addition. Please????
Does being a couple affect how people perceive you?
-Not at all. South-Africa is about diversity. People are usually intrigued that we actually have the courage to say it.
What is the best site on the net?
exposedvocals.com/
‘Nuff said!
Ha Ha, well.. That’s True! Exposed Vocals is the best site on the net right now and we really appreciate you guys taking the time to sit down with us! Best of luck and you have EV in your corner.