Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive with Proper

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

Proper: I was born in Bronx, New York, and raised in Virginia. I started getting into music when i was in elementary school. I was influenced by listening to some of the Greatest MC’s of my generation and before, such as COMMON, NAS,BIGGIE, 2pac, Eminem, OUTKAST, TAILB KWALI,etc. My biggest influences of music came from different genres, such as oldies, RnB,Jazz, Disco, Funk, etc, and i felt that i had a message to spread, and the world was going to know my voice. It felt like it was so easy to do, i just loved rhythms, and  the way the vocals sync into the beat.

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

Proper: It was back in the day, it was my nick name “Stafa set em Proper”. Whether it was dancing or getting into any type of confrontations. Meaning i could  set you straight with anything. As i got wiser, i decided to stick with  Proper. The reason i chose to switch it to  proper, is because even though i had to overcome obstacles in life, (like most of us), I chose to do it the proper way, so at the end of the day i know that i used my mind before using my actions.

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

Proper: “Do i ever give my music away for free”?  No, I don’t just GIVE it away for free, But i do allow the opportunity for people to stream, AND download my music. So yes, in a way you can say that i do give out my music for free. Now, as far as music that i have done before, currently working on, or even beats I’ve made, now that music, I don’t give away for free. I’m always updating my reverbation music page http://www.reverbnation.com/theproperstatus also make sure to check out my website http://www.theproperstatusmuic.com for the latest updates,hot  mix-tapes, plus more. I believe that online music sharing is a GREAT PLATFORM for artists like myself. It allows an opportunity for the upcoming artist to be heard. And not only is it a way to have your music played locally, but worldwide.So right now somewhere in the world, someone is listening to my song, just because of the internet. Now that kind of exposure is crazy for an upcoming artist.

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?

Proper: Absolutely, my main tips  would be to stay consistent, always believe in yourself, and remain focused.always remain focused on the goals you set. Once you do that, you will  start to see all your hard work has paid off, and be able to enjoy all your hard earned success.

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

Proper:  yes, i have made  mistakes during a performance. , but i keep going. no matter what it is, you can’t stop. Like if i miss a step or a word, I keep it going, that’s the only thing you can do. The show must go on.

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

Proper: No, haven’t toured,YET, but i’m looking forward to that day. I have done many shows. I’ve been told i grasp the crowd with my energetic vibe when i’m on stage performing.

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

Proper: I get it from current events and my life. i keep everything relevant pertaining to now but, it’s a feeling. i can be sitting down thinking, and a rhyme will come to me in my head. and i just go in, its just a spare of the moment, when i feel it, i  let  go. I don’t know, it just talks to me through everything. The key ingredient to my songwriting is being able to write music that  reaches out to people, whether you are young or old, my music is for everyone. My process comes from getting lost in the beat, and letting my mind free style. I just let it take over,  becoming so connected that the music ends up writing itself.

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

Proper: Well, yes i do have a website here’s the link http://www.theproperstatusmusic.com . SUBSCRIBE to my youtube channel:http://www.youtube.com/properstatus24 . check me out on REVERNATION:http://www.reverbnation.com/theproperstatus FOLLOW me on TWITTER @proper83 FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM: @proper83  ADD me on FACEBOOK @ mustafa proper glover . & the proper status

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

Proper: Embarrassing songs, Hmmmm honestly, i’m very proud of all my songs in my playlist.

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

Proper: If i were given a half a million dollars, with vacation. I’d invest it in a business that benefits in a residual way.I would change my living standards, enhance my studio, pay off bills, and i’d set out on destinations that only one could dream of. While being able to do all i couldn’t  before.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Proper: I’m actually working on a couple projects right now., Right now I’m working on 3 mix-tapes, 3 albums, videos, clothing line, promoting and marketing my music.

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

Proper: I post in different groups on many social media sites,  youtube, and other social platforms. I also network with people willing to collaborate. Basically i reach  out and spread the word using any promotional tool i can get my hands on. No matter if it’s word of mouth,direct messaging, and anything in betweeen.

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

Proper: Where would i want to perform? What is the biggest stage ever?  ANYWHERE there is a stage and a crowd. But i’d like to perform one day at any award show. That would be crazy. I do see myself performing live one day in the UK and everywhere in the U.S. If i could perform with any artist dead or alive it would be my team first of course Lena Renee, Crane,Mic P,and then i’d want to perform with  michael jackson (of course, LEGEND), Mary J Blige, Eminem, Nas, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Justin TimberLake, Drake, Phresher, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, and the list just goes on.

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

Proper: i have my Mix tape album called “SHOTS AROUND THE CLOCK”,

“THE ARCHIVES”, “NO RESISTANCE” and “R n B IN ME” you know something for the ladies.

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

Proper: I’d be working,like i do everyday still trying to get it where i got it.

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

Proper:Oh like that! First Album, What was my first album, Hmmmm, i had mad albums, It had to be a biggie album or I remember having OUTKAST album, I had Jay-z album. Dam I had mad albums back in the day,  what was going thru my head then, only thing that was going thru my head was dam, this is some good music, they were actually saying something, and it made me want to pursue my dream even more.

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

Proper: Well, it’s like a bracket, I go to work and come home, when i come home i do my music and tend to my girl.  I got her working at home,by helping me push my music, so this way she won’t feel left out,so this way she gets to be apart of everything that i love the most. Being that i don’t have kids, that allows me the freedom and opportunity to go hard with my music.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Proper: Well i want to thank all my fans for supporting me through out the years, i appreciate all the love and constant support. Thank you.  But as far as what to look out for. All i can say is be on the lookout for the clothing line. Can’t give away too much details, but i will tell you the clothing line will hot, and the music will compliment itself.