Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
CB aka Country Boy: I was born in Louisiana, but spent most of my life in Houston, Texas. I’ve loved music from an early age. In grade school I joined the school band and learned to play several instruments including piano and drums. Later in my High School years after being in concert band and drumline I saved up money by cutting grass around my neighborhood and bought my first beat making program and computer. I didn’t know much about studio stuff then, I just started making beats and writing raps in most of my spare time. Eventually that hobby became my passion and it was history from there!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
CB aka Country Boy: Well my first name was Chattaboxx in my early teenage years but I later shortened it to just CB lol. After signing my first record deal we came up with the name “Country Boy” since I am a southern hip hop artist with country roots and it would also fit my CB initials. It was a much more marketable name and it fit me well. Recently we’ve been in a rebranding process to switch to CB aka Country Boy since there are so many other artists named Country Boy online, I didn’t want fans getting confused.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
CB aka Country Boy: I’m 50/50 on online music sharing. It’s a cool way for upcoming artists to showcase and share their music but you have so many others that abuse these platforms. I myself have gave away a ton of free music to expand my brand, gain fans and their trust. The initial building period is very important for all serious artists.
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?
CB aka Country Boy: Start small and grow. Play for small gatherings, house parties, open mics or mixers. There are also pay to play opportunities for artists to open for bigger acts if you have the budget. This is a another great way to get your name out their and grow your buzz but do your research on the promoters to make sure its legit. To gain airplay research hot DJs in your area. Try to get music to them but be respectful and professional. Also reach out to local radio and online radio stations for contests or placement opportunities. Most of the time you can find ways to submit music just by researching online or asking around.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
CB aka Country Boy: I usually gather inspiration to write through my life events, what I’m going through or have been through at times. Sometimes just the way a record makes me feel when I put it on gives me the inspiration I need to write. It may seem weird but once I hear the record, the tempo and melody will be stored in my brain and I can hear the music without hearing it physically. Once I have an idea or concept for what I’m writing about then I begin working and writing in silence occasionally going back to the record to make sure my lyrics fit the arrangement. I typically prefer to write in a silent, peaceful environments, but I have adapted to writing in busy places such as studios, airplanes, or on the road. Sometimes I just hear a few bars in my head and will hurry and write them down no matter where I’m at. It’s very important to catch good material as it comes to you.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
CB aka Country Boy: Yes, you can visit my website at www.countryboyraps.com. I also share music through YouTube, SoundCloud, Spinrilla, and AudioMack. Just search CB aka Country Boy and you can find everything.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
CB aka Country Boy: Wow… I would invest back into my career as a musician for sure! I don’t think I could take a whole year off though. I would take that year to work on a super crazy project and put that money into it for some epic collaborations and marketing! I would use some though and pay off some bills and take my family on a much needed vacation.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
CB aka Country Boy: I’m old school, I like to get out in the streets and interact with fans. Of course I take advantage of social media to help promote my music and events, but there’s nothing like that real connection with the people! For bigger projects we reach out to marketing firms and agencies to help with promotions.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
CB aka Country Boy: Recently we just released my project “Underground Legend” on Spinrilla.com which is gaining a lot of momentum. Also we just released the music video for my record “Beast Mode” that is gaining me national/international radio play and more placement opportunities. But I’m really excited to be working on an exclusive remix of an AC/DC record with Blue Pie Records this summer. We’re also working on a new Record with Jamaican Artist, Beenie Man, and also a record with Diamond Award winning producer Ronnie King that are going to be epic! Please stay tuned for the progress on these projects.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
CB aka Country Boy: If I weren’t making music I would have been a jet fighter pilot for the air force! That was always a secret dream of mine since I was a kid.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
CB aka Country Boy: It’s hard believe me! I just try to stay stress free and as organized as possible. It’s all about balance.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
CB aka Country Boy: Look for a Grammy Nomination. I’m working hard to give fans some epic award winning records and quality entertainment through upcoming tours and film opportunites!
I really appreciate your time and the opportunity!
Please follow me on Twitter @CB_CountryBoy / Instagram & Facebook @countryboyraps or Search: CB aka Country Boy
Thanks
CB aka Country Boy
CountryBoyRaps.com
New Video: Beast Mode – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdKQm3PyzL0
Soundcloud Link: www.soundcloud.com/countryboyraps