Exposed Vocals Interviews Don Wavy
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Growing up in Indianapolis, there wasn’t much but hate and doubt. The reason why I wanted to start making music is because you have so much stress built up inside of you, and most people don’t know how to express their feelings. Some talk to people, others weight lift, and others just make music. The voice is such a powerful tool that is so underrated. I didn’t want to be the average person who just works a 9-5 everyday. You’re blessed with 24 hours every single day. Why waste your time doing something you’re not passionate about? That doesn’t bring happiness.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Hahaha, funny story actually. The way my last name is pronounced (Didandeh) is really hard for people to say. So, people just called me Don for short. & I love the word Wavy. There’s so many different meanings for the word Wavy. The songs I make are Wavy. The people I surround myself with are Wavy. Everything’s just wavy man. You literally just have to go with the flow.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Yeah of course I do. I didn’t have much money growing up, so every album I heard form my favorite artist, I heard late. It’s a good way to grow a fan base, and show the fans that you care about them by throwing them a free track every once in a while. I’m definitely with giving my music out for free.
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?
Stay humble, stay consistent, have passion for your craft, and most importantly, patience. Nothing happens over night unless you want to be a one hit wonder. You have to stay patient while being consistent through your music.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I can’t think of anything on the top of my head, but there are performances I’ve had that I wish I could redo. Not because it was bad or anything. I just feel like the deeper songs that I write have more emotion. & when you perform that song on stage, it’s really hard to go back in the past to when you wrote that song & use that same exact emotion.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Not yet, but man, it’s coming oh so soon.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Man, give me a dark room, a lit candle, and loud speakers. Hahahah, that’s all I really need, man. The deepest songs I’ve ever written come from a dark room and a lit candle. I just become so focused with absolutely no distractions when I’m in the zone.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I share my music on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, ReverbNation, & Soundcloud.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Shit people may judge, but I don’t give a fuck. Justin Bieber is that man right now. That last album really got be to become a fan. The kid’s numbers are ridiculous, and he’s changing the world in a positive way.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Easy. I’d move my family out of Indianapolis into a big house and tell them to retire. A year off wouldn’t work for me because I’m still an underground artist. I need to take advantage of every single second to get to where I want to be.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I’m currently running an Audio Technica AT2020 with Logic Pro X. It’s cool, but man do I want a BlueBird with Pro Tools really bad.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Having a promotional team definitely helps, but through my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are the easiest and most efficient ways.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Pac would definitely be dope. No matter where the show is at, it would be an honor to have the chance to perform with the greatest rapper of all time. Also, J. Cole & Ye would be dope at Madison Square Garden too. Those are some of my biggest inspirations and the reason why I make music.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I have a mixtape called LIFE (Living In Fear Everyday) coming either at the end of the year or beginning of next year. After that, the album is next. I can’t spill too much information because of my management, but you guys gotta lil idea.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be heavy in sports and athletic training. I’ve played sports my whole life and I love playing sports in my free time so that’s where I’d be. But we ain’t gotta worry about that hahaha.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III. That was my first album that I ever bought. Wayne was a huge inspiration to me back in the day and still is. After that, every J. Cole album.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
It’s hard man, it’s hard. Being a college student while focusing on music is definitely hard. I do a lot of homework and such during the day, and stay up all night to write my music. I wouldn’t say I don’t like it because I love the challenge, but sometimes you don’t have free time, but that’s okay.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2017?
New merchandise, new music, and tours. 2017 is going to be a very big year, man. Mark my words. As I said, I can’t say much due to my management, but definitely keep a lookout. We’re on the rise.
