Exposed Vocals Interviews EdQue

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

EdQue: I grew up in the Springfield area it’s about 2 hrs ride from Boston MA. Growing up watching movies like the Buddy Holly story & La Bamba got me turned on to early rock be bop which really had the same feel to early Rap hip hip that I was listening to in the late 80’s during that time I started djing at house party and much later at clubs. But what really made me want to start rapping was when I heard N.W.A, Public Enemy,and Boogie down Productions the meaning in the lyrics and the hardcore beats just suck me in and I would never think of things the same way again.

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

EdQue: The name EdQue was actually givin to me by a teacher in high school I hated it at first but it caught on people outside of school would just eventually call me that. If listen to my first mixtape I try to change it to Cue. But it didn’t stick.

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

EdQue: I don’t mind it at all. the way I look at it I don’t have a major record label pushing my music out there. so instead my music becomes the push or the commercial so to speak the reason why people want to come see me or get to know who I am. All my music is 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?

EdQue: I struggle everyday my advice would be just put your name out there on the internet keep pushing and grinding everyday it’s got to be about the music and about getting your name out there word of mouth is still a big thing.

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

EdQue: Sure. I just push through it but if you make a big mistake on stage you can just laugh about it acknowledge it  make a joke about it  and move on fans don’t care they’re there to see you and have a fun time. You got to keep the party going. Although it might fck with you for days after I know it does with me.

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

EdQue: It depends on the type of song I’m writing. Lately it’s been the news but usually it’s just everyday life things that I feel interest me I write alot about situations I also observed people around me all the time I get alot ideas from that. I’m a big people watcher.

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

EdQue: Follow me on Twitter @EdQue_ I’m also on DatPiff that’s a great platform for hip hop I’m also on YouTube, topmixtapes, SoundCloud basically just Google my name.

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

EdQue: probably the Lego song featuring Lonely Island it’s corny but Lonely Island’s funny ass shit and they can rap.

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

EdQue: Probably go somewhere exotic where the money’s long and bring my friend and fam and then celebrate ever day cuz life is too short. That’s Word!

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

EdQue: I think one of the best ways is to get your name out there for hip hop is getting on different djs mixtape and getting djs to played your stuff in the clubs. That’s  were you can get feedback and like I said before word of mouth.

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

EdQue: For me it’s KRS-One. There’s so much to learn from him he’s got what like over 10 albums been in the game for like 25 years he’s had highs and lows but still keeps grinding.

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

EdQue: yeah the new project I’m thinking about is called Do or Die although the title might change. But with all the political garbage going on right now it’d probably  be highly political. Although I Gotta Throw Some Club jams in there too.

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

EdQue: Probably stressing over some shitty  job.

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

EdQue: the Police Regatta the blank I just remember the title of the cd being mysterious and the music being dark but yet upbeat.

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

EdQue: l don’t. When I’m doing music everything else takes a back seat it’s just the way it is.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016? 

EdQue: New music. More features.