Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Artist: Its funny because I had know idea about you guys until another blog metioned Exposed Vocals to me. I didn’t do that interview but I’m doing yours.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Artist: I moved around growing up. But I’m originally from Atlanta. Started Publishing music and Performing In Seattle, WA where I learned the business. I had my first studio at 15. It was the only studio in East Point (Southwest Atlanta) at the time. I started recording other rappers around the way. We used to Jack Beats at the time because i didn’t know any producers. I went to Tri Cities School of the Performing Arts here in Atlanta so I was always around talented people and creators. I always could rhyme but it took my peers to get me to take it seriously. I consider myself a composer now. Not just a Rapper. Moving from Atlanta to Seattle my Junior year of High school was the best thing that could happen to me. I wasn’t going to graduate so Moms sent me to Seattle. Seattle was a culture shock for me but I took it all in and made something of it.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Artist: “Fenni Casino” Fini was giving to me by this teacher in Seattle do to my battle rap rep. I used to finish my competitors with grace he would say. I thought it was funny. The name I mean. It just grew. Casino was something I implemented. My brand was built on taking risk. Going all in or what cliche phrase you can think of in conjunction with Gambling or Casinos. Casino Means “Cash And Sex Is Never Overrated”. (You were suppose to laugh right there)
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Artist: Its Dope i was #1 on Myspace for sometime because of it back in 05. No I don’t give music away. This is a Business. I would perform for free. I enjoy seeing my fans up close and personal.
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?
Artist: Look at yourself like a Business. If you want to profit from your craft. develop a Business model that works for you. I look at it like the dope game kind of simplistic. Create a product package it, find customer base sell, repeat. Invest in your advertising. Like any othe business would. Just think of it fundamentally and its a no brainer.. I’ve profited in several way from this industry repeating the same formula in different markets. Set goals is the best advice though.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Artist: Lol, any artist who says No to this question is not a truth teller. Its all about growth. So yes I do. The key is does your audience know you fucked up? I assume they don’t when I do. I handle it like any other performer. I play it off. try to have fun if its its to obvious .. But that rare. i take my craft seriously and I rehearse as much as I can.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Artist: I am looking to tour late next year. Should be Dope.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Artist: My day to day is what I am pulling from. i am in-golfed in Hip-Hop even when I’m not writing. I get the juice from where other fall short. I tell myself “Dont’ Fuck Up Like He Did” from a creative stand point you should always stick to the script when releasing content. That formula doesn’t change. Like making a Wedding cake. The ingredients don’t change just the presentation. When writing a song it could take months. I dont write in the studio. I have to feel what I want to say at that moment. Only experiencing that feeling first can do that. I try to Uplift first honor my integrity and take it from there. I love the technical side of rap. Wordplay, vocab are usually my weapon of choice. I take my time and my fans can tell.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Artist: I’m everywhere. Looking forward to this New Site Called Derbywire. 90/10 Split. Real time payments on downloads. But as of now. Jamflo.com Soundcloud.com website is being revamped.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Artist: Lol your not gonna get me with that one.. lol good try.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Artist: I would create 4 or 5 streams of revenue with it. Basic yet frugal business ventures. Plant a few seeds for my kids. And sleep on the rest. Literally..
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Artist: Yea actually I will be recording in a 2 million dollar studio soon. My engineer KSE has a dope setup. I just do what he says do. I like to stay in my lane when it comes to studio stuff.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Artist: If you have good content opps come to you. Networking is the key. Someone is waiting on some music from me right now and neither of us know it. Routine is best for me. Having new Content every 4 weeks is important.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Artist:Any Artist. Kanye. He can really give you a complete show. I would like to do a set with him.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Artist: “Breathing Room” is my next project. Its the first of a 3 tape series. It a concept project with hand drawn artwork by several Atlanta Artist. “Breathing Room” consist of Freestyles 40 Bars or more, and a few songs written by myself and my team. I’ve been told I make “Ridin” music. I am a very potent lyricist . I take my craft very seriously so riddles and wordplay would be the main course. This project is a Direct reflection of I what Hip-Hop Means to me and my fans. Mid Dec is the release date.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Artist: I would be doing something Music related. I have a passion for this Hip-Hop culture. Management or something . I don’t see myself doing anything else to be honest.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Artist: “No Way Out” Puff Daddy and The Bad Boy Family. My thoughts were if he can do it so can I. That album was important to the hip-hop culture. Producers especially because Puffy had took sampling to another level. He was using samples everyone else had’nt touched yet or couldnt afford to clear. He opened the doors for so many artist on that project. I would say that was the most influential part, bringing creative minds together. “Victory”
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Artist: Routine and Formula.. My family supports what I do . Balance is an issue for every artist. I think we all struggle with it.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Artist:” Breathing Room” and My not so appealing record “41 Niggas” (Slave) Currently on Jamflo.com