Exposed Vocals Interviews ‘Grim’

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

Grim: I grew up in a few cities in South Africa, born in Durban and raised in Pretoria, currently living in Johannesburg. My older siblings were serious Hip Hop heads, they would bump Nas and Lauryn Hill the WHOLE time, I didn’t realise that I want to become an artist until High school when I tried rapping and the reaction from those around me was part doubt, part belief> I chose to take more input from the believers.

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

Grim: The name Grim stemmed from my love of black and this giant And1 hoodie I would wear in high school. It later became more apparent in my craft because I would make it a point to kill everything I touch.

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

Grim: I think online music sharing has really flattened the world and made it possible for artist and consumers to reach each other much quicker. I give away free music all the time, A wise man told me you need the feed the game in order for the game to feed you.

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?

Grim: Don’t stop. you will get a million “No’s” before hitting that one “yes” that will make that push worth it.

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

Grim: Yes, I once stepped on the microphone cord and pulled the mic out of my hand. I didn’t panic, I just picked it up and continued moving. I also learnt not to drink any alcohol if I have to be on stage.

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

Grim: I have not toured yet, but I am looking forward to whatever adventures and lessons that experience brings.

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

Grim: Normally I get inspired to write when something bad has happened to me, I feel that putting it on a track can be therapeutic. I often write when I’m on the road home or to work. something about looking at Johannesburg just brings so many ideas to me.

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

Grim: I do not have a website yet but my music is on soundcloud.com/manxeezy

I also put most of my links on my twitter page @manxeezy

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

Grim: Mariah Carey feat. Sisqo // The Beautiful Ones … That song is amazing

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

Grim: I would spend a month of that year actually sleeping because damn! the rest is needed lol. I would spend the money building my dream with my family and friends.

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

Grim: Yeah I need monitors and sound proofing, i currently record in my apartment and the sound needs to improve.

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

Grim: I’ve noticed that my followers respond more to videos, for some reason if they can use sight and hearing at the same time, they are more likely to click through. I’m also a qualified Animator so if I can make my promo vid as cool as possible, people will more likely support the product.

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

Grim: A part of me would like to perform on a massive stage at like Madison Square Garden with Drake and Kanye West. An equal part would be completely overjoyed with sharing a stage in a basement club with Slaughterhouse and Talib Kweli. Reason being; as much as I would like to be successful in music, I want to be respected for my penmanship.

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

Grim: I am currently pushing my recent single titled Zoo. Its on all major online retailers, but it is a piece to a body of work titled “G Force” which I am nearly done with and will release soon.

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

Grim: Making cartoons and comic books … Which I still want to do anyhow, whether I’m making music or not

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

Grim: YES it was The Red Tape by Proverb. I was so ecstatic to find out one of my idols was making new music after so many years in the game. I knew it would be packed with bars and I wasn’t disappointed.

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

Grim: Sacrifice sleep and socialising … kinda makes one seem like an asshole to the close people around you so it can be stressful.

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

Grim: My tape G Force, many other songs outside of that, a few remixes. My team’s Mixtape Revenge Of The Nerds by Milk Fam @Milkfamilia