Exposed Vocals Interviews Xplicit
My name is Kyle Wishon a.k.a Xplicit. I’ve been rapping and making beats for about 8 years. September 29th, 2013 I got saved and got sober. I am a formal crystal meth addict on a mission to bring people hope. I make music people can relate to. I just tell my life story before and after the cross.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Xplicit: I grew up on the NorthWest side of Houston TX. Music was always just a hobby or a way to keep my nerves calm back then. Eventually music turned into a career opportunity for me and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Xplicit: Ironically, Xplicit’s first name, Kyle, derives from an old Irish language, meaning “straight & narrow”. This is the exact opposite of where his life’s development began. Introduced to drugs and alcohol at the age of 12, Xplicit became addicted shortly thereafter. This lead to a continued “in & out” relationship with rehabs, halfway houses, institutions, and jail beginning at age 16, resulting in a criminally focused lifestyle that was necessary in order to fund his addiction. Now, he has been sober since July 29th, 2013 and uses music as a therapeutic tool to help him maintain his sobriety.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Xplicit: I am willing to give away a couple songs for free and kind of network with people that have never heard of me, because in the long run it may create long-term, loyal fans.
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?
Xplicit: Consistency is key, invest in yourself, get your name out there any way possible, don’t expect a handout.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Xplicit: Sure I do, I adapt, play it off, and make the best out of a mistake.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Xplicit: I haven’t been on tour yet but am in the process of getting something set up.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Xplicit: After the beat is completed i usually come up with the hook first, then from there i come up with the verses go back over everything with a fine comb and make sure the whole record is on point.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Xplicit: I mainly use e-mail to stay in contact with everybody and keep my fans in the loop. But i also use facebook (https://www.facebook.com/xplicitproductions) instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thexplicittruth) and youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqADt4jJn3m7vJKtcccLqjQ)
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Xplicit: “The Duck Song” for my son.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Xplicit: I would hit the studio, get the best features, pay for the best promotion, radio play, shoot the best videos and get a lot of work done.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Xplicit: My engineer Brandon (Sypreme) De La Garza who recorded, mixed,andmastered the single “Work” uses: Pro tools 10, nuemann u87 condenser microphone, ssl channel strip, apogee symphony interface.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Xplicit: Staying in contact with people that actually support you and growing your relationships with them is a big deal for me. In the beginning of your career, if you act like your too big for your fans, eventually they wont be your fans anymore…
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Xplicit: Johnny Cash, b/c i can relate to the way he got so far gone on drugs and alcohol then by the grace of God turned it all around and started using his music in a positive way.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Xplicit: I have an album im working on with no projected release date yet, i also have a couple other music videos directed by Trevor Lee that will drop soon.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Xplicit: Well 5 days a week i put up billboards in order to pay for the stuff i do with the music…Nobody sponsors, endorses or has invested in me. All of this is coming out my pocket.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Xplicit: I had to have been a eminem album, i just remember being so fascinated with hip-hop at that point of time and i was 100% sure i wanted to be a part of it.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Xplicit: A mixture of prayer, hard work and caffeine. I have a family thats behind me supports me and makes sacrifices because they believe i have what it takes to make it.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Xplicit: If all goes well my album “This is Me” will be released. But for sure 3 music videos/singles will be relased this year…I will keep you updated!
