Exposed Vocals just caught an interview with DC artist Q’Raun
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in D.C. we moved all over D.C. actually. We started in an apartment in SE… then stuff happened moved in with my granny. She only listened to gospel. Which meant we only listened to gospel. We got up every Sunday went to church.. did the Sunday school thing. Was even in the choir once.. I thnk my first CD ever was R.Kelly’s gospel album LOL. I didn’t get my first dose of hiphop until like. When we moved out of granny;s house actually. We had a lil more freedom at my moms apartment. My first hip hop album was a bootleg young jeezy album my begged my mom to get from the flea market… then I got put on to Three6 Mafia. Started writing their lyrcis down to learn it. Then my older brother was like yo that’s how people start rappin…and im like yo lets start rappin..
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?
You gotta own it. Own the fact that youre an artist. That’ll build up your confidence to link with other artist, and network with people who have access to gigs. There’s some people out there that hosts local events, and are looking for performers. Some may ask you to pay I think the least I ever paid was like $10. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Make music that’s true to you. Make sure it is good by having someone else listen to it (not a yes man). Then promote promote promote.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I always forget my lyrics, I just keep singing the song. Always just keep going.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I just upgraded my studio. I use to have my mac and snowball mic on the shelf in my closet. Now I sectioned off a part of my room. Got a better mic At4040 I think. A nice iso shield and a mic stand with some sound proofing. I love it.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Sharing it on IG. Using the promo tools that social media offers. I painted my artwork, so I did a lil thing with that and gave a way stickers. I put up stickers with QR codes in some parts of the city. Music videos help a lot. with promoting a song…. I just learned that. Also get your friends to share too.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Bruhhhhh I wanna perform in Lil Wayne I don’t care where as long as everyone sees it. Lil Wayne is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. The way he manipulates the English language is crazy. The man deserves all the grammies honestly… well not all I need some too.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I just dropped Soul of Q vol. 2 on May 28th. Now I am in show mode. Just getting around the city, and in some other cities, performing my music. I got some videos dropping soon. I am always working on new music though… I got a Slowed and Reverb EP that I wanna release at the end of the summer, but the main focus now is Soul of Q vol.2
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Maybe painting outside somewhere nice. I do I.T. stuff too but I don’t wanna do that forever. I would dip into politics, I don’t like what DC is becoming, and the stuff that we as black people have gone through and will unfortunately continue to go through is just trash to say the least.. I plan to use my passion, and platform I gain from music to speak out and force change.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
More of me 😊.
I am working on a mixtape and the SnR EP I mentioned, but my focus now is putting Soul of Q, vol.2 into everyone’s face.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Shout out everyone that has ever showed love to me
Shout out my Fam
Shout out the homies Diante Angel and Kelvs
Shout out to the people is sent my unfinished songs to, and to the people I ask to listen to my music before it drops
Shout out the group chat
Shout out Jamall for doing what he does
Shout out Danielle for doing what she does
Shout out the homies Chris, Clay, Key Fendi, and Ken
Shout out my city
Shout out yall
