Exposed Vocals just sat down to interview with Wade Giles (Aka “iTz Giles”) @iTzGiles850 –
Wade Giles (Aka “iTz Giles”) was born and raised in Pensacola, FL. Growing up he played a lot of sports before falling in love with music. In high school, Giles made his 1st recording ever. His first recording was a “Diss” track that consequently landed him in 10 days suspension from his High School for “Cyber Bullying”. Till this day , Giles has continued his path of creating music, and has been perfecting his craft ever since. With his recent release titled “Cold Hearted” taking the internet to a storm, and a beat produced by “Ric & Thaddeus” , the song takes on a very melodic R&Bl vibe. The lyrics tell a story of heartache and pain from a very toxic relationship. Giles is an up & coming artist thats rising to his stardom. Continue to follow “iTz Giles” through this journey of creation.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
iTz Giles: I grew up in Pensacola, Fl. Went to school at Tate High School. I was very angry one day, so I decided to write some lyrics. I didnt have the proper tools to record with, so I used a mic that plugs into your headphone jack and covered the top with a sock for a “Pop Filter”. Long story short, I decided to become an artist once the “Diss Song” became popular around the school. So popular in fact, that it got me suspended for 10 days for “Cyber Bullying”.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
iTz Giles: Well, Giles is my last name. Throughout school I was always called by my last name. I added an “iTz” to my name to make it unique, and to make it pop up in google search or a youtube search.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
iTz Giles: I love the fact that artist have a great platform to spread their music out. I like to give out free music, because nowadays music has went to alot of streaming platforms. (Apple Music, Spotify, etc..) Therefore making it important to have your music registered so that you get paid for streams as well.
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?
iTz Giles: Never take shortcuts with your craft! If you dont have the budget to get it professionally done then save up until you can! With the market being so saturated nowadays you have to find a way to make yourself stand out.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
iTz Giles: Of course. We all are human. But how you bounce back from your mistakes is key. I usually play it off and keep the show rolling. Sometimes the crowd wont even realize you messed up if you play it off properly.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
iTz Giles: I have not been on tour yet. But I have traveled a few places for music in general. My first show ever was in Orlando , FL. I opened up for Lil Wyte. I was pretty nervous, and by the time I got on stage I had gotten so drunk that I looked absolutley sloppy on stage! Never will I drink anything before performing again. Maybe a water or gatorade for now on!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
iTz Giles: Inspiration usually comes from the beat. If im really feeling a beat, then the beat will talk to me and inspire me. My main process is coming up with the melody first. Having a good strong melody, maybe even humming a melody and adding lyrics to it later. I enjoy very melodic songs like Tory Lanez , Post Malone , Bryson Tiller, and few others just to name a few. I try and keep the lyrics very RAW and relatable.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
iTz Giles: I do have a website you can check it out at iTzGiles.com . I also use Twitter ( @iTzGiles850 ), Facebook.com/itzgiles850 , and instagram ( @iTzGiles850). Please feel free to give me a follow!
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
iTz Giles: I got songs I recorded about 6 years ago that go back and listen to sometimes just to remind myself how far I have came! I had some poor quality music back in the day. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
iTz Giles: First thing I would do is pay off my house. Pay off all my debt. Then use the remaining to build a strong buzz with my music. And go on tour around the world.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
iTz Giles: I just recently purchased a new mixing console. Right now I record in my home studio. I have an isolation booth. Which I cleared out my closet and put acoustic foam throughout. Im using Presonus Studio One pro for all my recording. I do all my own recordings, but I usually bounce my stems out and send them to someone for professional mixing and mastering.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
iTz Giles: Best way I found is to have a good quality visual to spread around social media. A good product will sell itself. Also Blog features and Live shows have been great for promotion.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
iTz Giles: Id have to say it would be with Wiz Khalifa on the West Coast. Wiz was a big inspiration to me through High School to get started making music and for me to believe the dream is possible. So for me to be able to perform on stage with Wiz would be a great feeling.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
iTz Giles: I just recently released a new single titled “Cold Hearted”. Which I will be shooting a visual for. So be on the lookout for that!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
iTz Giles: If I wasnt making music I would probably still be playing baseball. Baseball was my first dream and I was pretty darn good at it. Whenever I got suspended 10 days for making that “Diss Song” I was also kicked off the baseball team at my high school.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
iTz Giles: My first album I ever bought was B.G Choppa City. Back when Cash Money was popping with Wayne , Juvie , B.G . I just liked his raw and scratchy voice. His swag and all that.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
iTz Giles: Taking it day by day. Making sure I make the most out of everyday and not to get overwhelmed.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2017?
Visuals! Alot of Visuals. Im coming out hard in 2017. Bigger Budget, Better quality work. Be on the lookout for me.