Exposed Vocals just sat down with ‘Wayne B’ for an exclusive interview

Wayne B. or waynbe is a singer-songwriter based in Hiroshima, Japan. He plays a blend of many styles from Hip Hop to Rock to Reggae. What started as a hobby has slowly evolved into so much more. Waynbe hopes to continue his musical journey by taking the next step and making it his full time passion. Waynbe tries to convey feeling and evoke emotion with a uniquely positive and inspirational message of love and unity. Please check him out! I’m sure you will find at least one of his songs that connects with you.

Here is a music video waynb made for his song “Ju Ju”. The music was produced in collaboration with producer Maddeer. Wayne’s business model is based on his belief in the goodness of people. He offers most of his music free and asks you to donate if you find value in his creations.

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

Wayne B:  Well I grew up in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario.  (Canada). I never really thought about becoming an artist until much older in life.  I lived for sports growing up and played hockey and soccer year round.  I did have a lot of exposure to music growing up though.  My mom was of Caribbean descent and she used to pay calypso and soca music on the weekends.  Those are some of my best memories of her.  Dancing around in the foyer laughing and just having a good time.  So I always had rhythm but it wasn’t until I moved to Japan, that I started playing guitar and I started writing songs.  I found a music buddy in  my friend Govinda.  He had more experience in the “scene” then me and he started getting us small gigs and it has continued from there.  Although right now I’m currently writing and recording a lot more than playing live.

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?

Wayne B:  I think I’m still a startup so I think you or they should give me some tips. Lol

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

Wayne B:  Of course.  It’s bound to happen.  I usually just try to make the best and continue although I have stopped and restarted a song before.  I guess just be prepared and try to relax.  Trust that its going to go fine.

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

Wayne B:  Not really.  But I do hope to be on a world tour someday…..and Im not even joking.

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

Wayne B:  I have just a basic set up and am looking to upgrade soon.  Recently I have been exploring some music making apps.  I have been using the “Take” app to record over music creations from producers from all over the world on the site Allihoopa.

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

Wayne B:  I think using social media is vital and I’m just trying to get into it and see what is possible.  It’s just time consuming when I’d rather be making music. ….. If there is anybody interested in promoting and managing my social media stuff, please contact me. Lol

I also think word of mouth and recommendations go a long way.  So I always tr to give my best at each performance.

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

Wayne B:  It would have to be Bob Marley.  Why?….really….Bob is the MAN, man.  What more can I say?  He was just that awesome.  He always put everything into it.

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

Wayne B:  Right now I’m just busy releasing tracks and making videos.  I pretty much give out my tracks for free and ask people to contribute what they wish too.  I guess it’s my business model for now.  It kind of goes with my philosophy of life and trusting in the goodness of people.

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

Wayne B:  Playing more hockey and soccer.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Wayne B: More fresh original soulful music……like always.  Hopefully my fans will be seeing me more with more exposure over social media.

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

Wayne B:  My Hiroshima and B.town peeps.  You now who you are,  And of course all my fans and potential new ones.  Thanks for checking out my stuff.  I really appreciate it.