Hot new interview with Pest!
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
I actually got a message on Twitter from Exposed vocals and Randy Morano. I signed up ’cause I was interested to see what the site was all about.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Denver, CO and also the Fort Berthold Reservation in Twin Buttes, ND. I started writing music when I was in 7th grade. One of my cousins actually got me started. When we were in class he was writing some rhymes and when I asked him what he was doing he had me try it out. I was hooked. It obviously wasnt that great ’cause I hadnt had much time to practice so I sounded like a really bad version of Dr. Suess.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
I came up with “Pest” when I was younger ’cause at that time is when a movie came out called, “The Pest” and everyone would tell me that I looked like John Leguizamo’s son. The nickname stuck. I then added the exclamation mark and started calling myself, “Pest!”
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I love music online music sharing. It has gotten me where Im at today. All my music is free. I believe that if I let it be free then thats what will help fans listen more. I love having fans so I do what I can to please them while do what I love, MUSIC!
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?
Be dedicated. Dont take no for an answer! If someone shuts you down, dont take it personal. It should push you as if someone told you, “you never gonna make it” Let it motivate you til one day they will be asking you if you can perform for them or be on their radio station.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I have a couple times. I like to spit acappella at the end and sometimes I pause for a second so when that happens I take a breath then rap fast words all together so by time Im done I have respect and fans cheering.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I have yet to tour. I cant wait though cause Im sure itll be amazing!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I usually go downstairs “my cave” and pull out all my rhyme books, ideas, and stuff that Ive written on my phone, then put it all together like a puzzle. I cant listen to any other music while Im writing cause I dont wanna sound like anyone else.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yes I do have a couple social networks.
IG: Pest303
youtube: snowmeister89
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I would have to say “Rain Fall Down” cause the sound is bad and I recorded it on a free program (audacity) and with a 40 dollar mic.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
If I was given that half a million and a year off. I would buy a new house and turn my basement into my personal home studio with all of the fixings. I would also record my EP and put money into it so that I can have professionals mix and master it. Maybe even an LP as well! I would also buy my parents a house as well.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Iwant to once I get the money for it. I use Logic Pro and Garage Band, AKG microphone, and an AKAI beat machine.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Its extremely hard to promote my music on my own. Im looked at as a joke cause Im from Denver, CO. I use my twitter and facebook accounts to promote. I get alot more hits on facebook cause people see the struggle and all the work I put into my music and they not only respect me but love my lyrics.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
My dream is to perform at Red Rocks amphitheater here in Colorado with Eminem, Drake, WuTang, Slaughter House, MGK, Childish Gambino, Logic, and Hopsin.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Im currently working on my new mixtape, unnamed at the moment. Itll be my second project since I released, “Pest! Alert!” in November. Then the deluxe version in December. The first one was about the struggle and my life. The second will still be the same but I will be more versatile and talk about things going on around the world as well.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a lawyer or businessman
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
The first album I bought was Linkin Park “Hybrid theory” I listened to the whole thing many many times. I actually traded my cousin the cd for, “Marshall Mathers LP” which hooked me even more. Its also the reason I have a rock feel with lyricism. I will forever idolize Eminem and Linkin Park. They gave me a voice!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I work graveyard shift and in the morning, so in the evening I can do shows and record music.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
For my career to amplify and for me to finally get exposure and hopefully a label. Once I make it all my fans will make it cause they would then hear more music and more names. I want to be one of the first hiphop artists to come out of Denver then bring it back home!
