Music Review and interview with Flipworkin’ – Konnichiwa Talk
Flipworkin’ has a pretty classic sound to his music that feels a lot like real, original hip-hop. The backing track is somewhat minimal, in that there is only what needs to be there, no frills, no filler, just that dark and lightly synthesized sound, with a fairly light beat as well. It works, the music sounds serious, but gentle, so what you’re really listening to and focusing on is the leading vocal.
The vocal has a similar streak of serious to it, the tone of the voice is hugely listen-able, the flow is quite unusual nowadays as well, so it’s enjoyable to hear. There is a little bit of space around the lyrics – just enough to really vibe to the rhythm, and at the same time take in what’s being said. The music and the lyrical performance work well together, rather than simply being placed alongside each other, as is often the case. The artist uses the music as a stage, he knows where to go for each moment, when to hold back, when to bring the words to the centre.
The backing track remains the same throughout the track, nothing picks up much or changes in that respect, but this is the case with a lot of classic hip-hop, that’s the vibe it creates, the music just rolls around and surrounds you. In contrast with that, the vocal performance does pick up, does change intermittently throughout, particularly during the hook, and again towards the end. You notice the structure of the track purely because the vocal performance has outlined it so well. It doesn’t get tiresome in any way, which can sometimes happen with vocals rapped over random tracks, but everything here seems like it was chosen and produced for exactly this piece of art. In many ways, it sounds like a real event, something fresh, a short experience you become involved in when you listen.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
FlipWorkin’: Ok so my musical name is FlipWorkin’. I’m 25 years old, and I am born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I am an artist at heart, I love to rap. I also produce & engineer music for myself and others.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
FlipWorkin’: Well, coming up my grandmother nicknamed me Flip because I was that kid who would flip out when I wouldn’t get my way. The name stuck to me like glue for various reasons, but then it became a trend of me always being busy. “Flip you’re always working”. This is how “FlipWorkin” was born.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
FlipWorkin’: Personally I don’t really dive into online music sharing as I should. It is very effective though because it is the fastest way to get your music out to the public. I don’t particularly agree with “giving music away”, but I do understand why this is effective. Listeners deserve free music that is of the same quality periodically. Just like how “dope” artists deserve to be supported for their talents. Its like a constant battle.
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?
FlipWorkin’: Well first off, make dope music, keep the good energy around you, and never stop being creative. Most importantly invest in yourself. If you don’t show your dedication to your craft then no one else will.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
FlipWorkin’: I get my inspiration from everyday life honestly. On a more specific scale though, my inspiration comes in the form of Jay-Z. I usually throw on some classic Hov or BIG and just zone in on the zone they were in at that time. I listen to the honesty in the vocals and the subject matters.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
FlipWorkin’: My current website is www.FlipWorkin.com for anything related to FlipWorkin’ Productions. I use a few different platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, social media, etc. to share my music with the world.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
FlipWorkin’: At this point in my life I would definitely make major things happen with that kind of money. I would invest a lot of it both into assets and into my music career. Making the music is priceless so I would invest in promotion, software & hardware, to further my sound.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
FlipWorkin’: I just promote and promote and promote some more. You may not like my music today based on the mood you are in, but you will respect what I have going on.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
FlipWorkin’: Yes absolutely – I’m in the process of recording my new album titled, “FDR Flows”.
This is one of those real bone-chilling albums with a high quality lyricist painting the picture directly on the canvas. I built a record label called “F Dubb Records”, which we call “FDR”. With the name “FDR Flows” a pressuring FDR standard will be set this July 15 (my birthday)
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
FlipWorkin’: If I wasn’t making music I would be losing my mind from idle time. I was taught that it is the devil and it is best to stay busy. I really don’t enjoy doing much else as much as I enjoy making and creating music. I would probably be an A&R somewhere.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
FlipWorkin’: I remain focused on what’s important. I I don’t know how to put this in words, but I just do it. I don’t exactly have an angle on the situation. I just make it happen.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
FlipWorkin’: For starters “The Gemini Effect” was released on June 12, 2016. This is an album by Maj O’Narley that is produced & executive produced by yours truly. It’s definitely a classic project and I don’t throw that term around loosely. Also look out for FDR Flows. There will also be a FDR Compilation album being released this upcoming summer. Everything is stamped and approved.
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