Music Review and Interview with Contay The Hero – One Of These Nights
I love the drama of this track, it’s got such an eighties vibe to it, musically, and the voice over has an equally classic feel to it. The hip-hop track that actually kicks in after all this is not quite what you expect from that intro, the song quickly steps into modern territory, really fast lyrics are fired out from almost every angle.
What’s nice about what the artist has done with this is that the backing track is really simple, a rock track essentially, that distorted strum just intermittently, that bass line winding it’s riff around your mind and drawing you into the song. The track is quite captivating, the kind of music that you can’t quite explain why it works, it just does – it’s doing a lot of things right, and it really grabs you when you listen. It works well as an underground track, the sort of gem you discover and you’re happy to be one of the few who know, but equally it would have it’s place on radio – it stands out, the music and the hook shout out to you, not something you’ll forget any time soon after listening.
The production is great, fairly minimalist alongside everything else, the song maintains it’s power though from somewhere else. I was reminded a little of Outkast, perhaps only because I’m a fan, but I like it in itself – the combination of genres is brilliant, the effect it creates is a crossing cultures kind of atmosphere. The music gets louder and louder, and for the most part the track is that hook section, but it doesn’t seem to drag at any point. You miss a lot of the lyrics the first time round, due to the speed at which they’re delivered – it’s a sign of skill, rather than a flaw, and after a couple of listens you grasp the whole track and it sounds even better than it did the first time round. I’d look forward to hearing the EP or album from Contay The Hero.
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?
Contay: I was born in a small town on the border of Mississippi and Arkansas named Greenville, but I grew up in the metro Atlanta area. I graduated from Riverdale High School in 2005. I’ve been writing poetry since I can remember. The flow of words has always been a natural talent of mine and during my younger years the music was so heartfelt and emotional that it was easy to transfer those emotions into my own words. I became an artist much later in life though. A lot of artists started when they were younger. They already knew this was their calling. I, though grateful for the vision, didn’t see myself being an artist until 5 years ago. It just never crossed my mind. I was an entertainer already doing dance competitions, spoken word readings, and playing sports but my focus was more on gaming than anything. It wasn’t until my friend and work out partner Jeffrey Saint-Felix brought over his laptop and a usb mic that I would see what I’ve been missing all along. It took one recording of an intro to Ushers’ “There Goes My Baby”, which I wrote for my ex, for me to see this as my true purpose and the rest….well that’s history.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Contay: Well my full name is Dramaine Contay Smith. When I recorded my first song, which was the “There Goes My Baby Remix” I sent it to my Father before anyone else. If you knew my Dad you would know he’s a very hard man to impress, but when he heard the remix he called me and said, “Dramaine you got something! So what are you naming yourself?” I stated “Hero.” My father wasn’t satisfied with that. He felt I should use my middle name so my real name could be seen in lights and go down in history. I agreed with his logic so Contay The Hero was born.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Contay: Online music sharing is a big marketing tool for an upcoming artist to get their music heard. Whether paid or free someone is taking the time out of their day to listen to the art you’ve put your all into. That means something. I’ve been giving music away for free for a while. The money isn’t what my main focus is. The joy that I get from gaining a new fan goes beyond any monetary value. Therefore, I fully support online music sharing. If they truly love the artist they will buy the music and support the brand.
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?
Contay: Sure. Don’t do this for the money. It’s insane to pursue this dream while knowing the financial strain it has on you. You must have a stronger motive than money. There will be days that you feel like this isn’t working. You’re tired of the; ups and downs, the wasted time, the useless connections, the day to day grind of getting somebody to share or listen to your art. Those hard times are when you need to work harder. When you are not working someone else is. They are making connections and getting out there despite the setbacks. Establish and build a unique brand that your current and future fans can connect with. Invest in yourself. Don’t expect others to spend their hard earned money on you when you yourself aren’t willing to do the same to better your dream. Make necessary sacrifices to get where you are trying to go. Never sacrifice your morals. Have something to offer. Practice your art constantly. Know that there is always room for growth and be accepting of change. The people that are around you today might not be there tomorrow. It’s okay, some people are only in our lives for a lesson and some are in our lives as a blessing. No matter the situation, NEVER STOP WORKING, WRITING, PRODUCING, CREATING YOUR ART. Link up with a local radio personality. Think outside the box and make as many connections as you can there is no telling who somebody knows.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Contay: My inspiration comes from life. Whether it be an experience I myself went through, an experience someone has told me they went through, or an experience I have personally witnessed I can easily write a heartfelt song about it. The words easily come to me once I set my mind on the concept and scenario. The process is simple. I can write a hit song within an hour easily because I’m so use to writing story like poems about life in general. I guess you can say I had a lot of practice in my younger days that prepared me for being a great artist.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Contay: Yes, most people visit the labels website http://www.iLRecords.com. The label is located in the U.K. and updates the website periodically. To hear the music they can visit my Soundcloud page at http://www.Soundcloud.com/Contay-tha-hero. To see songs I’m working on, beats, photoshoots, and other material fans can follow on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tumblr all under the same name @Contaythehero. I use these social networking platforms daily to post inspirational messages, music, and daily shenanigans that I go through the with artists under my own label Lyrically Genius Entertainment LLC
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Contay: I would invest about 100K. With the rest I would travel to impoverished areas around the world assisting in any way that I can. The owner of A.C.T.S. Management, Felecia Leslie, told me about her trip to Africa and how beautiful the cities are. Once you venture outside those areas though the people are living without what we would consider necessities. Things such as toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, pencils, paper, pens, and books are scarce in those parts of Africa. I want to give back to the world like great artists such as 50Cent in his campaign to feed Africa, Akon in his campaign to bring power and resources to Africa. Those kinds of actions make the world a better place. I might not be able to make an impact of that magnitude with that amount of money but I surely could change a few lives for the better. At the end of the day that’s what counts the most.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Contay: Word of mouth will always be the best possible promotion an artist can ever get. It’s also the hardest one to get going but once it does it definitely snowballs. If you are not looking to spend money you’re going to have to spend time. Connecting with local DJ’s in your area should be on any artists to do list. For me DJ Wiz and DJ SoopaDave have been a big help with motivating me and getting my music out there. Those are the kinds of connections you continue to grow with throughout your career. Getting a team of people that consistently share your posts is a step towards the right direction. What I think works best for me is a hybrid of personal promotion and connecting with a few reputable companies that are great at exactly that. Remember invest in your dream and it will pay off in the long run. The seeds you plant today will produce the fruits you sow in the future.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Contay: Currently I’m working on the shows and material for my #BLOODYWASTEDTOUR in the U.K. this summer. I’m excited to see the other cultures and perform for such amazing people. I’ll be connecting with a few radio personalities and amazing DJ’s like DJ Marc Van Dross and 1000DaysWasted. A few friends I’ve made via business relationships through my jingles. Like @Snagsy1980 who is a writer for the “We Are The People Magazine” I’ll be performing more party songs than anything on this tour but the turn up will be so real. I’m so live on stage and the energy is always crazy! It’s going to be a great experience for me and I look forward to seeing how they react to meeting who they’ve been listening to.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Contay: I’d still be in the entertainment industry somewhere. It’s just in me to be an entertainer. So I’d probably be an actor or stand-up comedian…..or maybe a backup dancer.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Contay: Wow…..now that’s a question for the books. I’m not sure. I don’t think anyone is. The music industry is quite demanding of time. Some opportunities require you to drop everything at a moment’s notice and just go. I guess since I don’t have kids and I’m a single guy I have less responsibilities than the next artist. If I had children this answer would be very different I assure you, but since I don’t…..you know.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Contay: This is definitely a great year for me. Those who have been there since the beginning will see what I was working for all along. Music on the radio, mainstream exposure, a few appearances I can’t speak of at the moment here and there. I’m excited and I know my friends who are my fans are just as excited as I am. Together we will accomplish the dream I’ve shared with them for the past 5 years.
