There’s something really crisp and now about the whole thing. – Tj SmackZ with “Down”

The intro to this song sets a really strong sort of vibe for what will follow. The production is top notch, so you really get to just soak up the sound – the instrumentation, the melody, the vocal performances, and the effects. The track gives off a feeling similar to the sort of feel good rap meets pop uplifting tracks of the early nineties, which brings a little warmth in the form of nostalgia, yet on top of this there’s something really crisp and now about the whole thing.

The music is uplifting in its overall ambiance, then to help matters further the lyrical depth just builds and builds on this feeling of meaning and warmth. It’s a pleasure to listen to something that has a great sound, is well produced, well performed, and most of all, is actually saying something of worth. The vocal parts performing these inspiring and honest lyrics have just the right amount of confidence and character to really bring out the best in the words. There’s a calm sort of presentation in the opening rap vocal, which makes it a really easy to listen to voice, one that quickly becomes familiar and believable – it’s a voice you can trust, it seems, and that adds a whole lot of value to the track in it’s entirety.

Then you get to the hook, this indie songwriter style melody line, with a pop edge to that key phrase and to this particular array of imagery that is used, leaving you with what is essentially an alternative piece of music with a massively appealing and commercially viable polish.  It’s a really strong hook, yet it’s worth mentioning that it most probably holds so much power due to the rap vocals surrounding it – the contrast causes the hook to shine far more brightly than it might on it’s own, in another type of song, perhaps.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing.

Exclusive Interview:

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

I grew up in the city of San Jose, CA. Ive always wanted to become a alternative rock or pop singer when I was younger, but then I went down a different route and became a Hip – Hop artist causeI didn’t have a great voice lol… maybe one day

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
I came up with my name actually playing Halo 3 back in the day, which was a great game by the way…. My friend Anthony (Xbox buddy) came up with the name and ever since then ive been referred to as Tj SmackZ both online and in my personal life.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

I personally don’t mind it where a lot of artists aren’t a big fan of it. I personally take
it as a compliment, because if someone is willing to download or share my music they
are helping grow as a artist and I have so much love for that.

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?

You never succeed with your first try so if you fail keep on trying and keep your head up. Even at this point nothings promised.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Yes!!! I make mistakes but I usually laugh it out and keep the show going. You can’t
just stop a show because you messed up and sometimes no one will notice unless
you make it noticeable.

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

Ive been on 106 KMEL and performed with Priceless Da Roc and John Hart. Recently
I left the group I use to be in which was named Free Radicol (Indie/Hip – Hop group) with my best friends Tony and Matt. We are still best buds but we are all working on our own projects at the moment. Free Radicol became a idea but isn’t coming back maybe down the line but not as of now.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I gain inspiration by the vibes I feel. Usually my best writing happens in the early morning.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Working on one at the moment but just my Soundcloud… don’t judge lol

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Circle Circle Dot Dot by Jamie Kennedy still a banger though.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

I would have a great time…. But most likely purchase a home for my future family.

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

Currently working at a local studio called RedEyeStudios with my producer Johnny. Great guy he has helped me develop a lot as a artist and an individual.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?Marketing… just pure advertisement

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

Mike Shinoda from the band Linkin Park would be a definite! If I ever have the capability to bring him on tour with his team “Fort Minor” Id do it in a heartbeat or collaborate with him on a song.

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

Name is undecided yet however I will release more information this November on my Facebook Page. Working with big underground artists such as Ivan B and Nessa but I don’t want say to much.

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

Most likely be getting into film and animation since I have experience with Sony Vegas and Final Cut Pro. Ive been editing and scriptwriting since I was 14.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Good question… however I can’t remember what my first one was but I did remember buying the One Republic Album “Waking Up” I listened to that non stop a year! Missing Persons 1 and 2 will always be my favorite song! Helped me get over a that big slump at that time in my life.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Just take it one step at a time. Its not about how fast you get there its about keeping your momentum…use the pain and happiness to keep you moving!

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

Look forward for a lot of new music , big collaborations and branching out.