Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Bis: I came across Exposed Vocals via twitter and I was very interested,decided to reach out
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Bis: I grew up in the harsh environment of West Baltimore,Maryland.Being born & raised in Baltimore the chances of making it out and becoming successful are slim to none.I discovered my talent & passion for music around the age of 8.It started with me jotting down ideas and thoughts,which in time lead to being 16 bar verses that I would record on a tape cassette thru a karaoke machine.Even though I was very good at sports,I knew it wasn’t guaranteed nor does it last forever.Eventually,as I grew up my passion for sports faded and music would console me.From ages 8-19 it was more of a personal hobby,by 20 I started to pursue music and my career more seriously.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Bis: Bis is short for Biscuit,which has been my nickname since early childhood in elementary school.Shuttlesworth came into play from the 1998 Spike Lee joint “He Got Game” starring Ray Allen(Favorite NBA Star) Denzel Washington(Favorite Actor) who in the movie last names were Shuttlesworth.Also from U.S. Civil Rights Activist Fred Shuttlesworth who was close friends with Dr.Martin Luther King.Jr
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Bis: I think online music sharing is great,it’s a great way to get exposure and to get your brand out there.Yes,I have given my music away free online.I do it for fans who don’t always have money to buy my music,also its a platform i use to get heard by listeners.Just because it’s a price next to it doesn’t mean it’s actually worth anything.Real Talk.
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?
Bis: I would say perfect your craft and stick to it,keep your passion and drive don’t ever let anyone change your desire for it.Pain is Pleasure,if you haven’t cried over it,then you don’t want it,your not hurt enough.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Bis: Of course,I try not to but yes i have made mistakes before in my career.My best way of handling mistakes is not to dwell on it, don’t think about it & keep going on with the show.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Bis: Not currently touring and haven’t yet but planning too soon.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Bis: My inspiration is random,sometimes industry artists inspire me, even down to 3yr old daughter.Mostly depends on if an instrumental inspires me,then I start writing,formulate a chorus to build around,sometimes i may even write 2 or 3 different songs to the same beat and then decide which one sounds the best.The process varies the quickest i wrote a song was a hour, the longest 8 months all depends on the song i’m writing and the mood i’m in to write.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Bis: You can find me on Reverbnation,Soundcloud,Youtube,DatPiff,HNHH. Bis Shuttlesworth
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Bis: I don’t think I have any embarrassing songs but songs/artists you would not expect me to have, Adele,Taylor Swift,Coldplay,One Republic,Bob Dylan,Shakira,Creed,Red Hot Chili Peppers,3 Doors Down,Papa Roach,Phil Collins,and La Roux.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Bis: Besides travel the world & take my daughter to Disney World, I’d start a business and invest money into other businesses,stocks,time shares.Basically find the best ways to generate cash flow during that time off.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Bis: Plans to expand studio space and get more hardware,Upgrade to the newest Pro Tools,working with Studio One currently.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Bis: Thru online music sharing sites such as Soundcloud,Reverbnation,etc.Indulging in daily conversations with fans to promote upcoming projects & releases.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Bis: I would’ve loved to perform in Los Angeles at Colosseum Stadium with 2Pac and Bob Marley,because they inspirational & motivated to form world peace.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Bis: I have an upcoming project coming out in the 1st quarter of 2016,it’s titled “Thought Pool 2” which is a double disc mixtape 15 tracks each disc.It’s has a very interesting story inside the project,that details my life experiences from recent to the oldest memories.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Bis: I probably would’ve started a cleaning service,some type of business to own.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Bis: The first album I bought with my own money was “The Marshall Mathers LP” by Eminem.When I first heard the album I was instantly inspired by the lyrical ability and his way of expressing his feeling & thoughts.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Bis: It can get hard and tough sometimes but I do what I can to get by and keep pushing until the dream pays off.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Bis: Fans can look forward to more free released tracks leading towards the upcoming project “Thought Pool 2”,and possibly a few music videos and interviews.
