How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Randy Morano first contacted me in regards to my music and I signed up for the interview experience, the exposure, and a chance to reach others with my message.
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was born in Santa Maria, California and mostly raised in the state of Pennsylvania in a small town by the name of Titusville. I was always poetic and my family is musically inclined so me becoming an artist was inevitable. I had the rhymes; all I needed was structure and delivery.
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
My rap name, “Street” actually came from me living on the streets. It was simply adopted into my rap profile. Stemming from my nickname; I found Street Life Entertainment as a result of my ambition to bring entertainment to life in the street…Get it?
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
All my music is free. I only ever placed a price on it once and for a short duration via the internet. I understand selling cds, artist(s) specific merchandise, tickets to concerts, etc. but to pay for a digital file is just preposterous. Perhaps it can be justified by selling digital files (in bulk) via USB flash drives… It is so easy for someone to share music on their phone, iPod, and more that I believe cds and cd players will become a thing of the past. Why carry 100s or 1000s of cds around a risk scratching them, losing them, or having them stolen when all that music can fit onto one device, plug into almost any sound system, and fit into one pocket yet still leave room? Sure, money for the artist is lost due to music file sharing but, so what? Music artists make ridiculous money and there is always another way! Hence, selling music via USB drives…
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?
If you want gigs; make good music and many friends, friends within venues that is. Establishing connections through networking is essential to your performance lifeline. Start small; S.L.E. started by performing at a small head-shop called Dragon Chaser’s Emporium in State College, Pa. Establish a reputation for good music, good vibes, and entertainment. Make people want to come back and say WOW…………That was a BLAST!! Remember that time we went to see that artist perform live and this happened______???? Give your listeners something to remember!! For airplay, use submission features on websites like: cdbaby.com, reverbnation.com, musicsubmit.com, greenhitz.com, and so on. Connect and network with DJs. If people show you love and support you then show love and support them back.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
All the time! In fact, crowds seldom notice. The best thing you can do is continue with your performance like nothing had ever happened! Adapt.
Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
S.L.E. has not been on tour as of yet however; we have performed in multiple states.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Song writing is done from the heart and mind. The best way to write music is to feel the lyrics. Jump into a freestyle cipher and vibe to beats until you feel that “one” beat and flow that sticks. Then, write and re-write!
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
Yes!
Facebook – www.facebook.com/StreetLifeEntertainment |
ReverbNation – www.StreetLifeEntertainmentSLE.reverbnation.com |
Twitter – @FollowSLE
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
None, the music within the playlist is of personal preference. There is no reason to feel embarrassed for the simple fact that someone else does not “feel” that a said song suits the listener.
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Relax & breathe. Then, build a franchise to continue financial growth progression.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Currently, all music is recorded through a MXL4000 microphone, Pro Tools or Acid Pro, and a M-Audio interface then played back through Fostex studio monitors. The only preferred upgrades would be a compressor/limiter to control the audio input, an automated mixing console, surround-sound monitoring, and a 24bit 128Hz platform.
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
The best promotion is self-promotion. Word of mouth is great although, it only works for those who do not know the artist(s) personally. There is some sort of jealousy/envious/cornball feel to saying, “Hey, meet my friend. He is a rapper”.
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
MGK, 2Pac, Nas, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Tech N9ne & Hopsin because they are some of the greatest. Very hype, great stage presence, & outstanding lyrics. If we could perform anywhere, it would be each of our hometowns regardless of the profit margins.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Current & upcoming projects consist of collaborations with Cory McGee of NBD, In Between Dreams. We are in the progress of creating tracks to support anti-bullying campaigns and to raise bullying awareness. Projects range from the United Kingdom to the Cayman Islands and back to the United States.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
The same thing I am doing now; drafting & design.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Boys II Men………Not certain of the album although, Bending Knee & Yesterday were both on it. Love was the only thing going through my head at that time.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Never stop. Get your foot inside the door and then kick it off the hinges!
What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2015 and beyond?
2015 will be to continue progressing projects and finishing prior projects so that S.L.E. can bring the new style and feel to the music scene.
