This is a powerfully crafted piece of writing and music that fuses the poetry and rhythm of hip-hop with the intensity and passion of metal – and at the same time, throwing in a notable touch of EDM by means of the high energy, distorted synths that back up the hook. The two artists involved, as featured in the video, offer two very different skill sets and each presents a unique talent. The lyrics throughout approach this emotional and difficult topic in a fresh and professional way, ever articulate in expressing the ideas; there are some truly powerful and striking lines highlighted in the verses. The rapper’s flow is fantastic on top of the rhythm and the evolving energy of the music.
The music behind the vocals has a crisp and very real, organic sound to it – the drums and the electric guitar part are played superbly and are refreshing to listen to in comparison to the programmed or electronic drums more commonly used in hip-hop and even indie-rock these days. The leading riff that opens up and ends the song as well has something characterful and memorable about it. The energy and passion of the song and of its underlying message is something that is presented in full force with every moment that passes.
The contrast between the mellow mood of the verses and the hook is hugely effective. Even during those quieter moments though, you can sense the emotion in the leading voice, you can hear how important this is, how much it means to the performer, and this adds a lot of value and realness. The sound is definitely unique but reminiscent slightly of the style made big by the likes of Linkin Park, always a welcome fusion of genres, especially when done with such depth and feeling.
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?
Vinnie: I grew up in Germantown,NY…a small upstate town on the Hudson River. I remember one day while banging away at the drums I just started singing…I got up, snatched up a notebook and in about a week had filled up the entire book with lyrics. One thing though, I only knew how to play the drums…so I had to remedy that. I bought a cheap mic, guitar, tascam 4 track, and keyboard…played until my fingers were raw and my voice was horse…never looked back. I can’t live without it.
Sean: A small town in Upstate NY called Hudson. Of course us natives around here always call it Hudcity. I started my Independent label Hudcity Entertainment in 2008. What really gave me my first power move was in 2007 when I reached a quarter million people and raised Awareness all over the country through a Hiphop song on Autism. It was #1 in the world on Youtube when it dropped. I thought for sure that was my ticket. But really it was only the beginning of my journey as an artist.
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?
Vinnie: I’d say first concentrate on writing the best songs you possibly can, and having the best sounding recording your budget allows. Make it damn near impossible to be ignored when someone spins your tracks. Once you have that killer track to send, do your research and find the people looking for your style.
Sean: I always say never take no for an answer. For every 1,000 No’s there could be that 1 yes that sends your career to the stratosphere. Go right to the top, if you’ve got the info for the CEO then call him, don’t wait on the secretary. Waiting on the middle person will always take too much time from your end result.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Vinnie: Mistakes during live performances are inevitable. Sometimes I get a little wild onstage. I’ve smashed into mics, amps, snapped strings, snapped guitar straps, unplugged my guitar, forgotten lyrics, started playing the wrong song, etc. etc. One thing saves you…remember you are an entertainer. Make it part of the show. Roll with it and use it to make the moment even better than rehearsed perfection.
Sean: Man, everyone gets nervous. I’ve had my B.Rabbit moment plenty of times. It comes with the territory. And at the end of the day it’s all about how you learn from your mistakes and channel that inner lion that knows your full capabilities.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Vinnie: We aren’t currently touring…but if the fans call for it how could we deny them that?
Sean: Not at the moment, but I know how incredible Metaverse music will sound live so I’m guessing it’s definitely in our future.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Vinnie: The home studio will forever be in upgrade status…no matter how awesome it gets. For now, Pro Tools, some decent condenser mics, effects pedals, synths, guitars, drums, and pro plugins do the trick. Looking around the studio some names light up like Korg, Fender, Boss, and Sennheiser.
Sean: For me I go with my RODE Mic, Kaotica Eyeball and Pro Tools 10, M-AUDIO Studio Monitors and Scarlett Focusrite. To me this is the ultimate package for a Hip-Hop MC in house.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Vinnie: Right now we are all about the man and woman power of social media sharing. We grow bigger by the hour and don’t plan on stopping…and we show love for everyone that helps that happen.
Sean: Building that fan base and making incredible music that the world has no choice but to turn around and say “who was that?” Social Networking is a big part of the game. Being an entrepreneur you learn that engagement is key to promotion.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Vinnie: Bob Marley in Central Park NYC. Because it’s time we all get together and feel alright.
Sean: Damn… well I am an avid Beatles fan, there’s just something about their music that is so timeless and classic it cannot be defined. So yeah toss me on stage with the fab 4 and let me show them what I got.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Vinnie: Our next track release is right around the corner, and we are super excited. The song is called Project Unite, and we are going to gift it to the world. The corresponding music video is going to be a beautiful take on basic human decency…breaking down your own walls and being the change you wish upon the world.
Sean : Vinnie hit the nail on the head. I have to say every song we make we are treating it like a hit single. Our album is going to be an absolute masterpiece.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Vinnie: Frankly, I’d have a very difficult time existing without the creative flow of music in my life. I suppose I’d act nonstop to try and fill that void (I also love acting), and continue hunting for treasures as I do for my antiques business ANTIGO in Hudson,NY
Sean: Music pumps through my veins and lives in my blood. I feel the Earth’s core has music as a key element to human existence. Without it this world be a cold and desolate place.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Vinnie: Fans should expect Metaverse to consistently release songs and videos that make them truly feel something real. They will feel the respect we have for them in our substance, what we put into these songs, and the messages we send. Expect big things friends.
Sean: This is just the beginning for us. Me and Vinnie found a chemistry that is extremely unique and hard to find. I feel that we complement each other very well. We both carry that artistic intellect that is needed for a great band to thrive. I see Metaverse as a house hold name in the not so distant future.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Vinnie: A big shout out to my beautiful baby girl Emmy Rain, who fills my heart with joy every single moment of every day. Shout out to William Gonzales and Maria Gonzales who started my love for music, and my parents who allowed me to break noise ordinances while learning to play every single instrument I could pick up. Shout out to Josh Weisner, Zachary Nayer, Tim Coons, Mike Riter, Michelle Nowak, Migdalia Vega, Angel Vega, HudsonValleyCasting, Callee and Ryan Nowak. Shout out to my entire family, beautiful wife Patricia Velez and those who have supported my music since day one. Thank you Jason Irwin, Jason Keller, Sandy McKnight, and Ralph Renna. Much love to all, we’re going to make you proud.
Sean: To my family – Krista my rock, my kids, my parents, my brother, my cousins, my nieces, nephews, my team, God and the higher power, all the ones who helped me with pure sincerity in their heart and to all the naysayers who said I’d never make anything of myself if I continue this path. Guess I’ll have the last laugh!
