This track opens up with a gentle piece of music and a classic production style that sounds really atmospheric and quite beautiful. The lyrics quickly alter the vibe that’s created, I think a little more of an interesting subject matter might have helped maintain that epic vibe created by the intro. The vocal sounds good, I like the classic way in which it’s set down within the music, and as the track progresses the lyricism develops and talks a little more about the real world and the struggle, which fits well with the music and is far more interesting to listen to.
It’s actually another one of those tracks that sounds a little like it could quite easily be a freestyle, there are some real moments of meaning, but there are also a fair few moments of slightly predictable rap that make it a little difficult to stay focused on that depth. The artist has a great voice, it’s got a certain softness to it’s angst in many ways, it’s easy to listen to and there’s a great flow expressed throughout, but also it’s one you’ll find yourself really wanting to listen to. If the whole track focused on that real life grit then I’d be completely blown away by this.
The backing track is great, and as mentioned, there are some moments of real lyrical power and potential. It’s always far more effective and memorable when artists talk about their personal journey – the journey that only they have experienced. This means that whatever the story, it will be unique, and new, and interesting to outsiders. Nobody does you better than you. Overall though, I like the music a lot, I like the vibe the artist has got going and I’d keep an ear out for more tracks in the future to see where the art takes him.
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?
Moose DC: Well, I was born in Belleville, NJ to a broke family. We moved to Greenville, SC when I was 10. We’ve always been poor. We still are. I’ve always had to hustle and I’ve always had this dream of making music and getting rich and finally being able to take care of my family. But, they don’t support what I do, so it just adds another obstacle into the works. But, that won’t stop me, it just motivates me. Music is my passion and I love making songs. It gives such a rush!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Moose DC: Well, Moose is a name I’ve had following me around since middle school. Everybody has always called me that. Don’t ask me why. The DC comes from Dark Cloud. My homeboy Cornflake who is like my brother has this dream of making a label called Dark Cloud, and it’s kind of an homage to him because he motivated me to start making music in the first place.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Moose DC: I think online music sharing is a miracle. It’s so easy these days to start making a name for yourself thanks to social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, etc. All of my music has been given away for free at this point because I don’t own any of the rights to my beats, I’m just making music to get my name out at this point. I won’t start making money off any of this until I can get my own recording equipment and start producing all of my own music. But, I am happy to give away my music because I just want to share it with people and receive their feedback on how I can improve 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?
Moose DC: This one is tough, because I’m still just starting out myself and I haven’t had any gigs or airplay yet. But, I guess my only advice would be to never give up. Always keep making music and putting your name out and trying to network and connect with people that are closer to the industry and eventually you and I will make it.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Moose DC: I walk, talk, breathe, and think rap at all times. I’m always thinking of new ideas for songs and working on them in my head. Then, when I feel like I’m ready, I just hit record and start rapping. It just comes out of me. I don’t even think about it. It’s like God is putting the words in my mouth to say. It’s quite a miracle and it feels great to do it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Moose DC: The only websites I have available at the moment are my pages on SoundCloud, Facebook, etc. I try to share my music on all available platforms with the hopes that someone across the country will hear one of my songs and think it’s dope and show all their friends.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Moose DC: I would definitely buy a car first because I’ve never had one. Then, I would buy all the highest end recording equipment I could. After that, it wouldn’t really be time off because I’d be living in the studio for the whole period of time!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Moose DC: Social media is my best friend. It gets the word out. Other than that, I spread my name by a lot of word of mouth and talking about the fact that I make music and trying to share it with anyone I meet. Sometimes people think it’s annoying, but nobody ever got their name out by keeping their mouth shut, you know?
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Moose DC: I’m steady working on new songs. I don’t have a particular “project” in the works, YET. I’m just focusing on finding my sound and spreading the word right now. But, when the time comes, I’m definitely going to make a mixtape or an album that I can share with all my friends and fans.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Moose DC: I cook. I’ve been working in restaurants for years and I love creating in any form, be it food or music or whatever. If I’m not making music, I’m at work making food.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Moose DC: Nino Brown taught me this one. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. Some people spend it watching t.v., some spend it going on adventures, some spend it working, and some spend it doing nothing. I realized that I’m never going to have enough time to do everything I want, so I had to sacrifice a little sleep and social life in order to follow my dream. It’s all about allocation of resources, and time is a huge resource at our disposal.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Moose DC: A whole lot of songs, a whole lot of work, and hopefully look forward to hearing more about me. I plan to keep working hard at this until I achieve my goal of becoming successful. I’d also like to thank anyone who’s taken the time to listen to my songs and spread my name, I would be nowhere if it wasn’t for you guys. I love you all! Also, thank you Exposed Vocals for the wonderful opportunity to talk to you about my work. God bless!
