A nicely effected and stylish piano sheds first light on this track, the vocal then steps in, followed by a really powerful beat – a certain mellowness to the rhythm, but soaked in a very soft sort of reverb. The result is this hugely atmospheric sound-scape within which the lyricist can fully indulge and express himself. The piano remains strong, minimal, but important. The whole vibe has so much going for it that it feels like a very classic track, one that already seems familiar, even after just one listen.
The vocal is perfectly in fitting with the sound, the vocal rhythm, the overall flow and style, and the appropriate ways in which the speed and the performance break down and build back up, just as they need to. The vocal works together with the music, rather than simply sitting on top of it, so you get this completed sounding piece of music – a finished piece of art, ready to affect you and make you listen. There’s a strong amount of storytelling presented throughout all of this, so there’s enough present to get involved in, to feel like the artist is saying something real, something believable.
The music at all times keeps you engaged and interested, so there’s plenty of time and space within the walls of the track to sit back and listen to the words. The tone of the voice is great, fits the track perfectly, and has a lot of character within it. It doesn’t immediately remind you of any other artist as you listen, so the originality is there, performance wise – you’d know this voice, if you heard again. An important quality.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Net Dallas: I found you guys on twitter, I’ve been promoting my music like a mad man. Eventually you guys came to me.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Nef Dallas: I was born and raised in Hudson, NY which is located upstate. Being biracial, and the only child to a single mother times were hard but we made it work. At the age of seventeen I dropped out of highschool and did some knucklehead things. Then my daughter was born in 2009 and it changed my whole life around. I went a got my GED and work my ass off rather its 9-5 or on my music career. I was inspired at a young age to be a rapper. By artist like Big L, Eminem and Biggie Smalls the greats led the way for me to become the lyrical artist I am today.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Nef Dallas: The name comes from two different places. At a young age I realize that everything cost something no matter how your paying for it So Nef stands for Nothings Ever Free. That’s actually where I get “It’s Nothing” from. People think I say it meaning what I do is easy, honestly I’m just telling y’all who it is. The last name Dallas is actually my middle name. It just went together smoothly
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Nef Dallas: As a rapper who is constantly writing something and always coming up with ideas I personally don’t mind online sharing and giving away some product for free. Especially being an unsigned independent artist, in order to get people to want your product you have to give away a few samples.
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?
Nef Dallas: If you believe in yourself, you have to be able to sell yourself. By yourself I mean your brand, music, name and personality. Network and promote like your crazy.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Nef Dallas: i never slipped up during a music performance, but i also battle rap. There was a time in the middle of my verse I stumbled over some words and started switching them by accident, but instead of stopping and making the crowd aware of the slip up I quickly fixed my mistake with a fast freestyle and then jumped back into my written verse.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Nef Dallas: i have never been able to tour, but I have traveled with in the state to perform music and also battle rap. I do know this. There are a million artist out there trying to do what you do. You have to be unique and genuine. For the most part we all work together to see each other shine.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Nef Dallas: i get inspiration from everything. Anything can spark up a fire and get me in the mood to write something crazy. It all depends on what kind of song I’m writing. Sometimes I just find a beat and go off. Sometimes I write something in my head while I’m out and about and then later find music to match the flow and lyrics
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Nef Dallas: http://www.nefdallas.com/
Also, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and youtube.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Nef Dallas: hahaha, I can honestly say I really don’t listen to anything I would consider embarrassing. Some J cole, big, Kendrick.. Its crazy because I’m also a huge west coast fan… No offense to Taylor but we not knocking her in the beats anytime soon.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Nef Dallas: Well id take a months vacation. Then its back to the grind. If I’m not in the label studio, I’m in my own. I could never stop making music. Its addicting and gives the biggest rush on that playback. Plus the mixtape game will never die.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Nef Dallas: I have a couple studios I go to, one being located in Hudson NY. Ran by my boy Fritz who as far as I know uses the pro tools program.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Nef Dallas: I do it all. From networking on multiple Social Medias and websites to actually hitting the streets of NYC and handing out my demos to strangers and music shops. I also found a new way of networking by joining the battle rap scene. I’ve gained a lot of respect, more of a support team and a bigger fan base because of it.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Nef Dallas: it would have to be Pac and Kendrick at the Staples Center or Biggie and Jay at Madison Square
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Nef Dallas: Most definitely!! I have a few shows coming up in December and also November. I really want to start touring. I also have a Compilation coming out called “Cinco Uno Ocho” I don’t want to call it a mixtape because even tho it is, it also has the feel and vibe of an Album. Classic hip hop on this project of my life and opinions on the world around us.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Nef Dallas: If I weren’t making music and if I hadn’t dropped out of school. I might of played football and try to go pro. I was extremely nice and had a sick pair of hands. Yea, Number eighty five. Lol
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Nef Dallas: the very first album I ever purchased on my own was Eminem’s Shady LP. I was just old enough to earn my own money and walk to the store by myself. If my mother knew what I was listening to back then she would of flipped out.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Nef Dallas: The grind! No days off etc. Its quite simple when your hungry. Then you don’t feel right just sitting still. Not going for it. I’m at work mentally writing songs and creating battle bars. You never stop!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Nef Dallas: My face on TV. My voice on the radio. My poster on they’re wall. I’m not settling for less. The world needs my music. And I need the world to hear my music. You see its a well balance relationship that needs to be established. With that being said. It’s Nothing!
