The soft and vulnerable sound of that opening vocal is one that makes it immediately accessible for any and all listeners. The depth and the emotion is clear from the start, and that’s something that speaks volumes. The music that follows has a really mellow and meaningful vibe to it, much like a lot of the deeper and more powerful 2Pac tracks from back in the day. It’s refreshing to hear some meaning and reflective lyricism in hip-hop music. The piano part of this track is so simple, yet it adds so much, it makes it even more artistic and expressive. The rap vocal has strength and depth to it, it has confidence and style, but not at the expense of value  the tones and the words are brilliantly appropriate for the rest of the song, and there’s a lot to be said about voices that convey such open and honest messages like this.
‘Plant your feet and stand for something’ is a stunning lyric, and is in fact just one of many that shine brightly in this track. The whole thing encapsulates those feelings that so many of us experience, and the music is so peacefully reflective that the whole episode of listening just makes you feel better about it all. It’s the kind of song that reaches out and touches your soul, and furthermore, it’s definitely a great introduction to an artist if you haven’t heard their music before. I for one will be looking out for more tracks from UrLee and Tone Jones. The sound alone is exactly the kind of vibes you can sit back and relax to, so musically, everything is there, and the fact that there is depth to it all adds a whole new dynamic that is all the more appealing.
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?
What’s going on ladies and gentleman, my name is uRLee I’m from Virginia. I decided to become an artist due to my father being a musician and just embedding me with the rhythm and opportunity to express myself.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Lol the name is really not that special well it’s as simple as can be. It’s a play off of my last name which is Burley I just dropped the “B†and added the “E.†Also people say I’m always “early†to everything I do, I’m never late for anything!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Online music sharing has its ups and downs. It’s ups due to people being able to listen to you from all different countries and walks of life. It’s downs because of people more willing to just listen and not support. I have gave away my music for free for a long time, I wanted to just spread my word to the masses and hope one day that I would be able to grow some revenue.
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?
Studio, Photo shoots, Videos, Marketing plan, Budget big or small, Execute, and set small and large goals. When you have the music and your working on your image (photos and videos) then you can plan a marketing strategy on how your going to push your brand. Set a budget you can control and use whatever streams of revenue you can to push your music to the masses. Do small and large blogs, podcast and radio stations. Set goals you can do at least every month and set 3 month goals which are called 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Song writing is something i normally do when I hear something that inspires me or I’m reading/watching something that inspires me. Usually i’ll be by myself, in the dark with a dim light setting just enough light to write in my notepad or type in my phone. I’ll also have my headphones and music playing from the mp3. I like to listen for about 30 seconds of the instrumental stop it and write. I found myself writing better when I’m in my own head instead of hearing the beat play continuously.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
I use soundcloud, reverbnation and audiomack to upload new music. My personal website is under construction due to new photos and a new music agenda that I’m pursuing at the moment. Re-branding and reintroducing myself. If you would like to see my clothing brand that represents my musical genius go to www.goodmorningclothing.com
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I’ll be honest I don’t know if I could take a year off. I’d be recording music and getting ready to release at least 1-2 projects that year. I’d spend the money in various ways. Paying any bills of course but also invest money into my music/clothing brand and career.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I use ads from Facebook and Twitter. I also post on Instagram and use sites like Tunecore and use whatever promotional tools they have to work my singles and album. Networking with the guys who shoot your videos or photos and find a PR company to run a few campaigns on any singles or album I have currently.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I have my project which drops on 6/08/2016 titled: Feed The People. Its about 12 tracks and has various subject matter. It’s a Hiphop/Rap album. You can get a glimpse of whats on the project by going to www.soundcloud.com/urlee
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be trying to get into flipping houses. I’ve always been infatuated with taking something old and making it new.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
That’s where setting small goals comes in to play. I try and do something with music at least 1-2 hours a day. If I’m just writing or answering interview questions lol.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Expect more photos more videos and more albums to drop. Bigger blog features and free giveaways of my clothing brand.
