Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
MFKN MAZE: I heard about Exposed Vocals via Twitter. I was contacted by Randy Morano; we contacted each other via emails. He was interested… I was interested and here we are.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
MFKN MAZE: I grew up on the west side of St. Louis City, Mo. Born and raised. The playground is not where I spent most of my days. (Fresh Prince Reference) I spent my days in choir rooms, band rooms and drama classes since elementary school starting with Clark Accelerated Elementary then Pattonville Heights Jr high choir. In which I received several awards for my musical achievements. I played sports in high school at Soldan International Studies High football, tennis team and the track/field team. It was getting back and forth to these places of higher learning that often caused an issue. Such as my high school was in the middle of a Crip Gang neighborhood. I as my luck would have it born and raised in Blood Gang neighborhood often had problems just getting home or even to school. Music became my outlet; my happy place so to speak. Which came naturally due to my family background. I was already a published writer by the 5th grade. It all kinda welded together so to speak. I heard The Formula by D.O.C. For the first time I was hooked on hip-hop/rap. But when I heard Mystikal’s “Boot Camp” it was no turning back I knew what I wanted to do. I also knew I had to be the best at it. I think me and my God brother listened to that that cd for hours. The artist Tony Mfkn Maze was born… Then I was called Lizzo.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
MFKN MAZE: Well as I said before I use to go by Lizzo. But as most MCs evolve so does their identity and usually their name. (lol) I’ve been Lizzo, Lizzo Luchi, Lex Luchi, Lex Legion and Alex Legion. People in the rap industry often bite or copy others identity or style. But what they can never be is you. A while back a fellow St. Louis artist Pure told me ” Dude you were born with dopest name Tony Mays. Just use your name.”
So tired of other MCs using the name Lex I decided to be who they can’t be. Me… Tony Mfkn Maze
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
MFKN MAZE: I think online music sharing has become the wave of the future. Due to technology and how music is even stored now. It’s pretty much the way to go… Everyone does everything from their phones or some type of mobile device. Gotta keep up with the times or be left behind.
Yes. I do give free music away I dont just do music for the money. I have an underlined message I’m trying to relay. Some songs just need to be heard. Plus its awesome marketing and shows fans old or new appreciation.
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?
MFKN MAZE: The best advice ever given to me was know the business inside and out. Don’t be afraid to fail and dont be afraid to succeed. #GrindHardOrDieHard
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
MFKN MAZE: Everyone has, does and will. How you handle it is what separates artist from entertainers. KEEP GOING!!! Honestly most people wont notice especially if your giving a show. Redirection is key.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
MFKN MAZE: Definitely have a few promoters trying to get me on. I’m currently on The Coast2CoastMixtapesLive Tour but only doing the local events in my hometown of St. Louis. Actually have a show coming up on that tour August 5, 2015 @ Club Fubar 3108 locust St.. I also have a tour coming up with Hustlerholics.com radio based out of Atlanta in September. Which I’ve been in rotation on their online station for 14 weeks straight. S/O Hustlerholic.com radio.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
MFKN MAZE: Life. Past experience… Experiences of others, things I’ve seen, heard, witnessed or were involved in. I speak The Truth no matter how dirty it may be. My song writing process is unorthodox I could start writing on the bus or in the studio. Kinda like the holy ghost…lol when it hits me… It hits me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
MFKN MAZE: Several…
http://tonymfknmaze.
A.M. Muze-sick: https://m.facebook.com/
Facebook: Tony Mfkn Mays
Instagram: Mr.PrezTony2Tattd
YouTube: Tony Mfkn Maze
Twitter: TonyMfknMaze@alegion23
Check my new singles out ” Gas Me Up ” & KYS on
http://www.jango.com/stations/
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
MFKN MAZE: None I don’t think…lol
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
MFKN MAZE: Well first off I’d donate 10% of it to a charity. Give my daughter a 100,000 for college. Buy me a nice a house not too fancy but a few choice amenities. An Audi A6 and invest the rest in my music and my second passion tattooing.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
MFKN MAZE: I’m pretty much networking with several producers between St. Louis and Atlanta.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
MFKN MAZE: I look for any and all ways to promote my music and brand. Free publicity is the best publicity. As of right now the internet has played a key part in the success of my movement.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
MFKN MAZE: That would have to be in Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theater or Even The Fox Theater in St. Louis with none other than Tupac Shakur himself. He was and is a major influence on how I write and my song content.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
MFKN MAZE: Well I’m currently on some Coast2Coast Mixtapes
Next Up vol. 287
http://coast2coastmixtapes.
Next Up Vol. 288
http://coast2coastmixtapes.
#WeWorkinMixtapeVol164 feat. Tony Mfkn Mays #FangGangPrez “SuperVillian” song #2 track by Harzoyte Jubei #KnowDat Download @ www.coast2coastmixtapes.com
Also working on my full album #SlamSityStL The True Story
Currently 2 singles on
CD Baby Tony Mfkn Maze: K.Y.S.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/
CD Baby Tony Mfkn Maze: Gas Me Up.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
MFKN MAZE: What I’m doing now working as a nurse and tattooing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
MFKN MAZE: The fisrt album I bought was 2pacolypse by Tupac Shakur. I remember listening to every single word.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
MFKN MAZE: Prioritizing… Committing to a goal, getting it done and moving to the next step. I stayed focused no matter what. Without a doubt Gods Favor.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
MFKN MAZE: More of me… Get use to hearing the Name Tony Mfkn Maze. #FangGang is more than a team of creative minds. It’s the beginning of a musical revolution an evolution of the industry. Look forward to what the streets need… THE TRUTH.
