January 19, 2010

Exclusive Interview with "Scarred IV Life"


LatinoHiphop.Org:

If there is one principle, habit or lesson that you can share with a young up and coming artist, what would it be?

Scarred IV Life:

I still consider myself an up-and-coming Artist so I'm learning as I go.  What I've done (and others can look over my shoulder for their own example) is, do your homework!  Learn about the Biz and find out who you are as an Artist.  That may sound silly but, until you share your music to get some raw and constructive criticism, you have nothing to gauge yourself on.  Do open mic's or put your self in shows outside your circle or City.  Your friends and family are going to think you're good but, try getting some love from folks who don't even know you.  And take time to record yourself.  A lot of Cats don't think about that.  You might be surprised at how different you sound when you play back your music.  That's something that will be captured in time forever...how's your delivery?  Are you just recording or putting out quality material?  There's a difference between just rhymin' and putting it on CD to sell or hand out. 

LatinoHiphop.Org:

Where do you see the music industry 5 years from now?

Scarred IV Life:

Well, the best way to answer that is to look back 5 years (ago) and see where it is now.  That's how fast the industry and art is moving.  So, I think it'll keep evolving and Artist's will keep pushing the line, making the Industry adjust to us.  But, I think this IS the best time for all Independent Artists.  There's more resources for us now, than there ever has been.  If you look back at the RUN DMC days, or even when NWA was bangin'....there weren't too many Artists out.  That might be a good thing, cuzz only quality Emcees were on the mic.  I consider all music that came out at that time, good.  Skilled Emcees were keeping the game elevated.  Only Producers who had studied and learned the trade were producing records.  These days, EVERYONE has equipment and considers themselves an Emcee or Producer.  From top notch music to the wackest, everyone's getting exposure and you don't need mainstream radio these days to get noticed.  The point I'm trying to make is, you're gonna hear music from anyone and everyone, from all over the Country (and the world).  Decide (for yourself) what's actually music and what's HIP HOP. 

LatinoHiphop.Org:

How do you go about recording, promoting and releasing your music?

Scarred IV Life:

First, the rhymes and beats have to be on point.  If not, why waste anyone's time (especially mine), pushing something that's not there yet.  It doesn't take an A&R or Producer to recognize what quality music sounds like.  Either something's hitting or it's not.  I usually perform a song at my shows to get some feedback before I invest more time and energy in it.  But, I'm usually comfortable with my end results.  So when I mix down my music, I email mp3's to folks on my email list and ask for their feedback (HINT: visit my website and join my mailing list).  I think the hardest part for me, as an Emcee and Producer is, which order to put the songs on an Album.  As silly as it sounds, the order can make an Album good or average.  Think about it, the order of songs is gonna be the first thing someone remembers about a CD and how often they go back to listen to it again.



LatinoHiphop.Org:

What are you currently working on?

Scarred IV Life:

A lot and I wish I had more time to get it all done.  Music is almost my career but until that happens, bills got to get paid!  But, I keep myself busy with several projects of my own and a few that I'm working on with other Producers and Emcees.  This includes local Cats, to the Bay Area, Arizona, Houston, Brooklyn and even Chile (South America).  Underground heads are reaching out to me and that lets me know I've got a style that people are feelin'.  That helps me grow too as an Artist, getting different vibes from other Producers or Emcees.

LatinoHiphop.Org:

What is the best place for people to find out more about Scarred IV Life?

Scarred IV Life:

 ScarredIVLife.com and LatinoHiphop.org! Along with all the other network sites.  But, you'll find those on my page anyway.  On the real, visit my page(s) and let me know where you're at!  I wanna schedule shows all over and I need to know where the real Hip Hop heads are.  And I can't emphasize enough, check out my shows.  I got bangin' tracks you won't hear any where else, the rhymes are to the good and the vibe is right.  We keep it 100!  Plus, anyone showin' love, I'll return the favor and throw out CD's, stickers - even shirts or beanies! 









 Peazo...



Wishing you continued success!

Cristopolis Dieguez
latinohiphop.org
cristopolis.com

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