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Trev Rich – Heights 2 Interview

With two days to go until Heights 2 drops, I grabbed Trev Rich for a second interview to grab his thoughts on how he’s handling the new found fame, whether he believes he takes the second installment of Heights to a new height and if we can expect an album any time soon. 

 

On “Dream Killers” you claim you have no time to answer questions, so thanks for finding the time for a Q&A with me. It’s been three month since our last interview…What’s new, how have you been?

Trev: I’ve been working probably the hardest I’ve ever worked to not only find new motivation but to be consistent enough to complete a quality project. That’s not the same as the last one! It got more personal.

I was a little irritated that days after our interview, someone from MMG retweeted one of your songs, did anything come out of that? How does it feel knowing your fan base and exposure is growing daily?

Trev: It feels good to know that I stayed true to myself and people appreciate and support that. Now I feel like I cant go wrong with just giving them me

One of your fans drew a picture of you, that has got to be an overwhelming feeling right? I tweeted to you at that time it was a sign of you making it. What were your thoughts when you seen the drawing?

Trev: Shock. Someone really took the time out of their day to do a chalk drawing of me. It was a humbling experience. Shout out Chase by the way.

Now that you’re undoubtedly a major figure in Colorado’s Hip Hop scene, where do you go to escape from the pressure of dropping such high quality mixtapes?

Trev: My room. [Laughs] Really that’s the only getaway I can find in it all. It’s an overwhelming lifestyle and it really can take control of you if you let it. I figure out what works for me and stick to it!

In the last interview, you claimed you were going to take it even higher with Heights 2, do you think that goal has been achieved?

Trev: Of course I do. I opened my my mind and gave you more of me. Heights was just a story of one day. 2 is more of a battle within myself. There’s really a thin line between insanity and genius and i wanted this project to be that thin line. You get rapper Trev, lover Trev, fed up Trev, spiritual Trev, everything. You see the balance of a career and a relationship. In most situations rappers would want to choose between love and a dream I’m not. Heights 2 was the process of trying to make everything work at the same time.  You’ll either love it or hate it. No in between in my opinion.

What is your personal favourite track of the mixtape?

Trev: Can’t choose. They’re all my children no favorites.

You’ll see in my review of Heights 2 that I loved the mixtape, but there was one thing which disappointed me. No MME features? Why?

Trev: Everybody is really busy doing their own thing. We all live in different states on different schedules. There are a few things in the works though. I feel like all the features on the project were actually perfect fits. I just didn’t want to throw songs together because of a name.

Despite his vocal absence on the tape, was Joe giving you much advice behind the scenes or is this a tape managed solely by you with no outside influence?

Trev: Nah this was just me and a close knit group of people in Denver with me. I didn’t want a lot of input i just wanted to do what i felt. They agreed.

Are we going to get a Trev Rich / Joe Budden collaboration any time soon?

Trev: You never know with Joe. Its a hit or miss. Maybe one day.

You’ve been getting a load of attention from plenty of blogs recently. Notably 2DopeBoyz, AllHipHop.com and of course MileHiMusic and TheRootMusic which I write for. How much do you value the blog sites supporting you? Is there any blog you aspire to feature on?

Trev: I love it! the blogs are definitely apart of this machine and we appreciate all of them that support the movement. No single one stands out. It all counts.

Two successful mixtapes, three including the Special Edition of Heights 1. Is it time for an album yet? 

Trev: That’s what New Forever is. Already working on it.

When can we expect New Forever?

Trev: September.

What else can we expect in the next six months from Trev Rich? Any tours or features we should particularly look out for?

Trev: All of that! But I promised the fans more visuals this time so I’m really gonna buckle down do a lot of artwork, videos, etc. It’s time for it.

Thank you for the interview, any last words?

Trev: Heights 2. 6/7 Thanks for your support. Shoutout to everybody rocking with me. Special shoutout to KMG STUDIOS! They did a lot for this project. It sounds amazing.

 

So its official! We have Trev Rich’s debut album, “New Forever”, coming in September. For now you can enjoy a stand out track from Heights 2 in “Red Cup Blues”. Heights 2 will be available Friday the 7th of June, follow @_TrevRich on Twitter for the link and my review of the tape will be available on www.therootmusic.blogspot.com soon too. 

 

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Katy McAllister

Every now and then you come across someone with such an amazing voice that you can’t help but to keep hitting the replay button. For us Katy Mcallister is definitely one of those artists. From the way she carries her notes to the passion in her voice, Katy is the epitome of raw talent. Under the guidance of Tyler Ward she has managed to gain a significant following as well as hone her vocal skills. Amid everything else her confidence seems to draw us in the most, and with that alone we are certain she will make fan out of everybody. It’s always a little more refreshing to get to know the human side of an artist you like, so we did just that.

 

How did you discover that you can sing?

Katy: Ever since I was little my three sisters and I made up dances and songs and put on shows for my parents all the time. My family has an annual Christmas party every year since before I was born and we used to put shows on for all of our family and friends. We still sing a couple songs each year. I also used to sing in front of my mirror and pretend I was performing on stage, I sang in choir for 10 years and eventually started writing songs on the piano around the age of 15.

In regards to music, who had the most influence on you growing up?

Katy: My Mom and Dad. My Mom started teaching me piano when I was 3 along with all my sisters. My Dad was the lead singer in a country band who played around Dallas before I was born and can play fiddle like nobody I’ve heard. He also plays guitar, mandolin, etc. They both introduced me to music and had me growing up listening to great musicians who’ve also influenced me.

Do you think you can handle being famous?

Katy: I’m not sure what that would feel like. I’m assuming it would be very overwhelming but pretty exciting to have all that attention.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Katy: Embarrassing moments are a regular thing for me. I’m talking every other day, I embarrass myself, so it’s definitely hard to say which one tops them all. Probably the time I was playing spin the bottle and I had to kiss a guy friend that I had a crush on and was so nervous I accidentally bit him. He won’t let me forget it. I was a lot younger then…

What’s your favorite love song?

Katy: There are many interpretations of the song, but “Wonderwall” by Oasis is definitely top 10 for me.

Have you ever had your heart broken? If so, how did you cope?

Katy: All of my music is reality. Things that have actually happened and things I have actually felt. I love to run. After my first big heartbreak at 16, I focused all my energy on running and working out. Every time my love life is on the rocks, my body becomes healthier than ever. It’s strange how that works. After that first heartbreak is also when I wrote my first real song. (Not counting all the amazing songs I wrote in elementary school, of course.) There are many things I don’t have the guts to say, so if say it on paper and sing about it it almost feels like I am saying it to someone.

What’s the last song or album you bought?

Katy: I recently bought the album “Sand & Snow” by A Silent Film and the album “Heartthrob (Deluxe Version)” by Tegan and Sara at the same time. I’m very pleased with both purchases.

What is your 5 year plan?

Katy: I don’t really make plans, I kind of live my life month to month. But I guess in 5 years I hope I am playing live music all around the world, will have released several albums, and will have collaborated/co-written with many different people.

What’s your favorite TV show?

Katy: Parks & Recreation hands down.

In regards to your music career, who would you say has helped you progress the most?

Katy: Tyler Ward got my music to be heard by producing it and sharing it online, he gave me the courage to get over my stage fright by putting me up on a stage to open for him in Denver, he talked me through it even when I wanted to back out. He believed I had a future and real talent, even during rough times when I didn’t think I had it in myself. He’s always been a great friend, as well as producer and mentor.

How long does it normally take you to write a song?

Katy: Sometimes an idea comes to mind and I can get a song out in 10-15 minutes. Other times, I have to go back and revise it later. Sometimes it can be frustrating trying to finish one song because I always feel like I have more to say, and then I end up with a 6 minute song flooding with too many lyrics.

If you could pass on any piece of advice to your fans or even a

stranger, what would it be?

Katy: I would say with anything in life, even if it sounds cheesy, if you have a dream or a big idea in mind of what you want to do with your life, it’s not impossible even when people tell you you’re nuts. If you see it and believe something can happen, it CAN happen. But all this talk of the universe and luck are just excuses to be lazy. The ‘universe’ will only do so much, I believe you have to make things happen yourself. Don’t sit back and wait around for things to work themselves out. Also, don’t be afraid to be heard. I’ve embarrassed myself millions of times because I show my feelings and say what’s on my mind and I put music out on the internet for people to judge. If you are an aspiring musician, then put your music out there.  In any situation, if you don’t put yourself out there, you won’t be found.

Any performance lined up we can look forward to?

Katy: There is a mini tour in the works hopefully for the end of Summer 2013.

 

 

Now that you got to know a little more about her, we’ll let Katy’s music vouch for itself. After you watch the video you can buy her latest project “Take Me Away” right HERE on BandCamp or right HERE on iTunes.You can also check out her profile right HERE. Enjoy, and don’t forget to let us know what you think by commenting below!

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Tsu Surf Interview

Two months ago, New Jersey emcee Tsu Surf released his “A New Mood” mixtape and since I’ve been trying to capture the Mood Muzik artist for an interview. Not knowing much about the man himself despite his vivid depictions of his life in his music, I had to find out who the man behind the microphone was, and along the way earned myself a lesson in the difference between cities and states…

 

For those reading, who may not know who you are or listened to your music, give us a brief insight?

Tsu Surf: Reality. I try to make sure that I speak on what I know. I try and give the fans the story through my eyes. Its like every rapper can talk about the glitz and glamour, but nobody talks about what they did to get there, or been through. Summed up in one word. REALITY.

You were recently cosigned by Joe Budden and featured on the “A Loose Quarter” mixtape. How did that come about?

Tsu Surf: I always laugh at that question. I can’t really tell [Laughs]. Joe’s like big bro, and after living with him and touring with him, you learn fast….. Joe’s weird [Laughs]. You never really know how his brain tic’s. He’s a thinker. I can’t put my finger on why or when he noticed. But one day I got a DM [Direct Message on Twitter] saying, “what is your number”. It’s history from there. Had a meeting, next day recorded “Through My Eyes”.

Do you think being from the same city played a part in the acknowledgement from Joe?

Tsu Surf: Well, Joe and I aren’t from the same city. I’m from Newark, New Jersey. Budden is from Jersey City, New Jersey. Not too far apart though. Us being from the same state had to take some credit in that. But even if so, there are a million rappers in New Jersey. I guess I was making enough noise to get noticed.

Although, I admit I haven’t watched any of your battles, it seems to be the general belief you were very talented at battling. Why did you decide to turn your attention to actually making more formal music?

Tsu Surf: Well, I can’t really say I “turned” my attention, because it was never off making music. I was just worldwide known for battling so I can’t blame most of the general population for knowing me as that. Battle rap is such a huge stage, it just helped me spring board to where I need to be as a artist. So now a days I bump into people that know me for strictly music like yourself, and never heard a battle. Then I could bump into a battle fan, that strictly loves the battling Surf and only heard a song or two.

Your recent mixtape is entitled “A New Mood”, what influenced the name? It wouldn’t be an awful assumption that the affiliation with Mood Music Entertainment was a factor?

Tsu Surf: Definitely not a awful assumption [Laughs]. Mood Muzik is the homies, more so family. Shout-out to Trev Rich, Budden and Emmany. It was more like a homage thing, and just letting the world and jersey know. Its a New Mood. I’m here!. So… literally. its a New Mood, and in a sense its me telling Yoda(Joe), I got this!

The opening track on “A New Mood” featured the title “Dreams Money Can Buy 2” most likely a reference to the original by Drake. Was it a conscious decision to draw comparisons between you and Drizzy?

Tsu Surf: Very Conscious [Laughs], I already made a DREAMS MONEY CAN BUY 1, I guess a remix to Drakes original on “Surfs up 1.5”, my previous mixtape, which you can also find on Datpiff. So we just made a twist on the beat and made a part 2.

You had quite a few features on the tape ranging from Joe, Ab-Soul and Trev Rich to Lu Jerz and Gabrielle Findley. For the next tape if you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Tsu Surf: Yeah i was shocked how the tape turned out a little [Laughs]. But maybe The Weeknd, I am a fan, that kid is dope. I’ve been talking to Wale, if we could get him on that “Red dresses 2” that’ll be so clutch. Uhm, Kiss. Def Jadakiss, that is one of my idols. And of course Mood Muzik!.

One thing lacking from your mixtape was a distinguishable “Club-Hop” track. Is it something you have no interest in creating or was it just not suitable for this tape?

Tsu Surf: I’d say more not suitable for the tape. I practically can create anything. I just wasn’t really in that mind state for this one.

Very few conscious Hip Hop artists manage to reach a high level of success, why do you think that is? Do you see it changing any time soon?

Tsu Surf: Do I see it changing? Yes. Hip Hop is getting back to the lyrical beginnings. With your Kendrick Lamar’s, Joey Bada$$’s, Ab-Souls, Your J.Cole’s. The fans are listening way more, and I think that snap-pop rap or whatever you call it might be on its way out [Laughs]. Now why we dont get the recognition….[Laughs] I’m just the artist! Beats me!

Any last words?

Tsu Surf: @Tsu_surf ….. Jersey!!!

 

So Surf believes Hip Hop is getting back to lyrical beginnings, dreams of collaborating with Jadakiss and gave me a geography lesson, but what do you think? Drop your comments below.

Make sure you download “A New Mood” (Click Here), and read the review I wrote (Click Here).

http://www.realtsusurf.com/

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Marvell Interview: “GREATNESS is upon you, you better act like it.”

Since the release of their “The GREATNESS EP” almost two month ago, I have been bothering Marvell’s manager for an interview with the UK rap trio. Shocka, Double S and Vertex give their insight on whether the deficit of equality in UK and American Hip Hop will ever change, what they have been up to in the studio recently and who they think are the best up-and-coming artists in the UK right now.

Lee: For those reading, who may not know of Marvell and your music, give us a
brief introduction to yourselves…

Marvell: We go by the name of Marvell short for marvelous. It consists of Double S,
Shocka, Vertex and the DJ Limit. We are the voice of the voiceless, we speak for
the young generation – our message is for the young generation/youth to strive
for greatness and to know themselves inside out. We try to contribute to the
development process of them becoming better human beings. That is Marvell in a
nut shell.

The recent mixtape, Greatness, seemed the most serious and polished tape
both thematically and in the production compared to the Marvell Mondays and
Marvell FM series, was this is conscious decision?

Marvell:  The recent debut E.P. is more polished and I am glad you noticed that because
that was a conscious decision by us all to step it up. We’ve been away for a while,
our supporters have grown up, some even have kids and are facing real life
situations and so we wanted our music to reflect that the direction we are taking
is a bit different, but it still ties into what we’re all about, which is teaching the
youth to reach for the stars and achieve great thing in life so it all works out well.

I first heard of you when you supported Chipmunk on his tour in 2010, now he
has been signed to Grand Hustle and making waves in the states, do Marvell have
any plans to follow in Chips footsteps?

Marvell: We would love to go to America and follow in the footsteps of our good friend
Chip [formerly Chipmunk] but I think it’s important that we crack the UK first,
because this [our] country is in need of black Urban group. There hasn’t been
one like us before and it would be a good image for the kids to see – it would give
them hope that people who came from their areas [Tottenham] just like them
can go that far in this country, music wise. After that is accomplished we would
then like to be on the next flight to America, Young Money holler at us *cough
cough* (Laughs).

In the song “Marvell Music” theres a bar which says “Stepped in the scene, the
lights turned green”, however to me it feels as though the lights have been on
amber for a few years now. Has the fact you’ve been on the brink of mainstream
success for so long without fully making it frustrate you?

Marvell: I think God’s time is the best time. Another thing is that we are bless we
haven’t blown yet, it has given us time to study and find out what we want
to achieve and what kind of contribution we want to make. It is safe to say
that we’re ready now, oh and we would be lying if we never said we don’t get
frustrated at times (Laughs) but we know our time is coming so we’re all right.

There have been a couple of tweets informing followers that you’re in the
studio, so what is coming next? An album, a mixtape, an EP? Can we get the name
of any songs you’ve created?

Marvell: Marvell FM 5, our debut album, Marvell Mondays, new merchandise in various
colours, designs and sizes on the way.

With a number of lists being released in the last month from MTV’s “Hottest In
The Game” and XXL’s “Freshmen” could Marvell name a Top 5 UK artists to look
out for?

Marvell: Sneakbo, Krept & Konan, Cashtastic, G-Frsh and PW.

Do you think there will ever be a time when UK rappers will be regarded as
talented as the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem etc. from America?

Marvell:  That time is coming, who would have thought that Chip[munk] would be
signed to T.I.’s label or Tinie Tempah would go platinum there in America. I think
as long as we keep dreaming big it’s possible the next few years – watch what
happens.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Marvell: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, Akon and many more otherwise we would
be here forever (Laughs).

So we officially have a debut album on the way from the Marvell boys, but first head to www.marvellmusic.co.uk and download “The GREATNESS EP“.

“GREATNESS is upon you, you better act like it.”

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Tables Turn: DJ Dozen Interview

Most of us can credit some of the best nights of our lives to a turntable operator. However, after a seamless set, how many of us thank the Dj who harnessed the sounds? A skilled Dj is a symphony conductor; synthesizing the perfect blend of music to stimulate the right mood, at the right time. I can personally attest to Dj Dozen’s finesse on the tables; and chances are you’ve enjoyed his vinyl concoctions. In light of all the heads nodded and sweated out curtesy of Dj Dozen I thought it was time to get acquainted with the mind behind the mixers and let me tell you; his thoughts are moving faster than fingers on vinyl. Follow him on Twitter @djDOZEN or visit djdozen.com; don’t miss any of his mixtapes dropping this summer.

Demi: How long have you been Dj’ing?

Dj Dozen:  I started Dj’ing when I was 15, almost a decade in now.

Tell us a bit more about your position with D.O.P.E Game.

Dj Dozen: I use my position as one of the more social elements to reach out to other artist and bring exposure to the movement. Konsequence and I do a lot of work with others just because of our skill set and that has made it easier to collab and get good music done.

Do you think Dj’s get enough credit/acknowledgement in the music community?

Dj Dozen: Yes and no. People who really enjoy music always show a lot of love, BUT in the day of this digital technology our skill set sometimes gets taken for granted; like we’re big IPods or juke boxes but we’re not. Dj’s have an opinion and analytical skills to rock a crowd, sometimes people wanna put us into a box and play cookie cutter music but that’s not what I’m about.

What would you like to see change in regards to the perception surrounding Dj’ing?

Dj Dozen: The only thing I’d like to see change is  people coming out with an open mind; ready to jam to the unexpected and leave the inhibitions at home. Nobody cares if u can’t dance, I wanna see that “we ain’t gonna remember this tomorrow, lets party” feeling. Oh and support people doing good QUALITY performances, hold these artist n Dj’s accountable.

As a Dj what you do you think your most important role is?

Dj Dozen: Set the atmosphere for what ever occasion it may be. If it’s a party-inspire folks to jam, if it’s a groove thang-feed em something to groove to, and if it’s a sit down function-blow their minds!

What’s your niche on the tables? 

Dj Dozen: I jam, I don’t play music that I don’t enjoy, no matter what genre it may be. So if u ever see me actively mixing you’ll notice my eyes are closed and I’m smiling cuz I’m just having a good time and the vibe gets contagious.

What are your favorite pieces of equipment?

Dj Dozen: That I have currently it’d have to be my Technics, since I started on vinyl. My Sennheiser Headphones (you gotta be able to hear what you doing) I just bought a MPC 2000 that I’m rebuilding from scratch so I’ll have some fun with that. Although I enjoy vinyl WAYYYYY more I like my Serato hardware/software. Technology saved me years of back pain lugging around crates.

How do you feel when you’re on the tables and people are turning up to your set?

Dj Dozen: I feel like Ric Flair…like WOOOO! I feed off people’s energy if there’s a packed house in front of me I’m trying everything I can to impress them. I want to make them break a sweat, shake their hair, jump around…and I’m right in there with them!

Do you make beats as well?

Dj Dozen: Yea that has just started becoming one of my main focuses; engineering has been more of my thing but the DOPE Game is DEEP on the production side. I’m inspired to go harder in the lab because I have all these DOPE producers around me. Dealz will MAKE me sit down n make a beat; him and Jones, Black Jordan, Jay Spydatek, Fat Tracks, Mo $, Yung Tru, Big Beats Mccree & Big J definitely inspire me to be DOPE’er.

What event or artist do you dream of Dj’ing for?

Dj Dozen: I’d LOVE to rock SXSW one time. I want to do the Paid Dues Festival, the Do-Over in LA, any local big music fests in Colorado. As far as artists go, Killer Mike, Add-2, Turner Jackson, Curtis King is dope too. Ultimately though I see myself doing something like Dwele; I’m an R&B head.

What can we expect from you in 2013?

Dj Dozen: Positivity, TMZ stories, babies mommas. Uhhh oh u mean musically, Ace 2 Spacey of Urbane Society is hosting the next DOPE Game tape, dropping here in the next few weeks. In June, Yung Tru is dropping a sample pack and beat tape. I’m working on a new project by LoveLady and getting in the lab with my boy Chuck T. Spydatek and myself have something cooking up. The SQUAD as a whole is working on this collaborative DOPE Game project. Turner Jackson and I are doing a monthly hip hop open mic on Thursdays at Funky Buddha starting April 11th. I’m doing ANYTHING Jeremy Pape puts in front of me to do. I missed Valentine’s Day for the Get Right so I’ll be dropping it here soon for the slow jam lovers. I have a new summer mix, a 90’s series called “Ashley Mixes” and a workout mix. I’m just working in general! I’m doing mixing, duplication, and hosting deals all summer so anybody dope should holla at me. I’m ready to work.