Category: MileHI Imports

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Sterling Witt: Interview

 

Sterling Witt, compromised of Allan Winkler on Drums, Davy Langerak on Bass, and Sterling Witt on vocals and guitar, is a band you need to know. They have been featured in Acoustic magazine, and on Channel 69 WFMZ-TV, as well as many other publications throughout the U.S.

With sweeping lyrics, and steady beats, this music makes you feel. Residing in Kansas City, Mo these guys are a fresh sound not only for your ears, but your entire body. They are currently touring the U.S and have a bunch of shows coming up around Denver. The kick-off is this Friday, February 28th at Tennyson’s Tap. For a complete tour schedule click HERE.

They are also currently releasing their new EP, Spirals, on their Pledge Music Campaign. Donating will not only help fund their European tour, but also get you some unique and amazing Sterling Witt merchandise. Head over to their page now to make sure to pledge!

 

You started to play guitar and write songs when you were 15, can you remember the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?

Sterling: Yes I remember. It was called Coming When I’m Done, it was an instrumental song. The attitude was focus. I have a mission and I’m not going to do anything else until this job is done.

Your music has a certain vibe to it; especially your new single “Love Me to Death”, what inspires the enticing beats for your sound?

Sterling: I’m interested in music that picks you up and takes you away to a magical place that you couldn’t otherwise go without it. Music that requires your full attention. If it doesn’t do that, it seems pointless to me.

In order to fund your European tour you have started a campaign on PledgeMusc.com. What has the experience of crowd funding been for you guys?

Sterling: It’s been great! This is our 2nd Pledge Music campaign. Our first campaign was our last album Sterling Loves U, it reached 111%. We are right in the middle of our Spirals EP / European tour campaign. It’s coming along nicely. This campaign is special because we are releasing our new Spirals EP featuring Love Me to Death exclusively to pledgers. So at the end of the campaign Spirals won’t be released to the public. The only way to get it is to make a pledge at: pledgemusic.com/projects/sterlingwittspirals

What made you choose PledgeMusic over Kickstarter or Indegogo?

Sterling: Pledge Music is about music specifically. They cater to musicians. That is important to me.

For anyone who donates to the PledgeMusic campaign you’ve offered some very unique items in exchange. From signed CD’s , beautiful paintings by (you?), dinner at the band’s house, and much more. How did you come up with these awesome things to do for the fans?

Sterling: I’m an artist. It’s my job to create unique and interesting curiosities. That’s just what I do.

You have played all types of venues across the country, What is your favorite type of venue to play in? What size of a crowd do you like?

Sterling: It depends on the situation. More important than the size of the venue, is those that make up the audience. I like an audience to be there for the music above and beyond anything else. It’s makes the show better for everyone. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re playing an outdoor festival, a theatre, a bar, a coffee shop or a cemetery. All those things I have done. In the end what matters is the relationship between audience and the artist.

As someone who doesn’t reside in Colorado, what is your opinion on the music scene in general here? What are the differences between here and Missouri?

Sterling: There is a lot going on in Colorado. It’s interesting because there are several towns so close together like Boulder, Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs that all have a valid music scenes. Missouri has a lot to offer too, but it’s more spread out.

As a kid growing up in a small town, how hard was it to break into the music scene?

Sterling: Being from a small town isn’t really accurate, I grew up in the country. The nearest town was 10 miles away, that town was Freeman, Missouri a population of 495. I don’t have anything to compare it to. I think it works out in my favor. It sets me a part from everything. Still to this day I don’t feel I am a part of any music scene. I do what I do. I am an artist. If you want to be a part of what I’m doing you’re going to have to come visit to my world.

The new release, Spirals, is a limited edition EP, it features Allan Winkler on Drums, Davy Langerak on Bass, and Sterling Witt on vocals and guitar. How did you meet everyone?

Sterling: I met myself the day I was born, haha just kidding. Several years ago I was performing without a drummer. I asked a friend if he knew any good drummers that wanted to be in a band. He said Allan Winkler and gave Allan’s phone number and suggested I call him. I knew who Allan was but I didn’t know him personally and my first thought was “No way, that’s not going to work.” I never called him. Then one day a few weeks later I had a voicemail that went like this “Hi Sterling, this is Allan Winkler I want to audition to play drums in your band…. call me”. He’s been in the band ever since. Last October we shot a music video for a song called Let Me Down. I needed a lot of people in the video so I sent a call out to my friends and fans to be a part of the music video. Davy Langerak showed up with my booking agent Brandy Darling (Girl Wreck Presents) from Denver, Colorado. It was a serendipitous moment when I met Davy – I knew it was for a reason. It didn’t take long before I learned he was a bass player. 2 months later Davy moved to Kansas City and joined the band.

As a more organic artist, you like to record live; do you think that this lends itself to part of Sterling Witt’s appeal to a broader audience?

Sterling: I like real, raw, passionate music. Recording live is the way I achieve this is my own music. All my favorite music was recorded live. I don’t know if it appeals to broader audience. It certainly appeals to a certain group of people who appreciate music on a deeper level.

With two big tours coming up, one in the U.S and the other in Europe, what are you guys planning on doing to prepare?

Sterling: Everyday it’s something. We have a to do list that seems to never end. Every day we add to the list. Everyday we mark off things from the list. It requires constant attention.

Is there anything else that you’d like to say to the fans out there? What can they expect on this tour?

Sterling: You can expect a lot of new songs. Please support our Pledge Music campaign. We are independent artists, and we need your help to make this European tour a success. Make your pledge HERE. Thank you!

Much Love, Sterling Witt

support eu tour

 

I want to thank Sterling Witt and the rest of the band for contributing to MileHI Music’s mission! We want everyone to have access to great music, and Sterling Witt is on our list. If you would like to pledge for their European tour, see the links below. And Don’t for get to check Sterling Witt out live THIS FRIDAY at Tennyson’s Tap in Denver!

 

Links:

Web: http://www.grandriverrecords.com/tour

Facebook: [vision_social design=”default” icon_style=”normal” twitter=”” facebook=”https://www.facebook.com/sterlingwittartist” dribbble=”” linkedin=”” vimeo=”” flickr=”” youtube=”” pinterest=”” google=”” rss=”” mail=”grandriverrecords@gmail.com” skype=”” wordpress=”” instagram=””]

Booking:

Brandy Darling

girlwreckpresents@gmail.com

A&R: Lydia Savage

lydia.grandriverrecords@gmail.com

 

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Strange World Part II: Ces Cru Interview [Audio]

I know you’ve become accustomed to the usual. Rap music these days can be so predictable. But I hope you’re not too attached to your preconceived notions. If so your comfortability is about to be slaughtered. Ces Cru has no interest in catering to the conservative. There is nothing mainstream about Ubiquitous and Godemis yet their talent has the potential to launch them into worldwide renown. The eccentric duo exhibit a lethal combination of cerebral intelligence and lyrical ferocity. I had the privilege of conducting a lobotomy on Strange Music’s odd couple; delving into the brains behind their devilishly delightful music.

 

 

 

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Strange World Part I: Krizz Kaliko Interview [Audio]

I must admit I was a bit anxious. I mean the man has established himself as a heavyweight. One the founding father’s of all that is Strange. In his presence his composed confidence is immediately evident. Underneath the calm surface lies a creative maniac. A rapper…no singer…no rapper who defies all attempts to categorize his craft. When conversing with Krizz Kaliko, what prevails is a person that is so earnestly humble and passionate. A passion that pushes his perfectionism. A perfectionism that has molded Krizz Kaliko into a true master of music; and what should really make you anxious…he’s only getting started.

 

 

 

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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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