Tell us about yourself and your music
My name is BLAKKBONE, I am a solo artist who’s been in 3 groups before deciding to go solo. Groups never lasted for me because somehow I always ended up in a group with someone who struggled at being professional or couldnt completely leave the street life behind. Before becoming an artist I had the lucky opportunity to always be around music production having an older brother who is a producer and musician. In those days my older brother was locked up and I was asked to watch over his studio equipment while he was away. That probably was the best opportunity I had as an artist because my brother had lots of instrumentals and music I used to practice on vocally until I found my voice. That moment I think set me apart from a lot of artist. My voice as an artist even back then at an early age was matured and already ahead of most.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release “Bad 2 Da Bone” was me finally getting the beats and music I wanted to record my vocals on. I actually went through some work finding the producers and handpicking most of the beats from that album. The title “Bad 2 Da Bone” refers to me as an artist, the songs I write, my skills in a recording studio, my appeal as a performer, not necessarily the way I act on a daily basis but me as an all around artist.
What inspired you to write this release?
I wanted to show all my gangbanging friends and family that I’m completely and 100% serious about my music and I belong in this industry. I wanted to show as I always do alot of layers and versatility to my lyrics. Being true to myself and who I am on this release I made and wrote this album for everyone, gangbangers or not my music is for everyone.
Describe the writing and recording process
Most of my writing if not all during this project was written solo with deep thoughts on how I want to represent myself and still be 100% true to who I am. Most songs written on this album was specifically explained from my point of view and how I see things. I feel that is what makes my music interesting because of the way I see life. Whether some can relate or not, if a story is told and if that story is the same as many, if it is explained uniquely through my eyes as an artist I think it makes it interesting and intriguing just being myself. Being in the recording studio for two hours to me is never enough, which is why I’m striving to do music as my full time job, with that said always room for improvement studio wise when you dont have the time you need. With the little time I did have, I know I’m Bad 2 Da Bone.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
I have yet to hit the road with my music although I perform locally. But that is another motivational goal of mine to be able to go on a legit tour and do what I love to do. I love to perform and be on stage. If I definitely went on tour that would mean there is no longer a need for my 9 to 5. And some day I pray that day is coming soon. So everybody out there that wanna see me on tour I’m completely open at the right opportunity.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
With the new age of technology I know now that good music doesn’t always get you where you wanna be. Most of the time it takes hard work and properly branding yourself. I have most social media outlets but I can always improve and organize better on how I brand myself. It does become difficult when the production, marketing and promoting is done all by one person, not to make excuses but I do know how important that is to being heard. Lately I’m getting help to improve my branding status using several methods, eventually I’ll be where I want to be.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Lately I’ve been listening to alot of R&B music. But when I do listen to rap its Ice Cube or Doggpound. I like how Ice Cube grew up around gangstas but lyrically remains positive. You hear the pain in his voice, plus he raps from the guts, but yet he is still positive. Doggpound’s beats and rap styles to me was the first I heard to be able to remain westcoast with a gangsta style but do it over eastcoast and r&b type beats. I dont think nobody has ever done it the way they did.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences as rap artist are both Ice Cube and The Doggpound. But most of all my biggest influence was my father. The reason why is because my father’s death brought me back to music in the most motivational way, his death made me have to release my pain and anger in the music in a way that I never did before, his passing made me wanna get back to achieving my dreams because it taught me life is short.
Tell us about your passions
I’m passionate when it comes to everything I do. I was taught to always do my best. I am highly competitive and hate to lose therefore I have a standout personality that is usually admired. I am passionate about helping my city becoming an entertainment hub it has the potential to be. I’m passionate about helping others accomplish the same.
What else is happening next in your world?
What’s happening next for me is shooting alot more videos so my fans can see me more. I plan on doin alot more shows outside of my hometown San Diego California and doin more songs with features fans want to hear BLAKKBONE do a song with.
Thanks for an awesome interview, BLAKKBONE
Connect with BLAKKBONE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLAKKBONE619/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakkbone_Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/619blakkbone619Youtube: https://youtu.be/iAckbqwSCX0LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakkbone-rap-artist-3180a176Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user194266211Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/artist/1654628
