With so many people clamoring for attention, it is a rarity in this climate to encounter artists whose desire to aid others is just as strong as their personal desire to excel. I had the awesome opportunity to have a Q&A session with the phenomenal emcee and music marketing blogger known as Praverb. He took the time to share his story, his passion, what motivates him in his career and his drive to help others.
Achickwitbeatz: Who is Praverb?
Praverb: Praverb is a creator of words. I embrace them. I write them. I express them. I learn from them. I capture them.
Basically I love writing and I have been writing creatively for about 12 years.
I got my name from my favorite biblical book, which is Proverbs. I gravitated to the book of Proverbs because I continually seek wisdom.
I started blogging as a way to share my music. I am an introverted individual so blogging worked perfectly.
Over the years the purpose has changed and I focus more on providing value. I also decided to take a break from music.
I felt that I needed to learn how to market my music better.
Currently I contribute to Lifehack.org. I am also an admin for 4 Facebook pages.
Achickwitbeatz: When did you first discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?
Praverb: Honestly, I fell in love with music as a foster child in San Diego.
Back then I was still trying to find myself. I was a lanky lad with self esteem issues so I turned to music.
I started listening to West Coast music and fell in love ever since.
Luniz, Mac Dre, Yukmouth, C-Bo, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre provided the foundation for my passion with music.
Music has always been there for me. I always felt like I had God and music to lift me out of a situation.
When my mother passed away I used music as an avenue to release my pain.
Prayer and music definitely works!
Achickwitbeatz: What sparked your passion to help other artists grow & develop their talent?
Praverb: I struggled marketing my music. I struggled getting people to take me seriously.
I also disregarded the fan building process. Every thing that I share is based on my experience as a recording artist.
Honestly, I did not have a mentor when I started making music. I just recorded and recorded.
I didn't value a fanbase. I just recorded and recorded.
I didn't create a bond with people. I just recorded and recorded.
I have learned that making music is the easy part. Promoting it is the hard part.
I am passionate about growth and helping others grow.
I try to encourage artists to believe in their talent yet I also want them to be aware of the business.
Study the business. Study marketing techniques. Break out of the obscurity. Value your fans.
Speak to your fans.
Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to be listed in your top 10?
Praverb: Personality
Creativity
Interpersonal Skills
Stage Presence
Ability to Learn
Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the bottom of your list?
Praverb: Talent. Let me explain this.Talent is subjective. We all are talented in some way, shape or form. Talent is low on my list because a lot of people are talented. Talent or skill can be enhanced through repetition.
In the past I would listen to an artist and be drawn to their talent. This is natural.
When I took the time to get to know the artist I found that they were kind of lifeless. I like being around people that build me up. I like being around passionate people.
Be passionate about what you do and people will discover.
Achickwitbeatz: What are some of the benefits of being an independent artist from your viewpoint?
Praverb: Independent artists have it good. They are in control of their own destiny, they can experiment, they can build a cult following, they can be trend setters. The benefits are endless.
The only disadvantage is obscurity.
However, independent artists that are creative have an advantage. They see things differently. They embrace the concept of being an underdog. They build relationships. They understand the power of building a community.
Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to offer artists based on your experiences and observations?
Praverb: I will keep this brief.
Be yourself. Tell your story. Be consistent.
Study the game. Provide value. Grow as a human being.
Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Praverb?
Praverb: I just want to grow. I want to grow spiritually. I want to grow mentally.
I would love to attend music conferences and provide value.
I would love to start recording new music and finish a book.
I would love to embrace new media and increase my visibility.
Most importantly I want to be a better resource for my target audience.
Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay up to date with what you have in the works?
Praverb: My main website - http://www.praverb.net
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/PtheWyse
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Praverb.net
Thank you for taking the time to interview me
Achickwitbeatz: Anytime! Thank you for sharing with us!
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