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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Bruno Browning

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Bruno Browning

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In this brief Q&A session Las Vegas independent house label executive Bruno Browning shares his story, his prospective on the music industry and helpful information for independent artists.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Bruno Browning?

Bruno Browning: How much time do you have? I’m from Atlanta Georgia but I've called Las Vegas home since 2000. I've lived in some cool spots and they definitely influenced my music. I actually “discovered” electronic music during my year living in Europe in 1991 and it changed my life. My time in San Francisco’s scene was like attending graduate school for house music. My tastes, style, knowledge and views of the “scene” were not only refined but clearly defined.
As far as my musical views they’re pretty straight forward, if the music is real and it comes from a real place then I’ll support it, regardless of genre. I really dig seeing cats going nuts on the floor while listening to a genre that might not necessarily be my first choice. It just goes to show you that music is universal and just because you’re not feeling it doesn't make it any less powerful for those that are. 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Bruno Browning: Although I had been in the scene since 1990, I never thought about actually making music. I sang in school and could read music but that was as far as it went. In 2000 my brother and label co-founder Curtis Bledsoe offered to teach me how to mix. Shortly after I bought myself some 1200’s and a full set up and started playing every day. After a while it got to the point where I would be playing a record and think: “I love this track, but I wish it had some horns after the break down”. Eventually those thoughts evolved into my decision to start a label, teach myself how to play a couple of instruments, produce, engineer, and finally release my music. How dumb was I? It’s in my nature to take on big tasks and well this was a big one. I taught myself to play the piano, the bass and I even play the harmonica (just for fun). It’s taken us longer than some but it’s been on our own accord and I’m good with that.

Achickwitbeatz: What do you think the biggest challenge is facing independent artists?

Bruno Browning: One of the things I see happening today is labels putting out releases every week. I think in an already over saturated market it just makes it harder for the music to be heard. The turnover is so quick that if you blink you've missed a release. I might personally have more than one release out a month, however Soulsupplement Records will never release more than one release in a 30 day period. The one release a month policy is designed to allow each release time to simmer and be played. That way every artist gets a full shake, not just three days of support from the label. This was a conscious decision and I must admit that sometimes it’s tempting to try and “keep up” with other labels, fortunately caving doesn't come naturally to me.

There's about a million more but that's where my head's at today.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 qualities/skills that would place an artist in your top 10 list?

Bruno Browning:
-Love of music
-Walking their own path musically
-Hard working
-Consistency
-Not taking themselves too serious

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Bruno Browning:
-Genre hopping (jumping on the genre of the month…every month)
-Laziness (musically and professionally)
-Taking themselves too serious (none of us are curing cancer)
-Always involved in “DJ Beef”
-General bad attitude

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being an independent artist?

Bruno Browning: The ability to write and record what you’re feeling without too many people telling you to change something. Of course if you have a label you can do pretty much whatever you want and there’s a lot freedom that comes with that. Now with that being said I can still get all in my head when doing work for other labels. Sometimes I tend to over think what the label wants and that just causes all sorts of mental blocks. Because of this when I get asked to do a remix I never listen to the original and that tends to make my remixes sound completely different. Being an independent artist allows us to work with a lot of labels and a lot of artists and that is truly rewarding.

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Bruno Browning?

Bruno Browning: I’m teaming up with fellow Las Vegan DJ A la Mode for a monthly party in LA and I have gigs in New York beginning in 2015. I've got Ep’s and remixes coming out on many new labels and many that I've been on in the past. You’ll also see a lot more of me gigging the last part of 2014 and for the foreseeable future.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you to stay current with what you have in the works?

Bruno Browning: To stay up on any news you can always go to:

http://www.soulsupplementrecords.com/news.html

And people can always get me on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/swampyfunk

or just email me at: bruno@soulsupplementrecords.


It's been a pleasure.

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Fable

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Fable

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In this brief Q&A poet & host Fable shares his philosophies and experiences in the independent artist scene and the benefits of building through collaboration.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Fable?

Fable: Who am I? Ummm, I would say I am a talker. But unlike most talkers I am also a "Do-er"
What an actual Fable is (in regards of the word) Is a story that you learn from, normally which uses animals that speak as humans. And where we grew up, people could get wild, and lived like animals.
But what I do, is I am a poet/performer/host/teacher/spoken word artist.
But most just call me Fable, and let the actions speak for themselves!
We open up the youths mind through spoken word, as well as cultivate the next level of performing artists through "speak it forward" a non-profit in which we work with public schools/juvenile detention centers. And I host two, soon four shows in four different cities across Michigan. Now Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, soon also Detroit and Ann Arbor!

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover you needed poetry to be a part of your life?

Fable: Senior year in high school. That is when I started writing, and a teacher of mine sent me to a creative writing class to further hone my skills.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being a poet?

Fable: I would have to say the work with the youth. Thanks to the guys of "Kinnetic Affect" and the program "Speak It Forward", we are able to do assemblies and workshops all over the state and U.S.! And seeing how it effects the kids is wayyyyyyy more than "rewarding" it's just... amazing! Besides that, I would say seeing all of the artists grow, and being able to be respected for having an open mind?

Achickwitbeatz: You host a couple of poetry series events in West Michigan, could you provide some insight as to how they developed and what attendees can gain from them?

Fable: Yeah we have "The Drunken Retort" in GR every Monday and "Put UP or SHUT UP" every Tuesday in Kalamazoo! It is just about community/support/family and honestly you get what you put into it! If you are there weekly pushing/plugging away at it, you are apart of what makes it grow, people then start doing the same with your work/your events, and that is how a scene flourishes, which is what many cities need/desire. It is all about supporting local art, with free shows, and opening the venue doors to new artists/minds.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 qualities that would place an artist in your top 10 list?

Fable: Heart, intentions, humility, professionalism, talent. In that order.

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would place an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Fable: Arrogance. Selfishness. Bad Intentions. Hype without action. And ignorance. In no specific order. I just hate big headed people who are actually doing nothing, and nothing for the world around them, yet acting as if the world revolves around them.

Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to give to aspiring artists?

Fable: Work, work, work, work. If you truly want to be an artist (of any sort) put as much as you want out, into your craft.  Full time hours, get full time results.  That 5 hours of work into your craft a week, will get you 5 hours of pay in the long run. 40 hours a week + put in the overtime!

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Fable?

Fable: Hmmmmm. I don't like to talk about what you will see. I always have 1-3 year goals.
But I will say, a show in all of the major cities in Michigan! Getting east side artists here, and west side artists there, to unite the community/state.

Get more local artists paid, and bring in more nationally known artists to MI.
And you will see me doing a TON of work nationally here soon!
And a tonnnnnnn of work with the youth.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people stay current with what you have in the works?

Fable: Easily.
www.MindOfFable.com
and
www.Facebook.com/FableThePoet 

Fable (Fable The Poet) Is a spoken word artist from West Michigan. His main focus is cultivating the acoustic art scene in West Michigan, From teaching the youth in public schools, To traveling the United States and bringing in traveling netional artists to west Michigan, it is all about cultivating your local scene!

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Phire Free

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Phire Free

In this brief Q&A multi-talented poet/model Phire Free shares her passion for the arts, tips she's learned along her journey, and ways artists and entertainers can overcome obstacles. | Visit http://stonereginaa.wix.com/phirefree

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Mz. Jae

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Mz. Jae

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In this brief Q&A session, dynamic Chicago entertainer Mz. Jae offers her insight on entertaining.  She shares her inspiration and drops some useful gems beneficial to performers seeking wisdom.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Mz. Jae?

Mz. Jae: Mz. Jae is an entertainer. I'm a people's poet. I'm not the kind of poet that will make you pull out your dictionary. I want to make you smile, laugh and think. I don't want to beat you over the head with propaganda, but just give you enough to think about. 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover you wanted poetry to be a part of your life?

Mz. Jae: I always loved words. I started playing with words in high school, but really didn't discover spoken word until later in life. I was hooked. All in. 100% and never looked back. 

Achickwitbeatz: You have a fun and distinctive way of infusing some of your poetry with comedy, can you tell us about how you get your inspiration?

Mz. Jae: I really think about things that have happened to me or happened to the people around me. I usually assume that if I think it's funny, other's will also. I think that when you tell the truth and you're willing to be transparent, you can always find the humor. 

Achickwitbeatz:: What would you say is the most valuable thing you've learned since you began performing?

Mz. Jae: Rehearse and prepare. You never know who you will run in to or meet. You never know when you'll be called upon so you should always have something in your bag of tricks. 

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would put an artist on your top 10 list?

Mz. Jae: Clever
               Smooth approach
               Extraordinary delivery
               Dope presentation
               Humility

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Mz. Jae: Arrogance
               Disrespect
               Bad Character
               Messy
               Basic

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Mz. Jae?

Mz. Jae: Right now, I am working on my sophomore release due out in October. Expect more visuals: videos, art, etc., and if God says the same MORE SHOWS! BIGGER SHOWS! 

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Mz. Jae: Facebook: MzJaePoet
               Twitter: Jspot08
                Instagram: MzJae08
                Reverbnation: MizzJaePoet

Conversations & Quotables Mz. Jae
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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Awthentik

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Awthentik

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Busy with the recent release of his album Popular Misconception, talented DMV artist Awthentik takes a moment to share his journey, philosophies, and what drives him to put out the high caliber music that he creates.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Awthentik?

Awthentik: Im definitely NOT your typical "rapper". The room starts with silence and within a couple of hours I can have a completed song produced, written, mixed and mastered from scratch. I have never been into a studio and paid for studio time. I got the name Awthentik while working in a shoe store during highschool when a clothing line came in called "Product Authentic" and my homie says "You're Authentic". It has stuck with me since. I changed the spelling of it for reasons to be able to identify it. I live and breathe music. Literally as we are doing this interview I am in the studio with Sergio Cortez listening to a new batch of his beats. I'm from an era in hip hop when lyrics were key and production was expressed with pure skill not imitation. 

Achickwitbeatz: When did you first discover that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Awthentik: I realized that I needed music to be a part of my life when I was going through a difficult time when my mom was diagnosed with cancer back in 2004. The next year my father was diagnosed with diabetes. As their bodies both deteriorated and led to their ultimate death, music was my only real outlet . I started to write rhymes that unravelled the struggle I was going through. What started off as a form of release therapy ultimately turned into my career when I released a couple of my first recordings. The first time I realized it was going to take a recording studio and a professional engineer to make my compositions really come to life, I decided I would do it myself. I have always been a 'figure it out on my own' kind of person. With about a year of trying different means of recording, I decided to attend Omega The School of Applied Recording Sciences and Technologies in Rockville, MD in 2005. There I sharpened my production and engineering craft for two years. When I left Omega in late 2006, It was then that I realized I would be making music for the rest of my life.

Achickwitbeatz: What can listeners expect from you?

Awthentik: Honesty! I pride myself on being "real". I have always been about integrity. My parents are from Haiti so I have a deep appreciation for hustle, and grind ethic. I want people to know the real me by simply listening to some of my work. I like putting everything up front and writing songs about my experiences but ones that I know everyone is going through on a daily basis.

Achickwitbeatz: What's the most valuable thing you've learned since you started doing music?

Awthentik: The most valuable thing I have learned since I started making music is, making good music doesn't mean it will get heard. There's a quote from Tim Notke that I have on my background of my phone to remind me of this. It says "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills an artist should have to make your top 10 list?

Awthentik: Foremost, I am impressed by lyrical skill. I'm from an era of hip hop where that was and still is important. Second would have to be wordplay. You know, not just rhyming one word with word, but actually rhyming with 3 and 4 words at a time within a couple of bars. Third, originality. Fourth would probably be presence. If you want to be heard you have to sound convincing. Really bothers me hearing a rapper who sounds like he is reading. And last, a good live show. I'm not trying to see my favorite artist on stage winded, out of breath, and not quite the person you heard on the studio version.

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Awthentik: I can't stand a artist who is not himself. Its cool to fantasize, but that shouldn't be your complete make up. My homie Kaimbr has a project called "Why Be Somebody Else" which is the perfect explanation. That's really about it. Other then that, I'm pretty open to listening to all forms of music. 

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Awthentik?

Awthentik: Currently we are weighing out a couple touring options for 2015. My latest work "Popular Misconception" will be released in May and we are working on finishing a couple of visuals for that as well.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you to stay current with what you have in the works?

Awthentik:
www.twitter.com/awthentik
www.facebook.com/AwthentikMusic
Awthentik on Instagram
www.awthentik.biz 

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Fusion

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Fusion

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In this brief Q&A with Michigan artist Fusion he shares his experiences, inspiration and drops some gems regarding independent artistry.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Fusion?

Fusion: Hey, what up world....my name is Fusion. The name derived from the way I'm able to bring people and music together (Fusion). The music scene today is as diverse as its ever been. It's a lot of talent out here but I feel that there is lack of knowledge that leaves such a grey area, everyone's trying to do it! I'll just say this…work hard cause it's not what you got...it's about progression!

Achickwitbeatz: When did you decide you wanted music to be a part of your life?

Fusion: Music has always been apart of my life. From eight tracks to cd's i was all in!, but I really started honing in on my skills as a teenager. Started off with my childhood buddies "The Raven and Nevermore". From there I went on to do several solo projects..."Crunch Time", "Long Time Comin'", and "The UnderDawg".  Moving forward I joined the Top Flyte Ent label, ran by Top Flyte Tay Thompson, a label that I am the proud president of. I've also worked with a wide variety of artists that I want to show some love to, Knights of Mayhem, Drama, OGz ,Chyna D, David Gutter, EsDott, NoLo, Zay, T-WolfeMeek, and Joe Papi269, just to name a few....

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 attributes/skills that would put an artist in your top 10 list?

Fusion: Delivery, lyrics, style, creativity, tone....in no particular order

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Fusion: Lack of knowledge on music, stubbornness, consistently talking about the same subject on every song, low self esteem, poor work ethic....in no particular order

Achickwitbeatz: What can listeners expect from Fusion?

Fusion: What the listeners can expect to hear from Fusion is real hip hop mixed with all reality. I call it the Hip Reality effect. No, I'm not turning up, getting crunk, or trap rapping. That's not what I do...I keep it 100 at all times, those who know me know it's true statement.

Achickwitbeatz: What would you say is the best thing about being an independent artist?

Fusion: The best thing about being an independent artist is the creative freedom you get on all of your work. You can say what you want, and work with who you want..it's all up to you.

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Fusion?

Fusion: Well we got a few things goin on...shows of course. We have a mini-series in the works called "Wifey", more mixtapes and videos...I also look forward to working with more talent to get this thing off of the ground...Kzoo stand up!

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Fusion:
http://www.reverbnation.com/fusion269

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ikE3XGT-mMYY9zCk1-IJQ

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=top%20flyte%20ent&sm=1

https://www.facebook.com/Fusion.gilmore

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Merch Music

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Merch Music

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Achickwitbeatz: Who is Merch Music?

Merch Music: I was born in Inkster. Raised in the Cass Corridor section of Detroit. I really don't have a philosophy. I know that music can take you to places unknown. The vibration and tones sets the stage for certain frequencies.  

Achickwitbeatz: When did you decide that you needed music to be a part of your life?

Merch Music: It was pre-ordained that music would be prevalent in my life. I became more aware of it during my youth listening to a verity of musical genres. The Rhythm Kitchen was the first place that really increased my admiration for Hip Hop and just music in general.

Achickwitbeatz: What sparked your passion to want to help artists?

Merch Music: Some artists may not have the resources or the proper information when it comes to things pertaining to what's personal and what's business. I've witnessed great talents who are unaware of the amount of work it takes to protect your work.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes that would put an artist in your top 10 list?

Merch Music: Rhymestyle, personality, voice, style of dress, business sense.

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put an artist at the very bottom of your list?

Merch Music: Lack of focus.

Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to offer aspiring artists based on your experiences and observations?

Merch Music: Read everything! Work hard, get a lawyer.

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for Merch Music?

Merch Music: Potluck Producers Lounge TV coming in April.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Merch Music: Gravity.merchant@gmail.com

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with DaZoo

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with DaZoo

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In a rapidly changing, high-stress industry it can be difficult for artists who enter the independent music scene as a unit to remain a unit.  In this brief Q&A session I recently had with DaZoo they shed some light on how they stick together through the chaos and what motivates them to work toward success.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is DaZoo?

DaZoo: In 2004 DaZoo was formed from a friendship between Aaron, Antron and Ken. Antron was returning from work in the South and Aaron and Ken were in the basement recording Hip Hop tracks. Antron naturally was game as he already had been recording basement tracks since 1999 under the name Trondiggy. DaZoo’s philosophy is to keep it real and express yourself to the fullest. We represent real Hip Hop with no fluff and no filler; basically honest reality rap. DaZoo makes music for the love of the art, to express our passions and feelings and to entertain by pushing boundaries and creating new sounds and concepts. Antron is the Lyrical Magistrate aka TronD, Aaron is the Musical Magistrate aka C.O.D. (Cadence of DaZoo) and Ken is known as the Illegal Alien… 3rda.

Achickwitbeatz: How long have you been making music?

DaZoo: C.O.D., TronD and 3rda have been making music together since 2004. Individually, C.O.D has made music since a kid playing the saxophone in school bands and orchestras, TronD started rapping and producing in 1999 and 3rda was always a huge Hip Hop fan who decided to try his hand at music under our influence. 

Achickwitbeatz: What can listeners expect from you?

DaZoo: Listeners can expect DaZoo to push the boundaries of passionate reality Hip Hop. With each track we record we try to give listeners an honest interpretation as well as abstract visions of the songs topic. We creatively capture real life situations in rhyme in a manner and perspective no other group is willing to convey to listeners. While most groups follow trends or stick to commercial topics DaZoo is always looking for topics and ways to describe life that will show the masses there are still unique ways to express reality.

Achickwitbeatz: What are 5 skills/attributes an artist should have to make your top 10 list?

DaZoo:
Honesty – the ability to convey truth in your music and be truthful in your relationships
Integrity – the capacity to stay true to the ideas behind your music and why you created it
Fearlessness – the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with your art
Creativity – the talent to be able to come up with new ideas and concepts or ways to express old ideas in a new way
Passion – the unwavering desire to create and work towards completing a project or reaching a goal through trials and tribulations

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what are 5 attributes that would put artists at the very bottom of your list?

Greed/Ego – especially in a group setting thinking you are above the group will lead to its demise
Lazy – No work ethic, not willing to work hard to ensure the success of the group or business
Unoriginal – copying others style or work and not being creative in your own right
Dishonesty – being untrustworthy in the business world and when working as a team is a recipe for failure
Stubbornness – especially in a group setting you have to make compromises and work towards the success of the team and that means being flexible on decisions

Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to offer artists who are a part of a group or collective to remain connected when working toward goals?

DaZoo: Communication, communication, and communication is key to any relationship and especially in a group you want to stay connected by communicating your needs, your opinions, issues and goals. You can save a lot of time, money and friendships by being open with your thoughts so problems and misunderstandings do not start or grow out of proportion. Not everyone is going to agree all of the time but as long as the goals are understood and the team works together for the benefit of the group it can be successful. 

Achickwitbeatz: What's next on the horizon for DaZoo?

DaZoo: Building our catalog with fresh new music is the main objective right now. We also are looking to network with studios, producers, other artists and promoters looking for talented performers. Our goal is to drop a video this year and some original music in addition to mixtape tracks and performing.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you guys and stay current with what you have in the works?

DaZoo: People can connect with us through social media...
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dazoo or www.facebook.com/trondiction.
Twitter: @Trondiction @C_O_D_
Instagram: @Trondiction or @rhythmic_genius
MySpace: www.myspace.com/dazoo360ent
Soundcloud: www.soundclound.com/dazooent or www.soundcloud.com/trondiction
Reverbnation: www.revebnation.com/trondiggy or http://www.reverbnation.com/codmzk
We are working on a YouTube Channel, a Google + page and some other social media places but our music is everywhere. There is plenty more to come…just stay tuned… It’s DaZoo! 

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Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Brian Felsen, AdRev President & Former President of CD Baby

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with Brian Felsen, AdRev President & Former President of CD Baby

In this brief Q&A session, AdRev President and former CD Baby President Brian Felsen shares his wisdom and advice to independent artists.

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with DJ Niko

Conversations & Quotables: Q&A with DJ Niko

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In this brief Q&A session, Las Vegas DJ Niko shares his love for the craft, wisdom, experiences and gems for artists seeking to attain rotation.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is DJ Niko?

DJ Niko: I'm just a young guy from Opelika, Alabama currently living in Las Vegas with a passion for music and the art of being a Disc Jockey. I'm what they call a traveling DJ, meaning I spin anywhere anytime--house parties weddings, graduations, clubs…anywhere.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you decide to become a DJ?

DJ Niko: DJing is kind if like the family business I used to watch my father and my uncle DJ all the time when they worked at the local radio station and they'd also do parties.  When they noticed I'd taking a liking to it, they started teaching me the ropes and I got pretty good and fell in love with making people dance. I started doing my own gigs around '99.  Shoutout the homie Tim Cook, he booked me for my first solo gig.  He asked me to DJ his birthday party, the party was too live, since that night my phone has been ringing to DJ for people! 'Preciate ya' homie!

Achickwitbeatz: What do you look for in a song when deciding what to put into rotation?

DJ Niko: When I listen to a song the main thing I look for is to see if it makes me move- I.e a head nod, a foot stomp, anything.  That's the main thing I want to do as a DJ is make people move.  I also look at other things such a BPM, the mood of the song, the flow of the song... hit/club records normally jump out at you and scream "PLAY ME NOW!"

Achickwitbeatz: Conversely, what types of songs do you avoid putting into rotation?

DJ Niko: I really don't have songs that I won't play, but I'm really not fond the "this record is hot right now so lets make a song just like it" records.  I like originality, so if a record lacks then it probably won't get put in rotation. 

Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to offer artists based on your experiences and observations?

DJ Niko: To the people that are trying to get your music in rotation coming up to the DJ in the club while he is spinning or wherever they're spinning is not the time to bring you music to them.... without a special request and/or some type of benefit (payment) to the DJ your song is not gonna get played. I'm on twitter and Instagram all day giving out my Email address (nikotheDJ@yahoo.com) asking people to send me music.  If you have a hot song and I like your song I'll play the words off of it.  I'll give feedback on how to fix your song to get your song played if it's not so hot.  That's the time to get me your song, before the gig, not during the gig. Last but not least artists, if you want your music played look out for the DJ- if they ask you for something do it.  I guarantee your music gets played.  On that note, shoutout my boy @bottlepoppinpap, not only does he make great music he looks out for the DJ whether is sending a drop or an instrumental etc.

Achickwitbeatz: What's on the horizon for DJ Niko?

DJ Niko: I have a couple of projects coming soon ALL FREE. Gonna do 2 mixtapes just to broadcast my skills. Gonna do one for the bedrooms of the world and one for the clubs, cars and wherever else you want to play it. I'm shooting for July for one and end of September for the other just in time for cuffing season (lol).

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay up to date with what you have in the works?

DJ Niko: Just stay tuned follow my twitter and my IG same_ole_Niko is the name on both of them. If you have music you want to be heard or you want to book me for your next event you can reach me at NikotheDJ@yahoo.com 

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