Blacktopia talks with rising recording artist Soundz Grate about his music, his plans for 2018 and more! Read all about him and get to know the man behind the music.
Get more updates on Soundz Grate at http://www.SoundzGrate.blogspot.com
Blacktopia: Hey Soundz Grate, how do you feel?
Soundz Grate: Honestly, I couldn't be more tired and lost. I know that's not an answer artist generally give, or should give, but I'm just being real. Going through a pretty tough time in life right meow, but I know it will reflect in my music, which will give it some real flavor. If there isn't any pain or truth in music, what's the point of making it?
Blacktopia: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Soundz Grate: Erratic to say the least. I'm a rapping, neo-soul singer, who sometimes wants to be a rockstar. I just love music and making it. Don't really want to box myself into a particular genre.
Blacktopia: What inspired you to get into making music?
Soundz Grate: I've always been a lover of music. Forever surrounded by it. From the records my parents would play on their stereo system, or from cartoons like Tom and Jerry. I remember a time where I would sit on the floor surrounded by cd cases and listening to every single cd, reading the lyrics, or all the people involved in making each track. I wanted to be on those cd covers, I wanted some kid to listen to me and read my lyrics, with my songs on repeat. I find it crazy, because I made my official start as a composer, while i spent the years finding my voice.
Blacktopia: What are your plans for 2018?
Soundz Grate: My plans for 2018 is total saturation. Whether it be Internet, magazine, fm radio, tv...If you can see it, hear it, or read it I plan on being there. Last but not least getting ALL the love from the underground.
Blacktopia: You do more than just make music, could you tell the readers a little bit about everything you do?
Soundz Rate: I think it would be easier to say everything that I don't do. I'm working on my mogul thing right meow. Sean Colmbs, Percy Miller, they paved the way. I'm simply trying to stay on the path. I am the Co-Owner and CCO of Ragz 2 Richez Recordz. I am the radio show host of The Sinewave radio show from 2-4pm on 91.8 We On Radio. Dj Infinite and I have something else in cooking in the works, but you'll have to follow to find out what it is. I'm one of the magazine writers, and content contributors to We On Nation Magazine. A new magazine drops every quarter, so I'm super excited on what the year brings! I am a composer and a producer, yet it's not one of my favorite things to do. Especially when it comes to other artist. I'm fortunate enough to be a HoodCertified DJ, our coalition is growing quite nice. Lastly, the very thing that got me into the music industry was being a graphic designer. From there it lead to being a photographer, and later a cinematographer/director. It's a blessing to be able to do all of this, and since it is all art, everything intertwines and correlates. I'll be needing a team really soon.
Blacktopia: Who are some of the artists that have the biggest impact on you?
Soundz Grate: I would have to say my cousin T-Jae tha 6th Man would be the first. I say this because when I first started out making music, he told me in the nicest way possible that I sucked without saying the words. It tore me up lol, but it gave me what i needed to attack the game in a different manner. My second would have to be my mentor in the industry Polo Don Red. Brotha man has taught me the most important lessons that everyone needs to know, but is kept secret. Crazy what a little patience and effort can do. Lastly I will have to say DJ Infinite. Being able to partner up with a vet in the game such as herself has been a pretty big game changer. Starting out she revealed the most obvious things to me that I had overlooked simply because I had my blinders on. I noticed things in life, as well as in the industry. Nothing but blessings and opportunities.
Blacktopia: What were 3 of the biggest milestones in your music career so far?
Soundz Grate: Getting royalties for making music. That's pretty awesome, especially when you can pay the bills. If that's not big I don't know what else is. My second would be having the opportunity to manage music artist. It's a challenge nonetheless. You have the music that the artist makes, which is what everyone loves. Then on the other hand you have the artist, the source of the music. The personality, the vices, the life issues...that's a whole different ball game there. 3rd would be getting a real applause every-time I finish a performance. It always feels good when strangers let you know your music is good. I don't care who you are, everyone wants that genuine applause or standing ovation.
Blacktopia: What was one of the worst experiences you've faced in the business so far and how did you bounce back from it?
Soundz Grate: I have some stories to tell, but it's in the past now. No need to dwell on it. I will say this though. Follow your gut instincts, and don't fight the universe. When you fight, that's when you end up going through turmoil and saying foolish things like "I learned a lesson, and everything happens for a reason". Most times you don't need that lesson.
Blacktopia: Is there anything else you would like to plug? Any shout outs?
Soundz Grate: Life, the industry.... it's a turtle race. It's also a pay to play game. You have to invest in yourself, and in your craft if you want to make it. All things are possible, when you put in the work and time to make it possible.
No shout outs, this is business at the end of the day. We all know what it is. Now let's get back to work.
Get more updates on Soundz Grate at http://www.SoundzGrate.blogspot.com
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