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Exclusive Interview
Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
I was born in N.C., raised in Jersey. All I can remember is that since the age of 5, I’ve always had a notebook & anything that would write. I’ve gotten to this point because I was born to be here. It’s simply in me to express everything I feel through music. Whether I sing or rhyme, it just comes naturally. The female emcees from the 90’s only increased my passion and drive, leading me to realize I could never want to do anything else. Music is my life, and everyday I’m perfecting my craft.
What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see?
I’m working on a new project called “Bring It Back”. I’m not sure if I want to make it an Ep or a whole album. I have so many songs it’s hard to make up my mind. I might just do an Ep then another street album for the end of the year. I’m also working on getting my logo and trademark done so I can start placing my brand on everything moving! I’m hitting the gym on a regular basis, cycling everyday, eating right, and staying focused. You can expect to see a force of nature! I’ll be traveling, and finally branching out doing music with other amazing artists. You will see my brand everywhere, and I will continue to make great music because it comes from my heart. You can expect to see, me.
Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
I would have to say the hardest thing is breaking down the walls of the people who are afraid of change. There isn’t any lane, or box, or category I can be put into. I get comments all the time about how I should look, and how I should sound from people in the industry. But true artistry is about expression and being yourself. To me, the consumer should be the only one who makes the choice of whom or what they want to buy. In the last 4 ½ years, I’ve only gotten one negative comment out of thousands of people who have listened to my music. I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I know what I have. I have a unique sound and look. I am a total package.
What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
To be honest with you, I haven’t had any set backs. I’ve been blessed through this journey. I’ve gotten some great exposure, worked with some awesome people, and I’m going to keep pushing forward.
What are some things artists need to be careful of?
Artists need to do more research. There are a lot of false companies out here that will sell you a dream because they know you’re a starving artist. Be careful of things that sound too good to be true. Artists should also be aware of these showcases where they’re asked to put out hundreds of dollars to perform. Some of these shows promise certain prizes that never come to fruition.
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
My advice to all artists, is to believe in yourself. If you don’t, then nobody else will either. Master your craft. Practice, practice, practice, every chance you get. Stay focused and work hard but don’t let work consume you. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Watch the legends and do your homework on your particular genre of music. Take a look at your competition every now and then just to see what’s going on around you. Don’t try to do everything by yourself. You absolutely need a team and a great manager you can get along with.
What are the best ways to sell your products as an artist?
Through experience, I see that it’s best to sell your music at your shows. People don’t want to spend their money on something they know nothing about. So after you’re done performing, you should mingle and that’ll get them more interested in buying.
What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
My favorite ways to promote are online and at shows and events. The internet gives you thousands, if not millions of possible ways to promote yourself. I’m on countless sites, and my fans increase by the dozens, sometimes hundreds, every single day. Twitter and facebook, right now are my favorite sites because I can pretty much be me and say what’s on my mind without being judged, lol. At shows and events, I have the chance to mingle and network personally. The people get a chance to vibe with me and talk instead of just hearing the music.
Where can people visit you?
GOOGLE ME! No, I’m joking. Honestly, I am everywhere, but you can find me on my favorite sites through my main site listed above. Please hit them all and support great music. All music can be purchased on my reverb nation page. Thank you guys so much for everything.
Artist Website
http://www.wix.com/a_b_y_s_s_/thabyssness
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