Exclusive Interview With Ebonee – From Poetry To New School Talent

Can you tell us where you’re from and how you got to this position today?
I’m from Mitchellville Maryland, which is fifteen minutes outside of DC. I grew up there my whole life. It’s in Prince George’s County– the richest black county. It’s really interesting where I grew up but despite the wealth, I was surrounded by my parents, who were always making me work for the things I needed.

I actually started with poetry. During my eighth grade summer, my grandmother passed away. That is when I wrote my very first poem and from there, opportunities and doors continued to open for me to actually perform–with one poem I was touring all around the city. Then, I ended up getting a summer job. Initially I was supposed to teach the youth how to write poetry as an alternative to the streets. By the time I left that summer, they made me put my words to a beat and since then, I haven’t stopped rapping.

You’re still in school aren’t you?
Yes, I am. This is actually my first year in college..it has been a very interesting transition.

You must be busy with school and music. Can you tell us what you’re currently working on and what  we can expect to see in the near future?
Currently, I am working on a campaign called “The Root.” Basically, I’m trying to form unity and a complete movement throughout the DMV area and really get the local artists to support each other. If we build a movement in unity, we can actually push and make a way into the music industry. I am remixing selective  songs from my projects, “The Grinding Utensil” and “coldCARE,”  while collaborating with the local artists from the area. GoGo is the key to everyone’s heart back home in the DMV (DC, MD,VA), so I plan to incorporate it into this new project. That’s where I got “The Root” from. I think it’s going to be an amazing project and of course I just released my EP, “coldCARE” so I’ll be in a lot of festivals and local shows, just trying to build my followers.

You mentioned “coldCARE.” Do you have a favorite song on the album?

Well, that’s a hard question to ask an artist! I would have to say it is 5am. 5am is my favorite because that was the first time I actually sang on a track. I was working with my executive producer, TheSeventh, who just pulled something totally different out of me and I was amazed. I didn’t know I could sing, hold a note, or anything, and it ended up being the last song we recorded for the project.

So should we expect Eboneé Said singing a little more in her next album?
Yes! Yes, you will..I’m starting some vocal lessons so there will be a couple new surprises.

Can you let our readers know who some of your influences were when you began making music?
Growing up, I was a pastor’s kid so everything secular and worldly was a no no. So, growing up I listened to a lot of gospel music. It was the 90′s era, so I listened a lot of Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond. Of course, when I grew up I fell in love with Missy Elliott. She was so cool, and had that little Kangol hat, which was epic!  I think that fun vibe is something I’d really like to incorporate. As I grew up and began to study music, I began to admire Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Nina Simone, Kanye West, Ari Lennox, Mos Def, Wutang, India Arie, N.E.R.D., Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and OF COURSE the list goes on.

What do you think is the hardest challenge for artists in the industry?
I would have to say that being an artist and uneducated at the same time is a challenge in the business. That very reason is why I decided to go to school for music business–to learn the contracts,staff responsibilities,  rights as an entertainer, and avoiding being manipulated in my near future. Before coming to Full Sail, I got messed up with two different managers and it was just a lot of drama. I definitely would say to read those contracts because, luckily, that’s what saved my butt. The fact that I did read the contracts and got my lawyers involved was beneficial. I would definitely advise them to just become an educated artist, and always do your research. Also, continue to practice skills daily. The job is never done, the work is never the best, and there is always someone else–you know. Keep honing your craft.

Since “coldCARE” was so successful, can you give our Indie artists advice on how to promote their music, sell their music, pretty much how to get their music to more ears?
I would definitely say the social network for now. It’s 2011 and technology has a major impact on sales, promotion, and networking. I would also say to find your niche, like what other market do you fit in? For some, it may be sneaker boutiques or skateboards. For me, a lot of people are always drawn to my hair so I knew my niche was being natural. Do your research and find those natural blogs and find your niche. Find your audience and try to put it on their blogs, sites, and those activities and events where they will be. I think it will be very easy once everyone finds their niche, or where else they can fit in, other than music.

You mentioned social networks. Where can our readers visit you and reach your music?
They can reach my music at Eboneesaid.com. From there you can find my Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and  all of my social networks.

Did you have any last comments or shout-outs?
First, I have to acknowledge God, my family, best-friends, teachers, and my executive producer, TheSeventh. I’d also like to send a huge shout out to the DMV, Full Sail University, and the whole Eboneé Said Movement.

Twitter: @EboneeSaid
Website: http://eboneesaid.com/
Soundcloud: http://snd.sc/lQ9Vue
Facebook: @ Eboneé Said
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Eboneesaid
Bandcamp: http://eboneesaid.bandcamp.com/
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/eboneesaid