Mr. Magic – Only A Night (Unmastered Freestyle)

Check out the new song from Mr. Magic – Only A Night (Unmastered Freestyle)

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Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
Atlanta! I been here for 25 years. All over. From Bankhead to Buckhead, from Martin Luther King to Camp Creek. This is my city. I graduated in 2005 and I did a little jazz right out of high school and then I got a culinary degree. I’ve been a chef all around, but I went back to Cobb county, an area 15 minutes from the city. After some thought I decided not to abandon my dream of music. Since then I have been doing this one hundred percent. Now I got to a point where I refuse to stop. I’m the son of two ministers. My mother has a masters degree in theology and my stepfather is an associate reverend at a small church on the south side. I grew up singing in churches.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
I noticed that musical trends show up and fade away. Right now, pop beats are usually the ones that do very well. I actually heard this beat and made the lyrics up in the booth as I went along. It was very well received, which I’m grateful for and I am open to producing this kind of mainstream music more than I was before doing this track. It’s called Only A Night.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see?
I am working on my debut EP called “LLPPL2012: The EP.” It has 11 tracks, but it’s only thirty or so minutes. I am really pouring everything I have into this EP. During production, I’ve laughed, cried, got angry, frustrated, but I believe the end result will be well worth all the emotional highs and lows.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
I have come to learn that image is an ideal that is heavily focused on in this industry. Knowing now that there is no way to get around this issue of image has allowed me to become a little more in tune with my own self image. The perception I had of myself was not in a positive place and it took for me to be left with no choice but to face these challenges. I thank the Lord for giving me challenges to face in the first place because for me at least I have to reach an obstacle before I know that I have the power to overcome it.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
By no means am I the kind of person who is cocky or conceited; I’m not even really very confident. I pick myself apart on a daily basis and it was holding me back from advancing in many ways for a long time. It took me a long time to learn that I can only be myself. Me is who I am and no one can imitate or duplicate because I am the only me there is. My advice for others feeling the same struggles is to just do you. Be yourself in every way and put God first. There is no way you will fail.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
I am beginning to notice that drugs are very prevalent in this industry. My advice is very simple, two words: be smart. First off, and I can’t stress this enough, if it’s white it ain’t right! No matter what it is. Second off, you do not need to be taking pills your doctor didn’t prescribe; especially if I plan on drinking. Drinking and pills are a horrible mixture. Third off, just be smart. If you are gonna smoke some green, don’t be dumb about it. Don’t be all high in situations that involve a good amount of brain use. Just be smart.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
If you are truly an artist and not just another “performer,” your craft is unique. It is gonna be difficult, but don’t let anyone persuade to amend your style. In many ways, our individuality is all that we have as artists. It is what makes us us. Also, never give up. Use your time wisely and keep the music coming.

What are the best ways to sell your products as an artist?
It’s always smart to find online avenues and what not, but the most effective way is word of mouth. Make some flyers, get out with the people and let them know who you are and what you do. Sing for them on the street or spit out a couple little bars if your an emcee. If you win over the people then they will sell your music for you.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
One of my favorite websites is of course Reverbnation.com; great for networking artists, meeting artists. Another one I frequent is Bandmix.com. It helps you showcase your music and sound. It’s smart to frequently post on Craigslist only because of the volume of people going there daily. If you don’t have a Tumblr, start one. You can link it with your Twitter, or instagram, you can post music and video so get a Tumblr page. It’s like your own website.

Where can people visit you?
I’m in Atlanta! Send a direct message to my Twitter @DaViDmrMaGiC and I’ll tell you exactly where I am and how you can see some shows. I check my Reverb Nation page daily, so you can go there as well at reverbnation.com/mrmagic1.