JC Internet Indie Radio is pleased to introduce to our members of this community a fantastic interview with a new artist who is going to blow them away. Meet Tk Yungtycoon who expounds on his music and his passion to entertain the world. Here is the online meeting.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Tk Yungtycoon: Well, as a child, I use to rap a lot but never took it too serious because I was still very little then. Growing up, I discovered I grew better and better so I developed my music skills. Started loving music since the age of 4 and discovered I was good at it when I was 4. I`m the only one who has this much in depth about music in my family; they just sit down and listen to me flowing.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Tk Yungtycoon: My friend didn`t know I was really good so he mocked me about rapping. I stood up to him and gave him a good show. It was really crazy when he handed me the mic in his studio and I was busting rhymes like I’m a rapper from his afterlife!!!
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Tk Yungtycoon: Yes, I have always dreamt of it, but I have discovered that I get even much better in music everyday.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Tk Yungtycoon: I`ll so much love to work with Lady Gaga; she makes me want to rap forever...
I love her style and think she is a genuine performer plus she is a rare species in music.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Tk Yungtycoon: I`m a fan of Eminem, 2pac, Lil Wayne, Timbo , DJ Khaled and lets not forget Usher.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Tk Yungtycoon: Take music to a brand new level as I know I have more than what it takes to hit it up. Coming from a Nigerian you will say but I’m internationally groomed and heading for the Grammy!!!
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Tk Yungtycoon: People are afraid of something different and it takes a great level of skills to make them understand that there is nothing bad in loving something new plus different. I know I have what it takes and I’m real in everything I tend to do in music plus I will SHOCK THE WORLD!!
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Tk Yungtycoon: Yes, sure as long as it is something you have passion for and good at it.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Tk Yungtycoon: Never back down and don`t let no one bring you down!!!
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Tk Yungtycoon: Hip-Hop/Rap salted with R&B when the needs call.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Tk Yungtycoon: Well, “Ball till I Fall” is my favorite piece of work as it brought out a lot in me because I did the song for a music competition but just didn`t submit it because I felt there was more purpose to it. Another track is my award nominated R&B Song “EMini” which is the finalist at the show me the music contest 2009 where it came first as a runner up.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Tk Yungtycoon: I want to say Thanks to God and my mom for showing so much love plus believe in what I do.
Isaac: Any last words?
Tk Yungtycoon: Tk Yungtycoon is a Nigerian and I know I can reach out to the world to let them know I have it in me. This is not a statement but a high level of Guarantee!!!!
This next artist was first interviewed in the pages of Junior’s Cave Online Magazine and now JC Internet Indie Radio speaks with the talented R&B/Hip-Hop artist about his music and what fans can look forward to from the entertainer with his new album release. Check out what BLKRAW had to say to our online magazine community about this and other matters. Enjoy!
Isaac: I just watched one of your music videos off of your YouTube Channel for the song, "Done Something". What was the inspiration for making this song and your new album?
BLKRAW: The inspiration behind this record was life experience, that I had to experience myself before even thinking of writing a record such as "Done Something". As for my new album, the feed back I have received from my fans, from past records such as "FAME", "Meet Me In My Room" and now "Done Something" has been great. So I do this cause it’s true and from the heart and Most of all my friends, family, fans and supporters always say to me I can't wait to hear you on the radio, so it keeps me going and I love to give my fans what they want.
Isaac: Who were your influences?
BLKRAW: Hands down I would have to go with LL Cool J, DMX, B.I.G, 2Pac, Big Daddy Kane, Rappers Delight, Nelly, Method Man, Nas and my list goes on. So to sum this up, let's just say all the hip-hop greats that came before me.
Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
BLKRAW: I would have to say a few highlights in my career would be sharing the stage with Rick Ross back in 08, Nina Sky, E40, being invited to Plies’ video, "I am the Club", shooting my music video, hearing my singles on Internet radio, meeting and talking with Plies after the video shoot.
As for lowpoints in my career, I would have to say having to book all my own shows, but it's worth every min, Of it, once the day of the show arrives and you see your fans and supporters at your shows.
Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.
BLKRAW: From my online bio:
BLKRAW was born in Oakland, California on June 29th. He grew up between Tampa, Florida. and El Centro, California. He was encouraged to start his career in the music industry by his now deceased brother, Sean Fuller. BLKRAW was only 17 years old when he and his brother had a horrible car accident in 1998. He has since dedicated his time and efforts to make it in the music industry.
Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?
BLKRAW: I would have to say it is very hard to book gigs for myself, yet I get it done. But I have to say, it is somewhat easy locally to land gigs, but out side of your local area that’s when it becomes challenging. That’s when I become my own Manager/Rep to book gigs and other business needs done outside my local area.
Isaac: What do you think of the state of R&B music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?
BLKRAW: I would have to say it is still here yet it is transforming more into a hip-hop and R&B feel into days music, artist such as myself, Chris Brown, Drake, T-Pain and the list goes on. It’s nice to listen to these artists because you can hear the past in then present and know they our showing much respect.
Yes, I do listen to the radio, I listen to radio to see what’s hot and what’s in so I can keep my fans and listeners please with my music. I would have to say the Internet has helped music grow, because it allows artist like myself to get my music out world wide from a click of a button, for example MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, iTunes, etc.
Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?
BLKRAW: Big, 2Pac, Snoop, LL Cool J, Jay Z the reason I pick this line up is because each of these artists were a huge influence in the music I write today. For example, 2 Pac will give you a hard street song, like All Eyes On Me yet on the next track you hear tracks like Dear Mama, & Brenda, Got a Baby. To me, these artists are real and I am doing the same.
Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?
BLKRAW: My album Pain Sweat Tears is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other online music stores. Plus, you can purchased/download on my website www.blkraw.com
Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?
BLKRAW: I would like to say thank you to all my fans and supporters for being there and supporting me as an artist; without you guys, I would not be doing music. Also, stay tune as I have a new album coming soon. Please sign up at www.blkraw.com for your free downloads and updates on BLKRAW.
Movin Target is our next band to be featured in our weekly artists/band spotlight. JC Internet Radio and Junior’s Cave spoke to Movin Target about the band’s music and what fans can look forward to when they purchase the band’s CDs. Here is what the band had to say on these matters. Enjoy!
Isaac: What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
Movin Target: We are Movin Target. We are all over the map genre-wise, so I picked Movin Target for that reason.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Movin Target: We play a lot of different genres; I call it Roots Rock Americana for lack of better name.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Movin Target: Mike Arterbury and I, Jim Wyly, have known each other for over 30 years and have been singing together for years. About four years ago, we hooked up with his son, Mark, and a friend named Larry Murray and started jamming together. We slowly picked up the other guys; Eddie Penix, Riley Hickerson and John Christian, and Movin’ Target have been playing together ever since.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Movin Target: I have been a singer/songwriter for some time, had plenty of original material, so it was a natural with the time me and Mike have had singing together.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Movin Target: I have an independent label called Texas FanFair and we are affiliated with BMI.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Movin Target: We have Rythym Guitar, Bass, Drums, Congos/Bongos/percussion, Fiddle and one guy who plays lead Guitar, Harmonica and Keyboards. No brand loyalty at this time unless someone wants to sponsor us, then I'll change colors accordingly, Ha! I own about 10 guitars, so I play whatever hits me at the time.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Movin Target: We play mostly in the Central Texas Area, Austin/San Antonio, although we are expanding into the Houston Area soon. We play Bars and Restaurants mostly with an occasional Festival or Event. We like the Festivals best of course.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Movin Target: We have a set play list which is about 50% original. A mix of Rock, Southern Rock, Americana and R&B.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Movin Target: I do most of the writing, although everyone in the band has a hand in it. Subject matter runs the gammit, from the typical love songs to more light hearted front philosophies that hopefully anyone can identify with.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Movin Target: Most of the time the music comes first and inspires the lyrics, but from time to time the lyrics come first and the search for the right music to go along with it is usually a struggle. I usually come up with a general arrangement, and then everyone fits their best interpretation into it.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Movin Target: Rehearsals are usually planned ahead, with specific goals in mind. But you never know what might happen; sometimes a completely different outcome comes out of it.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together? Movin Target: Mostly more technical as far as timing, starts and stops. A lot different that doing a single Singer/Songwriter thing where you go where you want in the moment.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Movin Target: The biggest challenge has been keeping everyone's head on straight. Don't expect miracles, overnight success!
Isaac: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Movin Target: Fame and fortune happen, but I'd be happy to just make a living at music without all the side jobs that most musicians have to have.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Movin Target: Like I said, be realistic. Most people play for a long time making next to nothing to get anywhere in this business. You got to develop a following first. You have to be good at what you do, but a following unfortunately is more4 important.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Movin Target: We have several websites, but the main one is at www.movintarget.org. We have a recent CD, which can be bought or downloaded at most of the online stores. Just lookup Movin Target at most of them and you will find it. We are in between booking agents right now, so I'm doing the booking until then, so the schedule is light at the moment. Always looking for new horizons though.
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Movin Target: We all have different people that help, so I couldn't talk for the rest of the guys. Mainly friends and family.
Isaac: Any last words?
Movin Target: Checkout our webpage and music, you might just like it.
Perhaps one of our most interesting, intelligent, and inspiring interviews JC Internet Radio has completed is what members of our community will find in this special spotlight with DMProgress. An artist, who is a true poet and lyrist, fans will easily want to gravitate to his music. In this special feature, DMProgress speaks on many important issues about the music industry, his passion for what he does, and the future of Hp-Hop. Check out what developed.
Isaac: Welcome to your interview with JC Internet Radio Community Magazine. I wanted to first ask you what is the main reason why you are drawn to making music.
DMProgress: Music is a language without boundaries, a communication we all share and hold special. I choose to use this medium to share my perspectives and experiences with others. I love the opportunity to get people dancing, moving and listening to positive and meaningful lyrics. These are just a few reasons I make music.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about where you see yourself as an artist in the music industry.
DMProgress: I see myself as accessible and fresh, but still unique. There is a great divide in Hip-hop especially right now. The majority of the "Hip-hop" being pushed in major ways is contrary to the very sub culture of Hip-hop. Commercialism and money have been pushed to the forefront and unfortunately skill, feeling and talent are getting pushed to the background.
I hope to be an ode to the beginning, a fresh repackaging of such movements as Afrika Bambaataa, Rakim, and one of the most potent Hip-hop songs of all time, "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
Unity is what it is about. I hope I can help people get back to that vision.
Isaac: What has been one of the biggest challenges that you have faced getting your music out to the masses?
DMProgress: Not having an independent platform that is reliable. Most social networks ask you to sign up for a membership, most of them free, but there is no sure way to get heard. Another trend that has potential but is not proving to be too effective is companies that will be service providers based upon your payment to that company.
They will promise Major Label exposure and many other promises, but how can you really know when you're not seeing any outcome or being contacted by such people.
A big one locally, (where ever you are) is trying to open up for major artists coming to a city and the promoters are making the local acts prepay. I understand having to bring a crowd, but this totally destroys community and culture.
Still another great divide.
Isaac: How would you describe what it means to be a poet in today's world? And as a poet, what do you think you bring to the music industry that will set you apart from others?
DMProgress: I read a quote once that read as follows, "All a poet can do is warn". This is very true in our modern world. Poetry is the heart with a mouthpiece, truly talking and rhyming from the heart. On issues that mean something, issues that help us as opposed to pull us into a trend, a dark place, or just keep us idle.
I have been writing poetry since 1997 and have been holding myself accountable to writing positive and clean lyrics since that time.
It takes more effort and it is trickier to "Rock a Rhyme" that has meaning than just one talking about sex, money, clothes or things of that nature.
That will and does set me apart from others.
Isaac: As you are creating music, what are the driving forces that make you want to produce the best of what you have to offer?
DMProgress: God, Art and Quality.
Isaac: where do you see yourself in five years as an artist and what do you think will be your legacy that you will have to offer to the music industry?
DMProgress: I see myself growing more into different Genres, I already have a diverse palette of musical genres infused into my music. I see my honesty and my integrity to be a driving force that will inspire another generation after this one.
My legacy, no one can tell that, we are defined by what we become, not by what we think we are.
Isaac: Who have been some of your biggest influences and why do you think they have been so influential in the music industry?
DMProgress: Since this question is so vast in its nature, I will keep it short. I am a big fan of Emcees like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Black Thought of The Roots. These Artists used true skill and art to pave their own success in music.
They are very lyrical, spiritual, honest, and most importantly the music is made in quality and sounds great.
We can all learn something from the simplicity of their success.
Isaac: What are some of the current projects that you are working on that fans can look forward to in the near future?
DMProgress: First of all, my single "Watch Me Move (Dropshadows Theme) feat. Christina Martin" is on iTunes for sale as of DEC. 6th.
I am currently working on finishing my solo debut album "Radio Hospital". Simultaneously, I am working on my second album, and a side project with a very talented MC and Vocalist named, Darius Shipp.
Isaac: How can fans gain access to your music and learn more about you online?
Isaac: Final thoughts that you would like to share with our members....
DMProgress: Let us move forward with a fervent passion to reclaim music and culture from an idea on a screen, to a true feeling in our hearts that breathes this "Culture" we know as music.
JC Internet Radio is excited to bring to our interview page this next group who goes by the name Girls on Film. What makes this group fun and entertaining to listen to is their unique spin on music with a mixture of New Wave, Dance, Electro, and Glam rolled up into one perfect sound. Check out what the girls of Girls on Film had to talk about in this recent spotlight.
Isaac: What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
Girls on Film: We took “Girls on Film” from the Duran Duran hit of the same name. As our band was coming together and we didn’t have a name, we were thumbing through a book which listed the greatest bands in the history of the world ever and of course, Duran Duran was there with a photo…We loved “Girls on Film” and took it for our band name. The band has been called “Girls on Film” since 2002.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Girls on Film: We like to call our music “Dancetronic Glam Wave” but you could probably call it synth pop/electro/new wave. Our influences include The Human League, Missing Persons, Berlin, Yaz, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Soft Cell…this list could go on.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Girls on Film: We (Rio & Kazhmir) have known each other since about 1998, having met through a mutual friend.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Girls on Film: The band was formed in 2002 when we started writing songs together based on a shared love of 80s-era dance music.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Girls on Film: Our new EP, “Mental Image,” was released on Soulow Records & the band belongs to several different music organizations.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Girls on Film: Kazhmir plays a Dean Edge 5-string bass; our former drummer used a Roland TD-6 electronic drum kit and our former keyboard player used an Alesis QS-7.1 synth with a micro Korg synth. We had this set-up for several years, but now that we are a duo, all of the keyboard/drum parts are written on a sequencer with Kazhmir doing the programming. Vocals and bass will continue to be live, but we may have a rotating cast of musicians filling in on the other instruments.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Girls on Film: Tampa, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Athens, Nashville, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, Lake City, St. Pete, Cincinnati, Chapel Hill, Baltimore, Milledgeville, West Palm Beach, Charlotte, New York, Panama City, Pensacola. We have multiple shows scheduled right now in Florida for the holidays, which we’re really excited about playing. As for favorite/least favorite venues, it seems they all have their respective charms!
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Girls on Film: Our show set changes depending on the show or sometimes even the mood…the length of time we play can also affect which songs we put into a show. Lately, “Metrosexual” and “Pitiless Friend” seem to be the two that never really drop out of the set. We generally don’t get to do covers (as fun as they are to do) because our rehearsal time is so limited that we tend to spend the free time working on new material.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Girls on Film: We write all of our songs together as a band, with song topics ranging anywhere from jaded love affairs to frustration to revenge….I do think the topics will change over time, they actually already have since the beginning of the band…
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Girls on Film: It varies. Sometimes we start with lyrics & a vocal melody, other times we start with a bassline or a synthesized sound…sometimes we have the arrangement right away, and sometimes it comes later after a lot of changing around. So it’s different every time for every song.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Girls on Film: Rehearsals usually have a lot of laughter…we practice often and we laugh at ourselves a lot. We do stick to a hard rehearsal schedule because we discovered that we got a lot more accomplished than if we met on a more casual basis.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Girls on Film: I think we have slowly (and painfully) become better songwriters. The early music can be painful for us to listen to because we distinctly remember not knowing what the hell we were doing! We still hope to keep improving.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Girls on Film: Probably the biggest challenge would be going from a 4-piece to a duo this year…this was unplanned, but due to Kazhmir taking over the writing and programming of the keys in addition to her bass playing, we’ve managed to keep writing and performing almost without missing a beat. Right now we have a fantastic keyboardist, The Viirus, performing live shows with us when we play regionally.
Isaac: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Girls on Film: Hmm…I guess the goal of any band at this level is to hopefully make enough to finance the next album! And put gas money in the tour van.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Girls on Film: Go for it! But it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Girls on Film: There are so many people we owe big time for helping us out that were we to mention them all here, we might never finish…We’ve had the encouragement of friends & family all the way…we are extremely lucky.
Isaac: Any last words?
Girls on Film: High heels are a bitch to load equipment in!
