Recently I had the chance to interview Memphis Indie Musician Andrecus “Gentrax” Boyle or as he’s known also AndrecusB; the interview was made in English and translated because the publication I collaborate with it’s basically in Spanish but here is the interview in English; and I hope you enjoy.
The topic of the interview it’s basically e-marketing and how indie musicians can take advantage of youtube and social sites as Myspace to promote their message and art.
Q: What do you think about the power of internet and networking sites like YouTube and MySpace give to new artist the opportunity to promote their arts?
A: I think sites like Youtube and MySpace are tremendous tools, especially for independent artists like me because they allow us to reach places that we ordinarily wouldn’t or couldn’t be seen or heard. They help us get that exposure to the regions where we physically can’t be. So there are great asset.
Q: How were your formative years as a musician (artist)?
A: Well it all began for me in church, as a 5yr old singing beside my mother in our church choir! That was the beginning, the foundation! I come from a family rich in music history. My father and his brothers and sisters, when they were young used to sing and tour throughout the southern region, so music’s a part of who I am. As a youngster I was always doing something musically from singing in church, to joining my brother and 3 cousins in a local singing group! We did gigs everywhere we could, from church concerts, to school functions to parties! My passion for musicianship really grew during the time I spent as a trumpet player in my middle and high school bands. Also taking piano lessons along the way I started respect and became intrigued with the production side of the music! I’ve just been involved in and been around so many great musicians locally that those many different experiences have helped shape the musician I am today!
Q: What difficulties have you found in the way as an independent musicians?
A: Well, It’s difficult for independent artists because major label artists get designated marketing dollars for radio play, music placements in films, television shows, and commercials. They also get album promotion and etc. We as independent artists aren’t afforded such luxuries, so it’s that much harder for us to get our product or our brand to the masses. Also, as an independent artist, you are in control of your Marketing, and Accounting. You play the role of Manager, PR person, and Booking agent. You do it yourself, because you have to…It’s difficult, but I enjoy the challenge!
Q: How did you get started in the music business?
A: Well, the game was kind of given to me early. During high school I began working with FL Studio. I took me awhile to get my sound up to par! I used to sneak in and just watch my big cousin as he would produce his tracks, soaking in everything. I learned a lot of the game from him. There was a period of about 5 years, from 2001 to 2006, where I was producing for everyone and featuring on songs with everyone. Although I knew I could sing and had been doing so all my life, I didn’t have the confidence in myself as an artist. So I would write and produce for other artists, hoping that somebody would blow and I would be on my way! Eventually, it boiled down to me acknowledging that I had to get out here and make it happen. I locked myself in my room and submerged myself with music. Writing, producing, and recording, hit music. This when I really started to take myself and my craft seriously! This is when it became my career. GENtrax Productions, the business was spawned.
Q: What eStrategies (Virtual Strategies) do you use to promote your art?
A: I try and have profiles on all social networking sites, music on all music sites, so fans can have access to my music. I make sure I establish a rapport with my fan base and build on the support of my fan base through video blogs and etc.
Q: How do you finance your music?
A: Honestly, I work a 9 to 5 job! Right now the revenue from the music is now steady enough for me to rely solely on it. On the production side it comes and goes. Some weeks, months are better than others.
Q: What are the styles and musicians that influenced your personal style?
A: My style, artistically, is a mixture of many styles. From R&B, Neo Soul, and Hip Hop. I mean, I do it all. As far as influences go, the biggest musical influence on my music has been Timbaland! Dude is one of the best producer’s ever! But it’s bigger than that with him. He’s produced some great artists and hit songs. That’s me as a talking, but coming up Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and Playa were huge influences. Now days I like multi-faceted artists like Keri Hilson, NeYo, PJ Morton, and Tank. People who vocally are gifted, but also work their magic behind the scenes. Writing, producing, and arranging vocals. They’re more than just one dimensional artists. I like to think of myself as I do them.
Q: What advice can you give to young musicians today regarding the strategies they can use to develop their art and to promote it independently?
A: I would encourage everyone to make sure your making quality music. Quality is better than quantity. There are millions of independent artists out there striving for the same goals as you are. What are you doing to stand out from the crowd? You have resources out there! MySpace, YouTube, Reverbnation, just to name a few that can help get your music heard! Be true to yourself in your work. Be prepared to take risks! Someone once told me in order to get something you never had you have to do something you’ve never done. So be prepared to take some bumps and bruises. Be prepared to have set backs. There will be haters, but with discipline, a strong work ethic, and great music you can be successful!
Q: How is the process of composing a song for you?
A: Most cases, when I’m in a session by myself, it starts with a song concept. Usually an idea will pop in my head and then I’ll begin with a foundation for a beat, just enough to get the writing process flowing. Then as I write the song, I build the beat around the song. It’s a fairly simple process. This is normally how it works. When I’m collaborating with other artists it just depends on if they already have a concept and verses, then I listen to what they have and then that get my creative juices flowing! I enjoy writing music, and making music. The entire creative process is amazing!
Contact Info:
Andrecus B.
gengothits@gmail.com
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/andrecusb
http://www.stereofame.com/andrecusb
http://www.memphisrap.com/andrecusb
Come to a different place to enjoy a little bit of contemporary culture
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