StreetWave Media presents an exclusive interview with rap, rock and pop artist, GRIF located in Levittown PA. After our interview, check out his music video linked below…
What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
Music flow’s out of me. It’s almost everyday that a new melody or song is playing in my head, so at a young age I always knew that it was the path for me!
What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
I hate these types of questions, because art is art and you shouldn’t compare your art to other people’s, but if I had to pick something, it would be my witty lyrics and the clarity of my lyrics, mix those together with my “good natured” messages… You have the recipe for a legend in the making.
If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
My overall dream is to work with “Brock Hampton” or “Dreamville” one day. Not only do they have some of my favorite songs of all time, but they all have such pure and raw sounds that I would love to be a part of! Real recognize real and they have some of the greatest produced songs i’ve ever heard, so to be in the room with them as we all come together to work on a masterpiece, would be a dream come true!
What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist?
Well one thing is for sure… I OWN MY MUSIC. No one has a say on what goes on in my songs, or what goes into my parts on other people’s songs, and the freedom doesn’t end there. I can pick and choose the art, the date it gets released, what gets released, when and where to have my shows and everything in between! Plus all the money I make goes right to me and no other hands get a hold on my profits so I can always invest right back into my tracks! 🙂
The disadvantage is, I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I’M DOING?!? There’s no one telling me how to pave my way, but I know I have to do it, so it really is up to me to stay strong and push through. Plus with no one but me funding my music, life gets hard. I have to pay for everything out of pocket and make sacrifice after sacrifice to make sure I can continue to make this all work.
Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
I’m confident that in either circumstance I would be successful. Me personally, I like being independent and hope that I can stay there till I make it. I have a huge fear of getting stuck in a “Kanye contract” but after doing research and seeing all the artists signing these “slave” contracts, I feel like I wouldn’t allow myself to be roped into such a horrible signing.
Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your Best song and why?
Hmmm, I would have to say that my current best song is Pandora’s Box or The Ledge. Both songs are so raw and deep and filled with great messages, and when people started reaching out telling me how much those songs meant to them… I knew I had made some soon to be classics.
Do you miss the era of CD sales OR do you prefer the new wave of music streaming? Explain…
Being a 90s baby, I got to see the transition of it all. I have a love hate relationship with streams, because a lot of artists lost out on a lot of money from record sales, but I love how easy it is to listen to a song whenever/ wherever with streaming. If only the music industry would compensate by paying more per stream… but that can be a different battle for a different day.
Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
THIS IS SUCH A HARD QUESTION! Both make me feel alive, but if I had to pick one, it would be creating a new song. Knowing i have a song in the works is what keeps me going and there’s no better feeling then creating a song that sends shivers down your and everyone else in the room’s spine!
During your entire journey through the music business, what would you consider your Worst experience?
THE FAKES AND SNAKES. Think about it this way, everyone you meet is competition no matter what they say. Even your best music friends are trying to be better than you on every track, and they will be the first to tell you they love your song to your face, then never give you a damn stream. You have to pick and choose who you trust wisely, and you can only choose the “purest” of hearts, because everyone else will have on a mask as beautiful and powerful as Beyonce’s, but a heart as evil as Pain’s in Naruto.
What would you consider your most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
So the first two things that instantly came to mind is:
My first showcase! I threw an 8 artist showcase without any expectations of people coming out, but had a turn out of 100+ people! The crowd was drunk and high and overall very harsh to a couple artists that went before me, (ultimately booing one off stage) so i was very nervous to go perform for all these new faces. I started performing and one after one, everyone in the room started standing up and jamming out! “Talk the sh*t boy” “Aye Aye Aye” everyone was so into it and i’ll keep that memory golden forever.
My most recent album came out on 6/11, and after a year+ of no releases, I was worried no one would tune in. Overall, the numbers mean nothing to me, but after seeing me hit 1000 streams on the album in less than a week and 2000 streams a couple days after… I couldn’t help but smile and start thinking of this album as a defining moment in my career and I couldn’t be more thankful.
If any, what discourages you the Most about music industry these days?
Other than “The Snakes, and Fakes” and “slave contracts”, I would say the trolls. People who hate just cause it makes them feel better about themselves makes no sense! But you must remember that they are just a part of your legacy and their streams still help pay your bills!
What inspires you the Most about the music industry these days?
Seeing artists like Tobe Nwigwe use their voice and platform to bring real change to this world has been my biggest inspiration and I pray to do the same with mine one day!
If you wasn’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
No b.s.
A. I wouldn’t be alive
or
B. Maybe a weed farmer figuring out how to make the greatest strain of bud ever known to mankind.
In your own opinion, What is the current music scene like in your local area?
WE ARE SO LOWKEY IN MY AREA. We have some really great artists out here, Tony Hills, Unjustified Wrld, Nick Anthony, Krys Talk, Roam, Big Boy Drum. Just a short list of my favorites.
What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
My latest release is my debut album “Tales From the Edge of the Universe” and it’s on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music!
What is on your agenda or what can fans expect to see from you in 2021?
With 2021 half way done, we are running on limited time, but I still have soooo much to do!
I have another album dropping at the end of the summer, this one is mostly rock and roll and EDM, but has been more than transcendental for my sound and overall boosted my happiness in life! Along with the Album my friends and i are planning out some very special shows, one may be as soon as next month! So make sure to follow me for more details on those! The key word is special… so be ready to see it done like never before 🙂
Follow in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/og_grif/
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