C 'Quence

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Interview with C Quence

Published on 3/12/2004

By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? A. I realized I wanted to become an artist when I was 15 years old. I’d be in school doing study hall or detention an jus start writing some of my favorite lyrics from songs as they ran through my head. Pretty soon I saw a pattern in the format of songwriting an started fillin’ in the blanks. From there I’d be clownin’ with friends writin’ battle raps jus for fun. Then I realized; this is somethin' that I not only love to do, but could make a shit load of money doin! An if you love what you do, career wise, you never have to work a day in your life! Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? A. I think observing other peoples life is what's helped carve my perception of society. I saw how most people spend their adult lives doin' a job they really don't give a shit about. On the other hand I saw how a few determined people could assert themselves into a position that allowed them nothing but opportunity, with the ability to make an unlimited amount of money doing what they love more than anything in the world! Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? A. My major influences were probably Easy-E and Too Short. One was charismatic an knew how to 'pimp the system', and the other was ruthless an new exactly what he wanted! I realized then that I wasn't going to be content with a regular 9-5, an that conforming to the system was nothing more than submitting my ambition to the control of the government. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? A. Not to be arrogant or self righteous, cuz I can't hate on anybody for doin' what they feel they gotta to get a slice of the pie; but with all the ass shakin', booty-hop, bling-bling, telephone-tuff-guy bullshit out right now; the real question should be what doesn't make me stand out. I speak in the universal tongue of human nature! I might speak intellectually for a minute, but for all the bullshitters out there that don't got time to soak up any knowledge, Ima spit venom at 'em! But there's still those individuals that jus may not understand what it is I'm tryna say, for those people I say 'relax', it'll come in time... jus kick back an let this symphony melt into your subconscious. Cuz even if you speak another language, your still gonna know that your in the presence of a skilled artistic technician! Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? A. I don't think I could be asked to be something I'm not, because whatever I do I make it my own. If I'm given even the slightest leeway to add any original creativity what-so-ever, then that creativity exists through me. Without original creativity it becomes strictly mechanical, which defies the very definition of artistic! Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use to promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? A. I am displayed on multiple websites, I'm a client of international talent agencies, I distribute CD's locally, and I'm currently preparing for live shows. My goal is to simultaneously perform for a strong fan base following as well as industry professionals. Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? A. I think that heartache is almost directly related to business knowledge, or lack-there-of. It was said best as; "There are more letters in the word business, than there are in the word music". A lot of artist don't realize that when it comes to them and the industry professionals, that they are the only ones trying to express what 'they' feel. Most of the time, all the industry wants to 'feel' is the inside of their pockets lined with cash. Q. Let’s fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? A. First get your game tight! Integrate all good advice, especially constructive criticism! Hurry now, you only got one life! Get out there! Let thousands of people know who you are! Reach into each one and leave a piece of you, that reflects a piece of them! Get educated in all aspects, learn the industry as well as humanity! Above all, never get discouraged! 'Patience and persistence', that is the way of the universe! Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? A. I think my most charitable efforts will be with dear friends. I envision employing friends in a multitude of business' that I create and leave them to sustain. Surrounding them in education and legal advice. In this manner, I won't be simply forfeiting my profit to an organization with no return. I will be investing in a company, I will be creating jobs as well as an opportunity for friends to thrive and stand on their own feet! Not only will they become wealthy, but as the owner of the company, I too will continue to attain additional wealth from the industry. If the company becomes excessively endowed, I will consider 'donating' a percentage of that profit to designated 'non-profit' and 'medical' organizations. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



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Interview with C Quence