 
Published: April 15, 2008 10:58 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)
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Arkahtek
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With a dream, passion, tenacity, and a mission, Rapper/Producer Arkahtek is embarking on a journey that he hopes will revolutionize the music industry. We are proud to present to our readers of JCOM the newest sensation to hit the Hip-Hop community.
Isaac: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Arkahtek: Well, I first entered the music industry when I won a rap contest in Trindad and Tobago back in 1993. A label named Warlock Records invited the winners in each category to come to the U.S. to record.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
Arkahtek: The most rewarding aspect I would say as of current is helping other artists realize their dreams along with mines. See, I don’t charge up and coming artists for beats, and I always love to see what they bring to my music.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Arkahtek: The greed. I would have to say greed; it has driven artists to be something they're not. It's made radio play lists saturated, artists have no more staying power, and it has made it harder to produce music. For example, producers that sample would have a hard time clearing them because of the fees labels and publishing companies would ask for.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Arkahtek: Yes I do. My philosophy is simple; love what you do and just be yourself. When you do this, you automatically stand out from everyone that's following the latest trends. When the trend is over, you'll still be there.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through your head?
Arkahtek: LOL... well there are a lot of thoughts, but the first thought I usually have is whether or not the crowd is going to like my song especially if it's the first time they're hearing it. After about 30 seconds into the song when I start seeing the head bobs and the hands in the air, then I’m like "yeah imma tear this stage down".
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Arkahtek: Being an independent musician is important to me because I have more control on the direction I want my music to go without outside control or influence.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Arkahtek: Definitely, it has made it easier for independent artists to be heard without going through the hassle of Record labels, managers, distribution, and commercial radio. And most important you keep most of the money you make.
Isaac: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
Arkahtek: Yes, my advice is "what are you waiting for, get on the Internet and sell yourself, get yourself heard, that's how I got this interview right?
Isaac: Right On!
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
Arkahtek: Actually, I still use hardware when I record. I have my MPC2000XL, my FOSTEX VF 160, EMU PROTEUS KEYS, AUDIO TECHNICA 3035 CONDENSER MIKE, and MY ALESIS M1 MK2 POWERED MONITORS; and I’m good to go.
Isaac: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist, someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an
entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your "dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
Arkahtek: Well, there are so many artists I would love to work with, but since I’m a supporter of the underdog I would love to work with an artist or group no one expect
to make a comeback. So if it’s anybody I would say "LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL".
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Arkahtek: I hope to gain respect as a good producer/rapper, meet new people, travel, and hope that my songs could educate, make you laugh, or cry; or dance everything else such as money could come later as long as I accomplish those things.
Isaac: What are your hopes for your music in the year 2008?
Arkahtek: I'm just hoping to get my music heard, get my brand out there, and start making a difference in this industry.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Arkahtek: I would love to give a shout out to my family and friends that support me, Chanderry Event Planning for my single release party, my boy Rusul at Reason2RioT video production for all those free video edits, and to everybody that's downloaded my tracks on collegemusicradio.com.
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
Arkahtek: In the works right now, I’m producing an album for DEVIOUS of the group "PITCH BLACK" (UNIVERSAL/FONTANA/TRAVIO), FRANCES ELIZEE. You can check her out on her MySpace page, and on my single "WHATEVUH U WANT"; and producing a group called "THE ALLIES" featuring JUS COOL, MR REBEL, CATALYST, CACHE, and many more. Oh yeah, my album is also in the works; its called THE BLITZKRIEG EVENT.
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Arkahtek: I would love to say thank you for the opportunity for letting me get my voice heard, to all up and coming artists check out spityogame.com or myspace.com/daarkahtek if you're looking for tracks for your demo or mixtape; of course they're free. And "STAY TRUE, THIS IS YOUR PROVING GROUND".1
arkahtek
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