Published: April 11, 2008 9:55 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
ill Imperial
Have you ever heard some music that instantly got you hooked on it? Well, the other day I was listening to this act and instantly fell in love with their musical style. What really stood out about them was the uniqueness of their style and presentation. I think that once you get a taste of their music you will feel the same. Please welcome Combo and Brod of ill Imperial to Junior’s Cave.
Isaac: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Combo: I got a demo of Fruity Loops Version 3 back in high school and started messing with it as a hobby at first, but it evolved into what it is today.
Brod: I got into rap in junior high and began to freestyle at parties in high school. Then, I met Combo.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
ill Imperial: Sharing it with people.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
ill Imperial: Never really knowing if people are going to understand the message behind the music and be able to relate to it.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Combo: I believe that because of the Internet music can now be a free commodity.
Brod: I believe that an artist puts a bit of his soul into his/her music and that the best music can still reach all kinds of people no matter how personal it is.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
ill Imperial: We try and think about what we're saying and the feelings that we had when we wrote the song, so the audience can better understand the content and inspiration behind the music.
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
ill Imperial: Because we have total control over every aspect of our work.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
ill Imperial: Yes; Now days everyone can have a voice.
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?
ill Imperial: The information is out there for just about anything you want to do or know, but it's always up to you to make it useful.
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
ill Imperial: FL Studio recording software. It's the shiz-nit!
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?
ill Imperial: Wu Tang Clan, because they produce the kind of Hip Hop that has had a big influence on our work...and they're great live.
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
ill Imperial: Influencing people in general, but especially other artists. Our music is inspired by the work of artists we listen to, but now that we have created something ourselves we're curious to see how the music community will interpret and reshape our work.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
ill Imperial: We hope to establish a solid gig schedule in and around the Bay Area. We want to rock the crowd.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Combo: Thanks to all the people that share our music with their friends.
Brod: Got to give the props to my family and friends, which is way too many people to list, but you know who you are; and my cat.
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
ill Imperial: The "Carnival EP" is in the works. Also, look for B-Sides from the "Mr. Holiday EP" on our website and MySpace page later this summer.
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Combo: Brod said if I book a show at Burning Man this year he'll go (fingers crossed).
