Published: April 13, 2008 2:15 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
iLL-iTeRaCy's Ek
Junior’s Cave is happy to introduce to the online pages of our music section some cats that are definitely keeping it real. From their music, to their flow, to their beats, to their lifestyle, you will find nothing fake about iLL-iTeRaCy. Join us on this journey as we spotlight one of their members, iLL-iTeRaCy's Ek.
Isaac: Ek, elaborate on how you entered into the music business.
Ek: I've always had a love for music, back before I had any equipment and no music software I used to make beats with just a wave editor. This was before FL Studio and Reason and all that stuff was even out.
Isaac: What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect about making music?
Ek: Every aspect of it. Getting hyped while making something and you get that feeling like "when people hear this they are gonna go crazy". Playing shit for people and they get chills.
Isaac: What have you deemed to be the most discouraging part about making music?
Ek: The radio, I don't listen to the radio at all. When I’m in the car, I listen to my iPod; I avoid radio, TV radio, all of that. It’s mental pollution, some of the music I hear on there makes me cringe. Not all of it is bad, but sometimes they'll have a very very very wack song and play it twice every hour, its garbage.
Isaac: Ek, as an entertainer, do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Ek: Put the 'music' before 'business' always. Don't try to follow what’s currently popular. Keep it real and be your own artist; don't let a corporate label guy try to get you to change your sound. Just make hot shit.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
Ek: Pure excitement, in my mind I'm just thinking "wait till they hear this shit".
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Ek: We produce and write our own music. We've had label people come and make us an offer, but usually we just look at it like it’s unnecessary. They want big percentages for doing little work.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has been instrumental in altering the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Ek: Very much, even if you’re from a small town you can get heard overseas. We've got feedback from fans in almost every country. Even countries I've never heard of. The music market has also changed, since piracy is everywhere they are looking to make money from ringtones and other places. This could hurt an artist that only cares about the income, the labels would demand them to water their sound down and shoot for the #1 ringtone spot. That ain't happening over here; I don't care about the ringtones, radio charts, or anything else.
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?
Ek: Definitely make your own webpage. You can use places like MySace to bring fans to your own page. Recently, MySpace put a block on outgoing links (pretty lame), so have a mailing list on your page for fans to sign up for.; our is www.ill-it.com add us up and join the mailing list!
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
Ek: I use FL Studio and different keyboards. I have a Triton that has good onboard sounds, and I use M-audio Axiom for Midi.
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?
Ek: Regardless of all the drama and scandals I'd still have to say Michael Jackson. His music back in the days was/and still is classic. He's definitely one of the greatest artists of all time.
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Ek: I do it for the love of music; I don't care about the money. I hope to gain listeners and people that appreciate real music.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Ek: I want to give a shoutout to Ill-iteracy of course, and all the people that have supported us and our movement.
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
Ek: We have Ill-iteracy - Ego Check - Vol.2 coming soon, also the Al-Synon, we also have new beats on the site for sale every month. Sign up for the mailing list! You won't regret it! The official Ill-it page is www.ill-it.com
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Ek: Thanks for the interest in our music! Stay tuned to that iLL-it!
