Music Interview: O Cleaze

Published: April 30, 2007 5:47 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior
(Juniorscave.com)

We recently had the pleasure to talk with independent label--C.I.S. Music Group's President O Cleaze about his thoughts on music, the industry, and his quest for Fame. To learn about this C.I.S. Music Group, check out these websites listed below:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cismusicgroup
http://www.myspace.com/cismusicgroup

Special Thanks to O Cleaze, President of C.I.S. Music Group and Artist for providing us with this great interview:

Music Now: When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music? >>>I first became interested in music as a young child when I used to walk around the house with a hair brush as a microphone and bang on an electronic keyboard. I have been involved in music since the age of 13 when one of my friends asked me to be in a talent show with him.

Music Now: What are your musical influences?
>>>I listen to everything so all types of music influences me from early hip-hop such as Brand Nubian and MC Eight to Marvin Gaye to Phil Collins to some of the Rock Music of the 1980's.

Music Now: Does anyone in your family play music?
>>>My mom used to play the piano at church.

Music Now: When you are making music, describe how you are feeling?
>>>I feel as if I have escaped from the day to day grind of the world and like I am in a safe and natural place when I can truly express myself.

O Cleaze peforming live on stage

Music Now: Why did you write or decide to play any of your songs?
>>The music inspires me. If I find music that I like, it shapes the song. No matter if it is East Coast, West Coast, Drity South, Mid-West, whatever.

Music Now: Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
>>To me, hip-hop is the music that describes my generation and expresses the ups and downs.

Music Now: What do you feel is missing in the music industry today?
>>>Originality, and I think it is mostly because of the public. Musicians want to be successful at what they do, and today it is hard for artists to be original and successful. Therefore, most give the audience what they want.

Music Now: Do you feel like you are a role model to others?
>>>All artists, athletes, and performers are role models even if they do not want to be.

Music Now: What keeps you going even when times you feel like giving up?
>>>The music itself. When ever I'm down, I just pop in some music and I'm ready to go.

Music Now: What are some of the big projects you are working on?
>>>Right now I'm working on a collaboration with an MC from NY called Tempest. The track is produced by T-Swift. It's going to be the hottest thing going!!!!

Music Now: What can we expect from you in the next several years?
>>>More good music!

Chief Jones performing live on stage

Music Now: Any new releases, updates, or anything else you would like to tell our audience?
>>>Look out for a new project from Chief Jones and more songs written by LaShonda.

Music Now: Thanks for this great Spotlight.
>>>Thanks for your support.

Photos used in this story were provided by O Cleaze