Published: July 25, 2008 11:45 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight
Werd
Werd: Photo By: Jason L.
Hip-Hop has a new hero in Werd. Check out this fantastic new interview that JCOM recently completed with the California Native Werd as he shows us what he is made of and why we should listen to his music.
Isaac: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Werd: I’ve been a fan of hip-hop as far back as I can remember. I did my first song on my uncle's old tape recorder back in 89'. But professionally, as in when I wanted to get serious and make great quality stuff...That's when I bought my first recording equipment, which was my condenser mic in 2007. But, I had been rapping since high school.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
Werd: First off, self satisfaction, knowing that I’ve made something that I believe to be worthy of listening to. Then the fans, or the people who just listened to music before, becoming one of my fans; Just the look on their faces and the way their head's nod.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Werd: It’s become all about money, and less about art. Quantity over Quality, it just sucks right now.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Werd: Music is what you make of it. If you take it too seriously and it turns into your only way of making money, that’s the person's problem. And also if you just have fun with it and let it take you where it will, and money comes your way in the process, that’s beautiful!
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
Werd: "I hope they can hear my words clearly". I want the people who come to see me to get everything from a show I have to offer.
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Werd: I’m free to do what I want. I will never become an industry slave. Even if someone told me it would be the only way I’d ever be able to get more exposure. I’d rather go it alone.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Werd: It has tremendously! Now you don't have to travel thousands of miles to do collaborations. You can promote yourself as much as you want however you want. You don't need to leave your house to network or make connections, so many possibilities now a day.
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?
Werd: Take every avenue available; talk to everyone and anyone who might be able to help you if only a little bit. Be humble, it will benefit you in the end. Stay in contact with everyone, and never burn bridges.
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
Werd: Ill do you one better and give you a list of hardware and software i use, just so when other people see this they can have an idea of what they can get to help them out.
Computer (IntelCore2Duo e8400 3.0ghz Processor - 4GB Corsair XMS 8500 Ram - Asus P5KC Motherboard - 500gb Hardrive with Windows Xp Pro/ Mac OSx86 10.6 Leopard/ Linux Fedora Core 8 )
LCD Monitors - Hp 15', Phillips 15'
Speaker Monitors - RCA
Microphones - MXL V67i, AKG Talk Back Mic
Mixer - Alesis Multimix FX 8
Sound Card - M-Audio Mobile Pre
Voiced Valve Preamp - ART Studio V3 Tube MP
Turntable - Some oldschool Joint
Midi Keyboard - Yahmaha PSR-170
Headphones - Them 15 Dollar Over Ear Sony Joints
Storeage - Two 500 GB Maxtor Hard Drives
Software: Recording & Mixing Software:
Adobe Audition 3.0
M -Audio ProTools 7
Stienberg Nuendo 4.0
Stienberg Cubase 4.0
Ableton Live 7.0
T-Rack's
Production Software:
CakeWalk Sonar 7 Producer Edition
FL Studio 7/8
Motu Digital Performer 5.0
Logic Prop 8.0
Garage Band 3.0
Propellorhead Reason 4.0 (not "ReasonS")
VST's
East West Samples Quantum Leap (Colosus, Symphonic Orchestra, Voices Of Passion, Blazin RnB & HipHop 2.0, Ez Drummer..And the list goes on and on)
Hyper Sonic 2
Virtual Sampler
Wav's (Bronze,Gold,Platinum,Diamon)
Native Instruments (Too Many To Name).
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?
Werd: I have so many people I’d love to work with. Right now I’d have to say Little Brother, Andre3000, and William. They make such great music and have a sense of bigger than real without all the "flash in the pan" type stuff like, jewelry and video hoe's".
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Werd: Nothing more than to have fun making my music and performing it and watching other people enjoy it as well.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
Werd: I wanna quit my job, go on the road, and perform wherever I can get in. I really want to go on an over seas tour.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Werd: My producers' Ryan Weary, Trumaine Travis, Joe (X-Nine), Josh Hammond, cuz with out them, I’d be rapping acapella! And my unofficial musical consultant Hollywood Heat! (LOL).
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
Werd: Check out www.myspace.com/thewerd it's where the new stuff is. I’ll have my own site up soon, but until then.....
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Werd: I’d like to thank you for your time and the interview. Everyone be sure to check out my music, and I hope you all enjoy!
