London when we were both on the same show and became a fan indeed! I definitely love his work and as soon as I heard the track I knew I had to get him on it. It was really natural and everything just flowed.
passion seek new ways of expression and doing what they do when and wherever they can. Once a mutual respect is established the rest is easy.
I love that your music has a positive outlook on life. What helps you maintain this outlook?
This is probably going to sound bad but make bad business decisions. I’ve met so many people who won’t sign with that label because it’s not what they deserve or won’t play that show because they deserve more or collaborate because the money is too low. They have a whole business plan but don’t do anything outside of their own scene or city. I always weigh the circumstance. We all deserve more but it takes a while to get it. I’ve made some horrible business decisions but they always lead to a better choice or situation later. Also performing in front of crowds that don’t know or care about you is invaluable. Nothing makes you up your game like realizing your actually not that good if your friends aren’t there to cheer you on. If your serious about getting better it’s a great way to see your weaknesses and get better quick!
Probably all the pain I’ve been through. I’m so damn happy that life is better for me now or at least knowing the pain or stress I’m experiencing is temporary helps. Traveling and seeing real struggle has put a lot of things in perspective for me so even when things are really bad I can’t help giving thanks for my problems knowing how much worse things could be. Being a musician can be challenging at times; are there ever any times when you experience doubt? Is there anyone/ anything you look to for guidance.? YES all of the time. I can see how much I’m really selling or how many people are coming to my shows compared to other people or how much money I’m making for some shows or how many you-tube views I have…it goes on and on. I look at everyone for guidance. Usually I find it in strangers, conversations with homeless people, random encounters with people before and after shows. The words from people to keep on and that my music is making even a small difference pushes me to keep on and try and get better. How is it that you have access to so many musicians? Just reaching out and asking. I love looking at the back of my records from the 60’s and 70’s and seeing this bass player on that guys album and that horn player with that other group of musicians. I think all musicians with
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Do you have any advice for musicians/ MCs/rapper striving to become successful in the music scene?
Do you have any performances coming up? Yep! Next one is a festival in Khazakstan at the end of the month then everywhere from the Czech Republic, to Salt Lake City to Idaho to the South of France over the next couple of months. I post my dates on raashan.net if anyone is interested! Any messages for the public? Live your passion, and be a good human being and support independent art! What is your go-to musician/band/ subject for gaining insight/inspiration/ motivation?
Ahhhh, way too many to mention! Everyone from Bjork to Blu to Jimi Hendrix to De La Soul to Johnny Cash to James Blake to Billie Holiday to that guy at the gas station to that sunset in the desert to that documentary on the prison industrial complex to strawberry milk and blueberry mini muffins to N.W.A. to hikes in nature to the bus stop at 5pm when everyone is getting off work. I get it from everywhere.