Today, we sat down with our artist 3nigma for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I’m a rapper/singer from Angola, Indiana where nobody’s really doing it, growing up in a musical household in a non musical town has definitely allowed me to give myself a genuine identity as a rapper/singer with a lot of diversity.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
Rapping (Eminem)/Singing (Chris Brown). If it came down to one, then Eminem, he was what got me started and was one of the first real rappers I ever actually listened to that compelled me to want to rap and build a foundation of creative rhymes. On top of that, his prior life before he was anyone famous was relatable.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
If I won the lottery tomorrow the first thing I’d buy is homes for my close family. They sacrificed so much for me and if I could give it all back tomorrow I would.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
Never give up. Social media makes everything look so fast and over night and that is discouraging and makes a lot of new underground artists wanna quit because it’s not realistically an over night thing. I’m nowhere near where I want to be but I know I’m gifted and have a purpose in music. To reach my tribe of people who feel the way I feel everyday and to be their voice of encouragement and inspiration, but to get to that you can never give up and you should always be creating, but most importantly always be willing to put yourself out there even if it’s crossing that comfort zone line we all have.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
Go with what you feel inside not just what the people like to hear, always make sure your work is how you want it to be never settle but don’t be super perfectionist, and always be open to criticism from brutally honest peers in the same lane as you or complete strangers. They don’t know you so they won’t feel obligated to stroke your ego.
6. How does your family and close friends feel about your music career? Have they always been supportive or have there been issues in the past?
They’ve usually supported morally and sometimes have gone as far as to be present for when I need them most at important times, but sometimes they don’t always support like they say they do. The push I give my own content versus there’s isn’t congruent and that’s because this is a long drawn out process I know they have lives of their own but sometimes I can just feel the support isn’t there, if something big big happens that could change, but isn’t that how it always goes?
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
Chris Brown. He is one of my all time favorites and started out very young and I would love to win his audience and be mentored by him as a person who comes from a loving/dysfunctional family background. That would be a dream come true.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
Nipsey Hussle. He was such a mogul in his community, but he treated everyone like family and shared his wealth and influence to inspire growth in his community. On top of that we was very woke, I would love to sit down with him to talk about philosophies and how we could all make the world a better place by coming together.
9. In your time with LiquidSound Records, what is the number one thing you have enjoyed the most? Also, what is your advice to those artists who would be interested in joining the roster in the future?
During my time with LiquidSound Records, I’ve most enjoyed the open doors they’ve presented to an artist who doesn’t know where to start really. They present a clear path of direction. Founder Ryan has been incredibly helpful and has great incite on a lot of things I wasn’t aware of for as long as I’ve been doing music and learning about self marketing strategies since college. Having a second opinion and guidance from someone who is more seasoned with industry experiences but can connect with me on that level is majorly helpful. Business aside I feel as though a friendship has been established during Ryan’s adamant determination to help me get to where I want to be. If you’re an artist in need of direction, incite, and access to some of what most artists will never have access to because they’re scared to invest in themselves then you need to be on LiquidSound Records’ roster.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In ten years I see myself at lollapalooza, SXSW, Madison Square garden, touring the world, and having multiple charting hits with the greatest fan base on the planet. I see myself having major growth as an artist and as a person that won’t even remember what I was like ten years prior before the consistency, dedication, and experiences that molded my new life. My family will be secure and I’ll be happy living off the thing I love doing most and striving to motivate others to enjoy the marathon run to success.