66NOCID6
Today, we sat down with our artist 66NOCID6 for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I think it made me and my music very diverse because growing up I was friends with anybody and everybody and with that comes listening to many different types of music and understanding different styles, likes and dislikes. Its a small town and i grew up poor so i think it also taught me how to survive and make the best with what ive got. Because of that i learned how to get things done with whatever i had available so now i can make all my own music and merch by myself, whenever i want.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
Its really tough to single out just one from a ton of artists I could list but I guess I’d have to say the Insane Clown Posse because they have a wide range of songs that include funny, violent, poetic, political and more. And I’ve always been really impressed with the massive, supportive and welcoming following that they created, in the time they did, with the look and reputation they had, its pretty crazy when you really think about it. They showed me that anything is possible if you really invest your heart and mind into it. Violent J is one of the top lyricist of our time but he unfortunately almost always gets overlooked when people discuss good lyricists.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
I would buy my grandmas house for her. She raised me there and I helped her take care of my great grandma in her final days in that house too. Now my grandma needs some help herself as she is getting older and is battling cancer but her landlord passed away recently and the new one is really making her life miserable and it hurts me to know I cant do anything about it all just because I don’t have that kind of money.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
Talent doesn’t make virtuosos, 10,000 hours of practice makes virtuosos. Always try to challenge yourself but first and foremost just keep doing it and eventually you’ll be a pro and you’ll make it to wherever you want to be in this profession. If you’re hitting a wall, what works for me is to try to find inspiration in that field. For example if you cant find the words you need, don’t be afraid to use a dictionary or thesaurus, or read anything that you might be interested in and that might spark the idea or words you’re missing. If you’re not sure how to write about a certain subject or make a specific style of beat then just start researching it as much as you can, dig deep and eventually you’ll get it.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you need specific programs or brands of equipment to make good music. It can all get very complicated and people can be very opinionated when it comes to this but if the music you’re making sounds good in the end then it doesn’t really matter what program(s) you used or what speakers, headphones, mic or any other equipment you have may be. If it works for you then work it to the fullest.
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?
I have a pretty big family but unfortunately none of them support me or my cousin that I do all this with. I think a lot of people feel like I’m wasting my time, money and efforts chasing music as a career. I’m not sure if any of them even believe that I could actually make it one day. I’ve had people that are close to me tell me that music isn’t a real job and even if its bringing money in its just a hobby till it can fully pay my bills., Ironically those same people don’t support. As for my friends, i did have a ton of friends that supported me in the beginning but for one reason or another most of them don’t or can’t support anymore either.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
Eminem, because he’s one of my favorite rappers, he too has greatly inspired me to do what I do, and if I’m opening up any show he’s a part of then ill know I finally made it.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
Joey Jordison, because he was an amazing drummer that inspired me to pick up a set of drums myself. I got to meet him a couple times and he was an awesome person. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him tear it up while his entire kit lifted into the air, tilted vertically and then spun around in circles. What a show! R.I.P. Joey.
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?
I really enjoy all of the opportunities I have now to get my music out there and I don’t have to spend the time hunting it all down myself so I can focus more on my music now. If anyone out there is thinking about joining or is still a little reluctant, id say just try it for a month, you more than likely wont regret it!
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
Hopefully I’ll be performing big arenas and festivals and maybe even inspiring the next generation of musicians the same way my idols did for me. Hopefully music will be paying my bills, but even if it doesn’t, I know ill always make music because its just a passion of mine.