Calib Deron
Today, we sat down with our artist Calib Deron for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
My hometown has challenged me tremendously. Being an independent artist in Kansas City comes with challenges because, although the music scene is on the rise, Kansas City is not a mecca city for entertainment like Cali, Atlanta or New York. There’s a lot of violence and negativity in the inner city so to stay positive, focused, and alive is a task. It’s more reason and motivation to get to the top and make Kansas City “emerald city”.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
I probably would say Lil Wayne influenced me the most in my earlier years of developing my craft. As I’ve gotten older, I just appreciate good music in general in any genre. I’ve really had a mixture of influences throughout my life.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
If I won the lottery, I would buy a handicap accessible house with a 24-7 caretaker for my mother. I’d invest the rest but I’d keep a little so I can buy a few toys and trinkets for me and my 3 boys.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
My advice to underground musicians as far as discipline would be to keep creating and stay consistent. One minute a song is hot the next its not. I think keeping a steady budget to release new material constantly is definite must.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
A good song writing tip is to always think about how relatable you are but also to do the best YOU! One thing I like to do when I record is to try different mic techniques. I also switch out the mic depending on how I want the song to sound sonically. I also like to leave one can off when I record just so that I can hear how I actually sound.
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 think all of my family and friends support what I do but it’s one of those things like ‘yea thats great, but where’s the money’. I think everybody knows I’m great. They’re just waiting for everybody else to see it as well. It’s coming though.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
If I could open up for any artist I would want to open up for Jay Z only because to me he’s probably the most iconic artist and he’s been in the game a long time. I really wouldn’t mind opening up for any big artist.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
I would wanna have dinner with Bob Marley simply because he’s Bob Marley and I know that we going smoke good, eat and talk about some deep shit. He also made the best song of all time. “Don’t worry, Be Happy”
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 think so far what I like about LiquidSound is the constant communication. Ryan is very engaged and professional so you can feel good about the handling of your music affairs. There are also a lot of great resources and information.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In 10 years I see myself producing and writing for other artist as well as myself. I definitely would like to be doing music full time. In 10 years, I’ll be 40, so I kind of see myself as being a coach/mentor. Maybe throw educational seminars on the music business and how to make a profit. I’d like to be to enjoy the fruits of my labor and travel with my kids.