Today, we sat down with our artist Mic Breeze for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
Being from Durham, NC I had to grow up with tough skin. I was never the biggest kid in the bunch so I got picked on a bit. I grew up in the hood and was raised by my Guardian. I learned how to hustle by any means in Durham and got praised for my craftiness and swift tongue.I got to witness things at a young age that many don’t understand. I think it made my music come off as dark and dangerous. I was a wild kid who was in and out of trouble and my friends were just a rough. The Bull City can be difficult to survive.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
I grew up listening to Eminem, Outcast and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I related to a lot of Eminem’s past with my biological mother and his anger helped me through a lot. Outcast music was always fun and over the top which appealed to my humour and the beats always hit hard with the most creative flows. My guardian who I call Mom used to blare Red Hot Chili Peppers in her old Toyota Supra so I think that expanded my musical horizons and gave me an open mind to quality music of substance.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
If I won the lottery I would hire a team to market my music and manage my social media. I would invest 25% of my earning into stocks and bonds. I would start a clothing line with art created by troubled youth to encourage positivity and focus beyond the streets. I’d also buy an RV so I could travel as far as the roads extend sharing the music I’ve dedicated my life too.. I’d like to pay off my guardians car and house. Of course I’d buy some type of expensive car to stunt in.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
Don’t worry about who supports you locally. Research the industry, focus on your craft and invest in yourself. Pin point your niche market and exploit it with everything you have to offer. Your friends won’t support you until people you never met before do. Create momentum and run with it.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
My writing process is odd. I’ll write to 2-3 different tracks at a time so I don’t get writer’s block on one subject. I typically write a verse then switch the beat and write another. Only time I write a track from start to finish is if it really resonates with me and I’m trying to get some thoughts and feelings off my chest.
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?
My guardian supports me from afar. Like many of my friends she thinks it’s a long shot for me but she recognizes my talent as do most anyone who takes the time to listen to my music.. I have some friends that I consider family and as a team we all keep each other grounded and driven.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
I would love to open up for Joyner Lucas or MGK.. I think we would complement each other well and I’ve always wanted to kick it with them and the vibes are there!!
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
Mac Miller. I was never a huge fan when he first came on to the scene but his music grew on me and the deeper I listened to more of his pain I began to feel. I want to know how becoming famous changed him for better and worse and I want to know what I should watch out for. I’d want to know his secret to blowing up as an independent artist cause that’s my dream over being signed.
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?
The number one thing I have enjoyed is the consistency and communication. Artist who are interested I’d recommend that they enter with an open mind. There’s a lot of valuable info to be had and many opportunities to submit for.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In 10 years I can’t call it. I’m 29 years old and life is a roller coaster. I’d hope to see myself as a full time artist. I don’t have aspirations of being a mega rich A List celebrity although it would be an amazing accomplishment. I just want to wake up and get paid to do something I love. I’ve always heard if you live what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. I live music and I have sacrificed a lot to remain consistent in my craft.