Today, we sat down with our artist Reflection 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 was always a moving concept because I was always moving each place though was a piece of my puzzle in Yreka, California was where I became aware of loss because the things I gained where always short lived ether be people or things but in various towns in Montana is where I would come to understand why those losses where happening things would come and go so much it was hard to keep track of my stuff and theirs my stuff being the stuff on my back and theirs being what I had till someone took it away such as home and family.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
Even still I found influential people to be inspired by such as 50 cent, tupac and twizted when I was feeling beaten and week pac taught me how to survive 50 taught how to thrive and twizted well they taught me it was ok not to be ok win or lose I always wanted my music to reach out in that same way to speak at the same volumes to make pain seem like a tool not a short fall in the way sometime my influence by artists was as good as asking family for advice because music was and is my family.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
If I were to win the lottery I suppose I’d try and create a platform where I was living not just surviving something to take away the temptation to look back standing alone and standing strong would be paid off indefinitely because theres no guarantee anything we do in our moments of strength and perseverance will ever pay off other than just another day to do it again.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
If I were to give advice to someone in my shoes I suppose I’d say maintain the best you can as cheesy as it sounds but what else you gonna do when giving up isn’t an option there is no easy way to say just do this or just do that we just do what we can I guess other than that I would say budget and pay attention nobody is gonna do it for you from my experience this is all mostly business and some music but if you love it actually you’ll figure out how to do both well.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
When I write music I try and keep track of when I’m writing from my heart and when I’m writing from my head the too are very important for different outcomes and messages when it’s from the heart I go slower because its important not to stumble and to not sounds fake when it’s from the head I suggest you use your head don’t just say things just cause they rhyme words speak to people whether from the heart or from the head I know writing from the heart sounds romantic and strong but it’s not the only place that can say something impactful and important.
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 friends have always been my family and in general they support me they way they understand to sometimes its saying I did great some say they would do different but most of the time its patience for the outcome which can mean a lot when you feel like nothing is happening for you it helps to be reminded that it’ll be ok and to just breathe my family has for the most part just allowed music to be in our lives everyday as a way to communicate so when they hear me I think they understand it’s my love for the craft that pushes me and they don’t have to say much else.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
If I was able to open for someone it would be twizted because I’ve been a juggalo for years and the fan base is family and while I don’t identify as a juggalo rapper I do identify as a rapper who is a juggalo the love and friendship within that community is outstanding and unlike any other fan group I’ve seen twizted on top of that has saved my life more times than I could count so it would just be an honor to be a part of any show they did hands down they are my favorite rap group by far.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
If I was able to have dinner with any past artist who was no longer with us it would be pac hands down pac was a teacher and a leader and I would love to hear what he had to say about pretty much anything I’d ask him he was a life changing force in the world not just for me but for millions life only gives you so many people like pac and you don’t just let that go if I could do half of what pac did for the world I would feel completely satisfied in my career he was and is a legend that deserves as much respect and admiration one could give rest in peace most definitely.
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 have enjoyed being a part of LiquidSound for many reasons first and foremost it has help me stay afloat in a music world that sometimes seems fleeting to me especially with my personal hardships I’ve had to deal with as of late so much appreciated for that aspect also I feel like there is a lot of hard work put into me and I can see a measure it in the weeks that have past it is definitely an eye opener when life is breathed into a dream like this I have gotten further in music with the short few months I’ve been on the roster then ever before so I definitely appreciate everything they do for me.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In ten years I just hope to be in a place where music in my main income and my main passion doing what I love for a living is my dream in ten years I hope to have done so much and be able to show all the hard work I’ve done and be able to measure the road I’ve walked in miles of successes a lot can happen in one year let alone ten so I have hope for that future and I have hope for my career I wanna keep at it till I’m satisfied then keep going and with any luck make something of myself along the way.