Today, we sat down with our artist Zu Kapo for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My hometown has shaped me in many ways.Coming out of New York City, one thing I have learned was the ability to adapt and become versatile in life itself. From growing up in a rough neighborhood to seeing crime on a daily basis, it has taught me how to fight for what I want in life before it’s too late. Music has always been a passion for me since the age of 10. Being surrounded by all types of genres of Music has evolved me into the creative and lyrical Musician I am today!
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
There are so many who has inspired and motivated me in many ways from different Genres of Music. The one Artist that comes to mind would be Jay-Z. From his business mind to his lyrical wittiness, he is truly an Icon of Hip Hop. Jay-Z taught upcoming Musicians aboutOwnership and how to build your own empire instead of being a slave to one. That is just one of many reasons why Jay-Z would be the go-to- guy on this one.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
The first thing I would buy if I won the lottery would have to be a Financial Advisor. We all say what we would do and what we would buy but not too many people think of how to invest and continue the flow of that money to make more. Instead of just giving everyone tons of cash which would hurt them more in the long run without proper money management, I would teach my friends and family how to handle such amounts of cash and how to grow more financially. At the end of the day, Education is key!
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
Some advice I would have today for underground Musicians is to stay persistent and always believe in yourself. All it takes is one hit record to change your life. Also, study theBusiness side of the music before you fall victim to the industry. Learn the terms and what steps to take in regards to Copyrighting your music, earning royalties, learning about publishing, etc. Even though a lot of Musicians dislike that part, it can be crucial to your career as a Musician.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
I produce my own instrumentals off of emotion and how I feel at that exact moment. To produce a beat is something that is very hard to explain. It’s more of an emotion and marriage of instruments mixed with rhythm and energy. Always branch out and experiment with different sounds and find your own path to greatness. The first thing that comes to mind in regards to Recording tips would have to be invest in quality equipment for quality results. The worst thing any Musician could do is tarnish their brand by releasing poor quality music. You have one shot to prove why you’re the next big thing. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by from not believing in yourself enough to invest in what will one day make you great!
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 built an organic following of over 10 thousand supporters from all walks of life on all social media platforms. It has been said that I am the next big thing coming to the Music industry. From being a Producer, Songwriter, Promoter and much more, I have grown my own platform of people who genuinely love and support me. Since day one, I have had die hard fans and family members supporting me right by my side. With so many people behind me, I have grown into what people call a true “People’s Champ.”
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
Even though there are so many Artists with so much talent, the one Artist I would love to open up for would have to be Tech N9ne. With his energy, charisma and lyrical ability, that would be the closest match to my type of show.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
The one Musician I would love to have a dinner with would be The Notorious Biggie Smalls. The way he came and crushed the music industry have never been done in such a way like he did it. He would be able to shed light on the exact techniques and the do’s and don’ts of the music industry.
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 the most being with LiquidSound Records is the professionalism and the unlimited amounts of knowledge Ryan Katz has to offer. He walks you step by step with each task to make you and your brand much stronger for competing in the music industry as we know it today. The best advice to Artists who is interested in joining the LiquidSound Records family would have to be stop waiting and jump in! The longer you wait, the longer it takes to reach your goals in life. If you are serious about becoming a successful Artist, the time to start is now! Time waits for no one and with so much resources and guidance from Ryan Katz himself, what better than to join a team who wants to see YOU win!
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
In ten years, I see my music career as a new gateway for others to become better Artists for the next generation. From owning businesses, licensing music to movies, commercials, etc. I will eventually branch off and teach others how to build a brand for themselves.